art, software · 2023
Programming Creatively
A collection of creative coding assignments in Processing, exploring what code looks like when the output is art rather than software.
Overview
A lot of people assume coding is only for scientific simulations or building websites. This course was about proving otherwise.
The Creative Programming course at Leiden University had me working through a series of assignments in Processing, using code as a creative and artistic tool. It was genuinely eye-opening. I hadn't worked this way before, and it changed how I think about programming entirely. The influence carried directly into later projects like Ghibbles and Remember Me.
All pieces were built solo in Processing.
The Pieces
Star Night Sky
A randomly generated night sky, placing and sizing stars procedurally each run.
Aurora
Randomly generated aurora borealis, exploring fluid colour and motion through code.
Tile Patterns
Two pieces exploring circles arranged in tile patterns, varying placement and scale to create geometric compositions.
Recursive Circles
Circles drawn recursively, each containing smaller versions of itself, exploring how simple rules produce complex visuals.
Oscillating Star
A star shape drawn using oscillating functions, experimenting with how math translates into form.
Sketchpad
A small interactive sketchpad coded from scratch.
Dodge the Pellets
A small game where you try to avoid incoming pellets. Built twice across the course as the assignments progressed.
Careful of the Eyes
An interactive piece — best experienced rather than described.
Confetti
A confetti simulation built on a self-coded particle system.
Built With
Processing
Java
Creative Coding
Generative Art
Leiden University
Media
