a friendly introduction to creative coding through analogue techniques
How can discovering the algorithms of our daily lives help us learn to code?
• 22. January - 12. March 2025
• Online!
• Eight-weeks, Wednesdays, 6-8PM CET
• Small class of participants
Artist / Student (Full Time)
€360*
Freelancer
€395*
Professional
€440*
Generous Supporter Ticket
€475*
course
description
For some people learning coding is easy, for some it's not. Some people struggle to understand coding concepts more. For example, Rita, our instructor in this course.
In the creative coding courses she took part in, there were people from very different backgrounds, so it never felt fair to compare herself to their learning curves. But she did, and she didn't feel good. Luckily (for her), there were other people having a hard time too, and she realized that the explanations she invented for herself, like using cooking as an analogy for object oriented programming, helped others as well.
So she developed some theories on how an introduction to creative coding could be made smoother for people who have similar minds as she has:
1. Teach algorithmic thinking first!
It's so easy to get lost with syntax mistakes and error messages, lose our confidence and think we are stupid. So focusing on the big picture first would make life easier.
2. Reading code before writing code!
It can be very scary to write in a language you don't even speak. To reduce the amount of frustrations, she believes just reading code, translating it to human language, and slowly getting used to brackets and semicolons could be a friendlier entrance to code.
3. Use analog techniques!
Computers are great. And it would make sense to learn how to talk to computers on a computer... But they are also very distracting. In her opinion, for deeper learning, paper and pencil are a better medium.
She found that "being too abstract" is often a problem for beginners, so she tries to explain programming concepts through everyday examples, and asks fellow learners to find the algorithms in everyday activities, such as walking, cooking or even brushing teeth.
This is a very very beginner friendly introduction to algorithmic thinking and coding. We will learn the basics of using p5.js, which is a javascript library to create visual output by writing code. We take the course slow, so there is time to get used to each programming concept, and time to practice with different exercises. We use a book (an analog one that Rita wrote!) with different creative drawing and writing exercises, so we can focus more on the thinking process and take a little time away from the computer.
In this course, you will be introduced to…
Breaking down complex ideas into individual practical steps, so the computer can execute what you want. With more and more AI tools helping your coding experience, this is probably the most crucial step as a beginning programmer.
Basic programming concepts: syntax, setup, draw, variables, functions, if-else, loop, random. These are very useful in any programming language, but to be specific, we will use p5.js, a javascript library.
Using openProcessing, where you can create your own interactive experiences and visuals.
Creating pretty things.
Leaving your computer. A bit.
course
outline
Week 1: Beginnings and algorithmic thinking
We will start the session by learning about each other, through a round of introductions and a conversation about our interests, motivations and expectations for the class. We will then take a look at the plan, our tools, and jump into learning about what an algorithm is and practice algorithmic thinking.
Week 2: How to talk to the computer
We will dive into the topic of code, and talk briefly about different programming languages, but our focus will be on javascript, and getting used to its syntax.We will learn and practice coping mechanisms for the scariest experiences of a beginner programmer: bugs and errors.
Week 3: Functions
We will get familiar with the interface of openProcessing, and the basic concepts on how to use it: functions, setup and draw, background and frames. This is a great tool to create generative graphics and interactive animations, so understanding it is important.
Week 4: Drawing
We will learn how to draw with code. We will practice how to use the coordinate system, colors, opacity, shapes and the fill and stroke functions.
Week 5: Variables
This is where coding becomes… well, coding. We will learn how to use
variables, starting from real life examples, and then getting into more mathematical examples. Variables are your friend when you don’t want to type the same numbers again and again, but you want to automate some parts of your code.
Week 6: If else
The concept of “if” and “else” are very similar to how we use these words in our everyday life. However, using them in programming requires a bit of practice. So we will practice this. This is how you can make your program react to different events and triggers coming from the outside or the inside.
Week 7: Loop
This week we arrive at a topic in which computers really are much better than humans: we learn about loops. Loops are like repeating cycles. You as a person might get bored doing the same thing again and again and again a hundred times, but your computer is quite fine with this, so let’s use them to do the boring stuff that will inevitably allow you to make fun and interesting things happen.
Week 8: Random
This week's topic is also seemingly life's favourite way of organizing itself: random. In case you need more organized (?) chaos in your life, now you will have the tool to draw it and allow your computer to surprise you.
who is this
class for?
This course is designed to be a welcoming space for creatives who are completely new to coding and for humans who already learned to code, but found themselves struggling with the basics. It is probably good if you enjoy drawing and if you want to take some time off from your computer.
We purposefully take things slow here, so you have time to practice and to digest the information and concepts, so if you want to get a programming job quickly, this is not your course. However, if you want to playfully discover the algorithms in your life and create pretty things meanwhile, you are at the right place.
about
online classes
Classes are 'live' meaning that you can directly interact with the instructor as well as with the other participants from around the world. Classes will also be recorded for playback in case you are unable to attend for any reason. For specific questions, please email us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
about
scholarships
We are offering a limited number of reduced fee scholarships for this online class. These allow participants to pay a reduced fee and are reserved for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ who otherwise would be unable to attend. To be considered for one of these scholarships, please use this form.
To apply for a reduced fee scholarship, you must fill in the form no later than one week before the course begins. We will not accept any class sign-ups or scholarship applications after this date, as our regular sign-ups will determine the amount of scholarships we can accommodate. We will notify you shortly thereafter if your application has been approved.
We are a small organisation with no outside funding and like many, we are also in survival mode. We depend on tuition fees for reimbursing class instructers, space fees, and operational costs. We ask you to consider this when applying for a reduced fee scholarship.
In purchasing a regular fee ticket you contribute directly towards running our operations which includes support for the subsidization of scholarships. We believe it's important to cultivate a mindset that we are a community that can rely on each other and these scholarships are meant to not only increase our classroom diversity but overall access to educational opportunities. We are not alone in this world and it is okay to need each other. We are grateful for your support, which allows us to maintain our scholarship program and to survive as an organisation. <3
meet the
instructor
Rita Eperjesi
Creative Technologist
Rita Eperjesi graduated as an architect and creative technologist, won several competitions in the creativity industry, and participated in various exhibitions as an artist with her VR and interactive installations. She has been working as an art director and concept creative in the advertising industry. In her free time she is practicing making mistakes, mostly in ballet or in popping dance classes, and she is creating rugs with computer generated graphics. Even though she claims to be an introvert and says she prefers to stay at home, she has been part of the School of Machines community for many years, the Trial and Theresa VJ collective, and she founded the Creative Code Budapest meetup series.
