Final Piece
Reflection
While I believe this is a strong start for executing creative thinking using computational practices, I think there are several areas that can be improved on was I to continue this project in the future. For example, using code to create background visuals for a music video (or a music video itself) might be a tentative next step as here I have just used code in order to create a spinning vinyl animation to accompany a song. In addition to this, incorporating code more seamlessly into every step of the process might be a useful way to further my creative computational practice. In this project, I used code to design the patterns but other software to edit it into a video. However, this is something that can be done using code as well, so delving more deeply into hard coding skills might be useful in this pursuit. Lastly, the fact that only one coding language was used is something that can be improved upon. A myriad of visual programming languages exist to create such designs and making use of some of these, like Hydra and TouchDesigner would benefit my practice, and I would definitely utilise these next time. These languages require extensive knowledge to produce anything satisfactory for the project I imagined however, so I kept it aside for the time being.
While making this project, I was able to greatly improve my technological skills, regarding p5.js and Adobe software, which allowed me to work with increased efficiency. This allowed me to create what I envisioned more accurately. The process was equally challenging and rewarding and I was able to take a step towards creating something I enjoy using newly acquired skillsets. Through trial and error, I learned many new methods in code and how best to create the design I wanted. I also felt that that end product was a satisfactory culmination of everything I newly learned and already knew.
Evaluation
Since I drew plenty of inspiration from the work of other creators and artists, my work is one among many that exist like it, but displayed through my personal artistic vision. Music videos such Rude Boy by Rihanna incorporate similar vivid visuals, and laid the base for the project I created. As well as this, cropping videos into different shapes, and the designs I created are not new practices or inventions but rather ones that many have utilised across various artistic practices and areas, and can be seen in the music video for Hula Hoops – DPR Live and the game-like visuals portrayed in the fantasy genre. Visual Coding is also a process that has been around for years, and many pieces of media are created through this.
However, while it is true that my project exists courtesy of the work of artists before me, the piece stands as something made through a creative practice that I developed in my own unique way. I think that the way in which one codes, why they create, the designs and colours they choose and how they express their creativity through technology is unique to them. The computational practices and methods I used are quite common, but to use them in an innovative way to exhibit my art was illuminating and gratifying.