If you're interested in learning about visual coding and creating interactive web content, p5.js is a great place to start! Unlike traditional coding (which prioritises functionality) creative coding uses code to create visually appealing, artful, and interactive experiences.
P5.js is a web editor for creating graphics, animations and interactive experiences with JavaScript. It’s:
- Easy to Learn. p5.js is designed to be beginner-friendly, making it a great way for people with no prior coding experience to get started
- Focuses on art and design. p5.js provides functions for drawing shapes, colours, animation, and working with sound and input devices
- Open source and free
This course will be delivered online over six evenings by Shift Click’s Lead Tutor, Claire Wicher, taking place online every Tuesday & Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm, from 16th April - 1st May:
16/04/2024 - Shapes and colours
17/04/2024 - Create a piece of artwork
23/04/2024 - Animations & transforming shapes
24/04/2024 - Create an animation
30/04/2024 - Interactivity
01/05/2024 - Create a piece of generative artwork
Please note: you are signing up for all sessions.
Each week you’ll learn a new skill for creating digital art. You’ll then produce a piece of digital art to a brief to showcase what you’ve learnt.
An understanding of basic JavaScript would be beneficial, but the course is accessible to complete beginners.
What you’ll learn
- Master the Basics: Learn the core concepts of p5.js, including setting up your environment, working with variables, and manipulating the virtual canvas
- Shape Up Your Skills: Learn to create and customise various shapes, apply colours, and explore different filling techniques
- Animate It! Bring your creations to life with animation techniques, learning how to make shapes move and transition smoothly
- Make it Interactive: Discover how to make your projects respond to user input using mouse clicks, drags, and keyboard presses
Who’s this for?
- This course is aimed at adults. We know there are lots of experienced under 18s who may want to participate (which we welcome!), so we are accepting people age 14+ who are confident they can follow a course designed for adult learners
- Coders who want to express their creative side
- Creatives who want to learn how to use code to create art
What do you need to bring?
You need a laptop with a stable internet connection. This course cannot be completed on a mobile or tablet.
Cost
Free!
Location
This workshop will take place online. A joining link will be shared via email a few days before the workshop.
About the facilitator
Claire Wicher heads up Education and Skills at Make Stuff. She has a strong background in grassroots technology events across Greater Manchester. She is also a Trustee and Chief Emoji Officer for Django Girls, a global charity dedicated to curating positive first experiences with code for women and non-binary people.
