The term generative can refer to a process that is executed computationally. Based on a set of rules and parametric changes, outputs are generated iteratively. Outputs here can be of many types and origins.

In this workshop we have focus on typography as an output informed and transformed by code and change over time.

How can we build systems in code to create generative type? Through a series of exercises exploring the generative, dynamic and playful potential of type, we have created a series of digital outputs presented in this online showcase.

Generative Type Explorations

by Alda Soh

About

Session 1. Letter z – "I Can't Catch Any Zs/Sleep"
Session 2. Buffer Dada "Brr" Poster Random
Session 1. Letter e – "Everything is Madness"
Session 2. Buffer Dada "Brr" Poster Neat
Session 2. Dumbar Wack Text-Static
Session 2. Dumbar Wack Text-Static
Session 3. Buffer – Wind, Black
Session 3. "Wiing" Sound Reactive Type 1
Session 3. "Wiing" Sound Reactive Type 2
Session 3. Experience the sound-reactive sketch.
Session 4 Photosynthetic Pixels in Full Bloom

Photosynthetic Pixels: Algorithmic Art in Full Bloom

This project was mainly inspired by the way life is given into plants and nature, how they grow. 'Photosynthetic Pixels' explores the unseen patterns and harmonies inherent in photosynthetic processes, splitting it into 3 stages, Natural, Full and Intense Bloom, translating them into a visual algorithmic experience. Through this immersive fusion of pixel tiles and art, the project aims to deepen the appreciation for the delicate balance between technology and the environment, inviting audiences to contemplate the complex yet intricate choreography of life encoded in every leaf and petal.

Session 4 Photosynthetic Pixels in Full Bloom Mockup
Session 4 Photosynthetic Pixels in Natural Bloom Mockup
Session 4 Photosynthetic Pixels in Natural Bloom Code
Session 4 Photosynthetic Pixels in Intense Bloom Mockup
Session 4. Photosynthetic Pixels: Algorithmic Art in Intense Bloom

Sketches

I chose this type workshop with the purpose of challenging myself. I approached code with a mindset to learn and try to understand the code so I can actually apply it. Keeping an open mind led me to be more experimental with the code, with a goal to constantly improve it. I am not very comfortable with type in general, and I am so inexperienced in code, that the goal was to be able to juggle the work given while trying to produce work that I am satisfied with. I think the biggest takeaway apart from the code we learned would be the mindset I adopted, to always remember what my capabilities are and rather than wanting to code work that I probably do not understand. This was a rollercoaster ride of a workshop but whenever code is involved, there is always a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Session 1

  • Letter Z Sketch that is a type poster that uses vertex points, mostly framecounts to animate the letter.
  • Everything is Madness Sketch that demonstrates how to make type move with loops, interpolation and framecount

Session 2

  • Static Text Inspired by Dada and the onomatopoeic word "Brr"
  • Loading Fonts – Wack Experimenting with WEBGL animating with loop, it ended up looking like a studio Dumbar inspired project for the static text posters.
  • Vertex Points Experimenting with korean type using vertex points and strokes for type animation

Session 3

  • Buffers Experimenting with Buffers, tiles and chinese characters
  • Vertex Improved The sketch was already using sound reactive code, improving on the vertex and using color array for the fill.

Session 4

Thank you for exploring with me :)