Learn Programming by Creating Computational Art & Design

Unlock Your Creativity Through Code

Are you ready to discover a new side of programming? One that’s not all numbers, data, and code blocks, but creativity, color, and movement? Our 6-week Creative Coding Training Program merges coding with the world of art and design to help you unleash your imagination in ways you never thought possible. And if you've struggled or failed with traditional software development or computer science courses in the past, don't worry—this program offers a fresh, hands-on approach that makes learning code engaging, fun, and totally different.
Why?

Why Learn Creative Coding?

It’s more than just writing lines of code—it’s about bringing your ideas to life with creativity and technology in ways that are engaging, practical, and rewarding. Here's what you can expect:
  • Learn Programming, Creatively: Whether you're new to coding or looking to refresh your skills, creative coding makes programming fun, engaging, and tangible.Visualize
  • Turn Ideas into Visuals and Sound: You’ll learn how to transform code into dynamic artworks and interactive experiences.
  • Boost Your Portfolio: Showcase projects that demonstrate not only your technical skill but your creativity. A huge plus for artists, designers, and programmers.
  • Hands-on Learning: This isn’t your typical programming course. It's brain-friendly, interactive, and practical. Expect to code, design, and create every week.
—   Skills

What You'll Learn:

 In just eight weeks, you’ll go from learning the fundamentals of creative coding with JavaScript and p5.js, to exploring generative art and algorithmic design, to adding interactivity and animation, and finally, showcasing your work in a live digital gallery for the world to see.
  • Week 1-2: Intro to Creative Coding
    Explore creative coding with p5.js. Create self-portraits using colors and shapes, and learn animation basics with loops for dynamic patterns.
  • Week 3-4: Making Decisions & Randomness and Noise
    Use conditionals to control program flow by building Pong. Introduce randomness and Perlin noise for natural effects. Learn arrays to organize data and simulate particle systems for dynamic visuals inspired by Star Trek's Genesis effect.
  • Week 5-6: Functions, Abstraction & Objects
    Master functions and abstraction for reusable code. Explore objects and OOP. Create generative art and use FFT for sound-responsive visuals.
  • Week 7-7: 2D and 3D
    Master 2D and 3D transformations like scaling, translating, and rotating. Apply these skills in a final project and explore advanced generative and interactive art techniques.

Course Overview

In this course, you'll dive into the world of creative coding, building your skills through a range of hands-on projects. Each module is crafted to introduce key concepts in a fun and approachable way. By the end, you'll have a solid grasp of both creative coding and JavaScript. Check out the topics below to see what you'll be learning!

Creative Coding Languages

In this module, you’ll explore the landscape of creative coding languages and how they differ from traditional programming languages. We’ll introduce p5.js, a popular and rapidly growing creative coding library. At its core, p5.js is based on JavaScript, but it simplifies and extends the language to make creative coding more accessible. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of JavaScript and be ready to continue your studies in both programming and creative coding.

Color and Shapes

Dive deep into the world of computational art by experimenting with color and shape. Drawing inspiration from Ken Knowlton’s iconic digital self-portrait, you’ll learn how to manipulate visual elements through creative coding. This module challenges you to create your own self-portrait using basic geometric shapes and color schemes, understanding how these components work together to form dynamic, expressive digital artwork.

Simple Animation

Learn the basics of animation by mastering the draw event loop and frame control. You’ll explore how to continually update visuals, drawing and clearing backgrounds to create movement on screen. Inspired by the first paint program, MacPaint, you’ll implement your own version, building a simple, interactive drawing tool that updates in real-time.

Loops and iteration

Explore how repetition shapes digital art by using loops to create evolving patterns. Inspired by Vera Molnár’s generative art, this module focuses on visually compelling designs built through simple, repeated actions. Loops are essential for reducing repetitive code and building dynamic compositions, forming a core building block of efficient, creative coding.

Making Decisions

Discover how coding makes decisions using conditionals and Boolean logic, key tools for controlling flow and behavior in programs. In this module, you’ll implement these concepts by building the classic Pong game, where you'll program interactions based on user input. Through this project, you’ll understand how decision-making in code shapes dynamic and interactive experiences.

Randomness and Noise

Uncover how randomness and noise add unpredictability and texture to digital creations. Inspired by Ken Perlin’s work on TRON, you’ll learn to use Perlin noise to create more natural, flowing variations in your designs. This module introduces randomness as a core tool in coding, often used to simulate organic, real-world phenomena in visual art and simulations.

Arrays and Particles

Master the core concept of arrays, a fundamental tool for organizing and managing multiple elements efficiently in programming. You’ll then apply this knowledge by simulating particle systems, controlling their movement and behavior. Inspired by Star Trek’s Genesis effect, this example demonstrates how arrays can be used to create dynamic, visual experiences.

Functions and Abstraction

This module focuses on the power of functions and abstraction, allowing you to break complex tasks into reusable pieces of code. Abstraction simplifies programming and enhances efficiency. Here, we’ll study John Whitney’s pioneering work in early computer graphics, where he used mathematical functions to create stunning, abstract visual compositions. By mastering functions, you’ll streamline your code and unlock creative potential for generating complex, dynamic digital artworks.

Objects

Objects are a fundamental concept in programming, allowing you to bundle related data and functionality. We'll explore this through the lens of Alan Kay, the pioneer of object-oriented programming (OOP), whose work on Smalltalk and graphical interfaces shaped the creative tools used by artists today. By mastering objects, you’ll gain the ability to structure code in a modular and scalable way, applying these concepts to your creative coding projects.

Generative Art

Generative art allows you to harness the power of systems and algorithms to create dynamic, evolving pieces. Inspired by artists like Brian Eno, who has applied these techniques across both small smartphone applications and large-scale installations, you’ll write code that autonomously generates unique visuals. By experimenting with simple rules and randomness, you’ll see how these elements can combine to produce complex, ever-changing artworks that adapt to any medium, from screens to immersive spaces.

Reactive Audio and FFTs

Reactive audio brings visuals to life by making them respond to sound in real-time, creating engaging interactive experiences. You'll work with the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), a tool that analyzes audio frequencies and allows you to map sound data to visual elements. Through this process, you'll craft dynamic visuals that change based on music or sound effects, unlocking creative possibilities for live performances, audio visualizations, and other immersive projects.

2D and 3D

Working in both 2D and 3D spaces allows you to add depth and complexity to your creative coding projects. By applying transformations like scaling, translating, and rotating, you’ll bring movement and interactivity to your visual designs. Mastering these techniques will enable you to control how shapes and objects behave in both flat and three-dimensional environments, expanding the range of possibilities for creating immersive and visually striking digital art.

A Look Ahead

As you complete this course, you’ve laid a strong foundation in creative coding and key programming principles. From colors and shapes to interactive audio and 3D transformations, you’ve explored the tools and techniques that will continue to shape your creative journey. Moving forward, you’ll be equipped to push the boundaries of what you can create, applying these concepts to more advanced projects and exploring new areas of generative and interactive digital art. The skills you’ve developed here will serve as a launchpad for deeper experimentation, whether in personal projects or professional endeavors.
—   Work process 

Why This Program?

Our Creative Coding Training Program is different from anything else out there. We believe that learning to code should be fun, immersive, and creative. This isn’t just about writing code—it’s about making things that inspire, delight, and engage.

Plus, you'll be learning from industry experts who’ve spent their careers blending art and technology at some of the world’s leading companies and educational platforms, like O'Reilly Media, Adobe, and Disney.

For Artists & Designers

 No coding experience? No problem. This course will take you from zero to creating stunning digital art.

For Developers

Already know how to code? You’ll explore new ways to apply your skills by merging creativity with programming.

For Students

Build an impressive portfolio with creative projects that will help you stand out from the crowd.
—   Testimonials

Our satisfied customers

I received my certificate, and I would like to thank you for your continuous support. The courses were challenging, but my instructors were always there supporting me and ready to help. I enjoyed the classes tremendously. I look forward to taking another class with you.
Walter Davis
Pioneers of Digital and Algorithmic Art

Artists and Scientists We’ll Explore

Vera Molnár

Vera Molnár, one of the first artists to use computers in her work, is renowned for her generative art. She employed algorithms and structured systems to create intricate, evolving visual compositions, influencing the field of algorithmic art.

Ken Knowlton

Ken Knowlton, a computer scientist and digital artist, pioneered early computer-generated art. His work at Bell Labs explored the intersection of art and technology, creating some of the first digital images through programming.

Lillian Schwartz

Lillian Schwartz, a visionary artist at Bell Labs, is known for her pioneering work in computer-generated art and early multimedia experiments. She collaborated with computer scientists to create abstract animations and explore how technology could push the boundaries of artistic expression.

John Whitney

John Whitney, an early pioneer in computer graphics, used mathematical functions and programming to create mesmerizing, abstract animations. His work laid the foundation for digital animation and computer-generated visual art.

Ken Perlin

Computer scientist and digital artist, Ken revolutionized visual effects with his development of Perlin noise, a technique for generating natural-looking textures. His work, especially on the film TRON, has had a lasting impact on both visual effects and generative art, shaping how randomness and noise are used in digital creations.

Sol LeWitt

A key figure in conceptual art and minimalism, is renowned for his pioneering use algorithms in creating art. His wall drawings, often generated from simple, algorithmic-like rules, blur the line between artist and process, influencing both generative and algorithmic art. 

John Cage

John Cage was a pioneer in using randomness and chance as compositional tools, influencing algorithmic and generative music. His use of chance operations, like the I Ching, introduced unpredictability into his works. Cage’s approach laid the groundwork for using randomness and systems to create evolving, unpredictable musical outcomes.

William Reeves

William Reeves is a computer scientist known for developing particle systems, a technique used to simulate natural phenomena like fire and smoke. His work at Lucasfilm and Pixar revolutionized visual effects in films, with contributions to Star Trek II and Toy Story. Reeves’ innovations influenced generative and algorithmic techniques in digital animation.

 Suzanne Ciani

Suzanne Ciani is a pioneering composer and sound designer known for her work with modular synthesizers. Her use of semi-random systems and evolving soundscapes in analog synthesis connects her to generative principles. Ciani's iconic sound designs, including for the Xenon pinball machine, influenced the evolution of electronic music and sound design.

Lauren McCarthy

Artist, programmer, and designer whose work explores how technology influences social interaction. She is the creator of p5.js, a JavaScript library that makes creative coding accessible to artists. McCarthy’s projects often blend algorithmic processes with performance, challenging ideas about technology’s role in relationships and personal autonomy.

Brian Eno

Brian Eno, a visionary composer and artist, is known for his pioneering work in generative music and digital installations. His use of systems and randomness in both small apps and large-scale art installations has shaped the digital art world.

Alan Kay

Alan Kay, a computer scientist, is a key figure behind object-oriented programming and personal computing. His innovations influenced the development of creative coding tools and environments, empowering artists to explore digital mediums with greater flexibility.

I am most grateful that my teacher not only makes learning fun and shares his knowledge, but his passion for his field as well. I could not have found a better place to learn new skills.
— Nick Jones
The school has everything that I need for successful study: textbooks, daily assignments, planner, notebooks, a staff who are very skilled and experienced, and ready to help at any time.
— Grace Walsh
My first courses helped clarify my thoughts on my career transition and gave me guidance on what I needed to do. The instructor was flexible, intuitive, responsive, and caring.
— John Robertson
—   Our Approach

What You Get

1

Online learning

Hands-on Projects every week

Our online learning school about education focuses onbussiness, innovative approaches in teaching and learning, research, and professional development.

2

Theory & practice

Access to Expert Mentorship

You will learn the theory and practice of business so you can become an expert in your field, and you will have the opportunity to work alongside our instructors and other students.

3

Variety of tools

A Growing Community of fellow creative coders

Our online learning school focuses on providing an experience that will transform the way you think about education. We provide students with a variety of tools in order to make sure they are getting the most out of their educational experience.

4

Achieve your goals

Final Showcase

Our instructors will guide you to discover your strengths and passions and help you develop a plan to achieve your goals.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior coding experience?

Nope! Whether you're a total beginner or have some experience, this course is designed for all levels.

What tools will we use?

You’ll primarily work with JavaScript and p5.js, two powerful and beginner-friendly tools for creative coding.

Can I take this course remotely?

Yes! All classes are virtual and fully interactive.

What if I can't make the live class times?

No worries! All sessions will be recorded and made available for you to watch at your convenience, so you can catch up whenever it suits you. Plus, you'll have access to our community and mentors for any questions or feedback.
—   Courses

Checkout our complete course catalogue

—   Contact

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