Python for Visual Designers

Image
Python

Cost: $485.00

6 online sessions. This class will take place online using Zoom. You will need a computer or device and we recommend downloading the Zoom app. 

Instructor(s): David Jonathan Ross

Thursdays, June 6–August 25, 2022 (Skip dates: August 11 & 18)

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

REGISTER ONLINE (Registration opens May 3, 2022)

Designers use tools to help us get our work done, but we rarely consider how much these tools can box us into certain processes and solutions in our work. Creating our own tools can lead us down new and unexpected avenues in our designs: some of the best visual ideas can come about by setting up some boundaries — a color palette, a typeface or two — and then running wild within the system. And working out a system in code is a great way to explore these ideas: computers love repetition and can quickly make hundreds of variations on a theme, and mistakes in the code can result in something that often looks better than what was originally intended.

With no programming experience necessary, workshop participants will learn the basics of the Python programming language while working in the free DrawBot application for MacOS. A quick sketch made with code in DrawBot can be saved as a PDF as a starting point to be finished later in Illustrator, or, with a little bit more work in the code editor, an entire book, magazine or animation can be built without even launching Illustrator or InDesign.

Using the fundamentals of the Python programming language, students will sketch to create vector art with code and use the basic principles of design to turn their sketches into PDF zines and animated gifs.
 

Required Materials

  • A Mac running OS 10.9 (Mavericks) or newer
  • A fast enough internet connection for video calls
  • This class will be held online, so a Zoom app is advisable



The class consists of five weekly instructional sessions with live coding July 7 to August 4, followed by a follow-up session on August 25 where we will discuss what you are working on and try to address lingering questions and next steps.

A link to join the Zoom meetings and a Slack group will be emailed to enrolled students a day or two before the first session.

Class size will be limited to 16 student to insure plenty of one on one feedback during the course.

Registration for this workshop will open at 10:00 am on May 3, 2022. For updates and reminders about Type@Cooper offerings and events, please join our mailing list.


Save the date: Thu., Jul. 07, 6:30PM

Course Code: TFD52

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

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  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.