Mini Project 1: Drawing with code

Description:  

In this project I used p5.js to create a self-portrait using what 

I've learned. Using different colors and shaped to express myself 

through the portrait. Experimenting with different styles by drawing

with code.

Link to my project : https://editor.p5js.org/StarWu123/sketches/vhBx4bOmw

After finishing my sketch of myself using simple geometric shapes I started to recreate the image by using 2D primitive shapes on p5.js. I decided to start on the body of my self portrait first to build a stable base for me to work on. 

From the class slides I was inspired by the transparent rectangles shown and decided to try and recreate it for my background. I noticed having the colors too bright would lessen the effect and the more rectangles I added the more the fading effect would show. 

Finishing the background I decided to create the head of my portrait, using reactangles. From the references I was able to figure out how to round the corners of the rectangle. I did the same with the glasses but each corner was rounded on a different level. Using the arc function I was able to draw two semicircles to imitate a hat. Also using the arc I could make a u shaped smile. I learned that it is much easier to move the line when you understand what each coordinate represented.

Findings/Lessons Learned

• Knowing what each coordinate of a shape is helps you move around a shape much easier.

• References are using for finding techniques that you want to use.

• Using stroke, stroke weight, fill, no fill, are helpful when stylizing your drawing.

• How to use the arc function and use PI.

• view a image using simple geometric shapes to recreate that image.

Reflection Prompts

• I prefer using the reference more than exploratory programming because it provides me which so much more options and techniques that I do not have knowledge about. And I am able to see all the different ways that I can create what I am imagining. I would see myself using the other technique when I can find a way to create what I want, I would try experimenting with the code myself to see if I can create something new.

• Drawing on a piece of paper is much easier than writing the program. When we draw we can make different shapes and lines easily  because our mind can control what we do. When writing the program we have to think of how to create what is in our minds to the computer that interprets what we are trying to do.

• I think when writing a program to draw there is a higher level of accuracy. When creating a line or shape the program can draw that shape perfectly or perfectly in a specific location. Also when writing the program we can fix our lines or erase them much easier. The program can also produce the drawing of a line or shape faster.