The Brief
At the start of semester 2, 2007 - We were once again presented with a "studio" subject. However this semester was different, and instead of the usual project brief ( "Create some Interactive Art", "Build a Portfolio" ) Students were allowed to create whatever they wanted. There were no limitations on what we were able to make, the only condition was that it was able to be shown at our end of year exhibition. Some people chose to do portfolios so they could have something to get a job with, others created simple websites, animations, t-shirts, and magazines. The selection of presentations was impressive. I personally wanted to do something interesting and unique, and something which would push myself as a programmer, and a designer.
The Idea
I've always been interested in motion graphics and music visualisation. I remember years ago spending hours creating and customising milkdrop presets, so I knew immediately I wanted to do something that would not only impress, but would involve music visualisations in some way. While researching ideas, I came across an individual who calls himself "flight404" ( Robert Hodgin ). I noticed he was doing some very interesting things with a tool I'd been investigating for quite some time. A java based IDE called "Processing". Immedicately I knew This was the direction I wanted to take. Inspired by his "Magentosphere I decided to create a (hopefully) trippy 3D music visualisation.
The Goals
There were essentially five things I wished to accomplish when I set out to create aAVis :
- Create something Visually Appealing
- Create something Impressive
- Learn a new Programming Langauge
- Have an Understanding of Audio Analysis
- Build Something I can be Proud of
Each of these five steps were equally important and I've discussed how they played thier parts in the other sections of this report. Unofficially another goal would be for me to not lose my mind in the process, although I came close - I believe I am still mostly sane.