Technology meets Creativity

So, I have studied multimedia graphic arts for years now. I remember when I was getting my degree a professor said that the digital/visual communication field was going to be difficult because it is constantly evolving. I have found this statement to be very true. As soon as I adapt to learn a specific software, it seems like there is something else on the market making waves.

This is a good thing as it allows software to develop, as well as invites creativity to expand through technology at an exponential rate. Lately, I can’t get enough of my new favorite motion graphics software TouchDesigner.

It is structured from nodes of data that depict effects, video, actions, etc. in order to form a sentence that is based off of the totality of nodes for a final output. You can also build groups of nodes in order to create a certain effect, action, or animation; then add that group to the main structure. The nodes aren’t necessarily different effects, because they are more like data so you can dive deep into the material/action/tool and use Python coding to manipulate them. (view nodes at 25 seconds in video)

For example, I use Python coding in the transform panel of a ‘noise’ node: absTime.Seconds *0.1 This will continuously transform the x y z axis on its own and output motion for my graphic. Setting up what and how you are manipulating is where it gets tricky, but you can get endlessly creative utilizing different commands such as feedback, pixelation, 3D geometry, and so much more!

TouchDesigner can be setup with hardware such as VJ equipment for live manipulation, audio reactive projects and believe it or not, touch reactive! Maybe one day I’ll start to understand the immense capabilities of this software enough to design an interactive art space where technology and creativity combine!