Re: Random Play

sixball — Sun, 09 May 2010 14:41:09 -0000

A few years ago at CERCIA I also had fun knocking up a generative evolutionary art project called ImageBreeder which could evolve simple abstract designs online. Some examples at http://www.flickr.com/photo....

Processing.js is a much smarter way of rendering the designs than the slightly clunky Java Applet I went with at the time. If I were able to do it again today, I'd love to use the power of Processing. Thanks for the references!

Re: 5 Counter-intuitive rules for creative people

sixball — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:48:21 -0000

Another emphatic upvote for 1, 2 and 6 with the following notes.

1. Giving ideas away. The common tendency to sit on that genius idea prevents you from getting possible flaws pointed out, variations you may not have considered as well as serendipitous connections you'd not have made otherwise. This *almost always* outweighs the simple risk of your idea getting nicked. Just the fact that it's your idea and not theirs halves the attraction for creative entrepreneurs.

2. Fail more. Feedback again. There's so much more to be learnt from a 'failure' than a 'success'. In the long run the only real failure is to not learn the lessons from the experience or, worse still, miss the opportunity to have the experience.

6. Accelerate serendipity. This is the artful part that can almost feel self-indulgent but is essential for the major transitions in your projects. A rough 'strategy' (as far as that is possible) might be socially promiscuity with a playful eye for opportunities and a readiness to move along when some other context presents itself. It's worth bearing in mind that the richest seams are often found in the unexpected direction.

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Re: Random Play

Re: 5 Counter-intuitive rules for creative people