Creative Coding: Making Visuals with JavaScript
An approachable route into generative art and creative coding using JavaScript and the canvas. No prior programming experience needed — you'll start with simple shapes and loops and end the course generating your own animated, algorithmic artwork.
What you'll learn
- Write JavaScript loops and functions to generate visuals
- Use randomness and noise to create organic-looking art
- Animate canvas-based generative pieces
- Ship a personal generative-art project
Curriculum
Suggested pace: 5 weeks- 1
Canvas basics
Week 1Draw simple shapes to the canvas and understand the coordinate system you're working in.
- 2
Loops and functions for visuals
Week 1Write loops and functions that generate visuals instead of drawing everything by hand.
- 3
Introducing randomness
Week 2Use randomness to break up rigid, repetitive patterns.
- 4
Noise for organic shapes
Week 3Use noise functions to create organic-looking, natural motion and form.
- 5
Animating your canvas
Week 4Animate a canvas-based piece frame by frame.
- 6
Shipping a personal project
Week 5Finish and ship a personal generative-art project from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience for this?
No prior experience needed — this course starts from the basics.
Is this live, or can I go at my own pace?
Self-paced. There's no fixed class time — the weekly pace above is only a suggestion to help you plan.
What happens right after I enroll?
The course appears immediately in My courses, and the first module unlocks straight away.
Do I lose access if I don't finish right away?
No — once you're enrolled, the course stays in My courses and you can pick it back up any time.
