Data blooms and gardens glitch in Rob Farmer's generative animations

"only started experimenting with motion a few years ago when he discovered the animation software in between projects working at a creative agency in New York. Although a lot of his biggest design inspirations are creative coders, such us Talia Cotton and Ksawery Komputery, "sadly I don't know how to code", he tells us, "but Cavalry felt very intuitive and let me design generatively. What I like about generative design is that it's simply number values that drive or define other values."

"algorithmic approach to motion, Rob's generative design work often depicts patterns found in the natural world, using type or simple graphic forms like stitches as a dynamic material for movement, but not in conventional ways. Even if made digitally, his portfolio feels like it fits into the fabric of our analogue life and unfolds from natural, evolving and familiar patterns."

"Rob's inventive approaches to motion have shaped creative commissions for Google, a campaign for Coinbase as well as illustration commissions for journals like The Economist, but the majority of the designer's work is for the sole purpose of play. "Whether it's drawing or using software, I love making without purpose and I create a lot in my spare time. I think it's really important to make space to create work outside of 'real' work", he says."

Rob Farmer began experimenting with motion a few years ago after discovering Cavalry while between projects at a New York creative agency. His Data Blooms series features generative animations built with kinetic typography. Influences include creative coders such as Talia Cotton and Ksawery Komputery, although he does not know how to code. Cavalry's intuitive tools enabled generative workflows driven by numerical relationships. His work translates natural, evolving patterns into type and simple graphic forms, producing an analogue feel despite digital creation. Commissions include Google, Coinbase, and The Economist, while most work remains playful and self-initiated; a return to Melbourne and a new studio role have reframed his personal practice.

Read at Itsnicethat