Online collaborative journal (Google Docs or Microsoft Word Online)
Photo editing software (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP, Canva) for final refinements
Activities
Complete the following in order. Ask your professor or TA for support or feedback.
[10 min] Set Up an Online Collaborative Journal
Create a shared journal with the following sections:
General Info
Group member names
Group number
Tool used (Hydra)
Project
Reflection
Student 1 Name: Work-in-progress
Student 2 Name: Work-in-progress
Ensure both partners have full editing access.
[20 min] Conceptualize Your Project (Group Work)
In your journal (under “Project”), answer:
Chosen Tool
Why did you choose Hydra for this project?
What discoveries or surprises emerged during Part 1?
What will you do differently now that you understand the tool better?
Project Direction
What type of generative visuals do you want to create?
Will you produce:
4–6 individual images, or
4–6 individual GIFs, or
2–4 short videos (each max 30 seconds)
- Do your visuals reflect a specific emotion, idea, or theme?
- What color palettes, shapes, textures, and transformations will you explore?
- How will you ensure visual cohesion across all compositions?
Process & Collaboration
How will you divide the work?
Each student should complete roughly half of the outputs.
How will you document progress? (e.g., tables, screenshots, iterative prompts, notes)
[1h10m] Work on Your Project
Goal: Produce a cohesive series of 4-6 digital paintings (JPEG or GIF) or 2–4 short videos (MP4), using Hydra and exploring a range of coding techniques.
Documentation Requirements
Each student must document their own process under their name. Create a three-column table for each attempted image (including failed ones):
Image
Include all generated outputs (successful, failed, and iterations).
Code
Copy/paste the exact Hydra code you used.
Comments (4–5 sentences). Reflect on:
What worked and why
What didn’t work
How you adjusted your code
How this attempt moved you toward a consistent or unique visual style
Artistic Guidelines:
You may generate:
Still digital paintings (JPEG)
Moving digital paintings (GIF or MP4)
All pieces must share a cohesive artistic thread, such as:
Color palette
Shape language
Pattern logic
Visual rhythm
A shared conceptual theme
You may refine outputs using editing software:
Adjust aspect ratio (horizontal, vertical, square)
Make small color or contrast edits
(Optional) Add text or additional visual elements
[15 min] Reflection
Under Reflection, answer:
How did your concept evolve from the initial idea to the final work?
What were the biggest technical challenges, and how did you solve them?
How does your final work compare to traditional digital art or painting practices?
Once documentation is complete:
➡️ Export as PDF
📄 Filename:Group-#-Documentation.pdf
Assemble Your Project
Create a Hydra Project PDF that includes:
Title of your project
Group member names
Year
Your final still images or screenshots taken from your videos
A 2–3 sentence description for each final piece
➡️ Export as PDF
📄 Filename:Group-#-HydraProject.pdf
In addition, upload your final media files separately (JPEG, GIF, or MP4):
Naming Protocol Group-#-Com-1 Group-#-Com-2 Group-#-Com-3 Group-#-Com-4
so on
⚠️ Make sure all files are clearly named and properly formatted to avoid point deductions.
📤 Submissions
Type
File Name
Who Submits
Group
Group-#-Documentation.pdf
One per group
Group
Group-#-HydraProject.pdf
One per group
Group
Final individual images/GIFs/videos
One per group
⚠️ Follow the submission protocols carefully. Incorrect submissions may result in lost points.