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Viviana Cordova My interest in typography, technology and print design began with fine art classes when I was five years old. I would draw and paint landscapes just to add letters to them. My calligraphy class was my favorite at school. My father also encouraged me to take computer classes, which I really enjoyed—even though my first intensive computer class, which was outside of high school during freshman year, was filled with students five years older than me. I was able to assemble computers at that time, and ever since I’ve been very interested in technology. I chose graphic design as a career and concentrated on interactive media, because in this field typography, image and technology work together simultaneously. Thus, computers and design have merged in my present and future interests. I particularly enjoy experimenting with anything new that relates to future educational resources. That is why Processing captured my attention. There are so many tools for designers—from new software to language programming—but Processing was one of the most accessible to learn. Typography created in a more openly minded way naturally has become a part of my experimental path—as is shown by the various examples in this book.
I worked as a producer after I got my bachelor’s degree, and I saw the necessity of constantly learning and updating knowledge according to what is best in one’s field. In my case, it was video, editing and motion graphics. In addition, I was responsible for print design within the marketing department. In our multitasking society, we designers have to be prepared to tackle anything that is out there in the real world. Recently, I graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore with a master of fine arts in graphic design. Currently I am an adjunct faculty member in the Graphic Design department at Towson University in Maryland. Being involved in graphic design and collaborating with my classmates for this book, I believe that experimental software and programming languages that are open source are necessary as new tools in the twenty-first century. What was experimental ten years ago, the public is now learning and using in their work environment. Therefore, supporting resources such as Processing is extremely necessary for the new generation of graphic designers and artists who want to go beyond their expectations, by creating new ways to visualize their message through language.