Digital Plotting & Pen Plotter Art 🖊️
Bridging computational art with physical artifacts through algorithmic pen plotting
Why Plotting?
Code → Physical
Transform generative algorithms into tangible artworks. Watch lines emerge on paper as a machine executes your creative code.
Vector Thinking
Forces consideration of line economy, path optimization, and stroke weight. Every line costs time and ink—design with intention.
Exhibition Ready
Create signed, numbered editions of algorithmic art. Professional framing, archival materials, and physical presence in gallery spaces.
Building on Existing Skills
Code Art Experience
Existing p5.js sketches can be adapted to plotter-friendly vector output with p5.js-svg
Photography & Composition
Understanding of visual balance, negative space, and line weight transfers directly to plotting
Design Sensibility
Sophisticated grasp of minimalism, typography, and visual systems
Programming Skills
Can build custom tooling, optimize algorithms, and create efficient workflows
Roadmap: 4-Phase Approach
Foundation & Learning
Months 1-2
Equipment Research
- AxiDraw SE/A3 vs. V3/A4 models ($475-900)
- Alternatives: PlotterXY, HP 7475A vintage, CoreXY build
- Pens: Pigma Micron, Sakura Gelly Roll, fountain pen adapters
- Paper: weight, texture, archival quality testing
Software Ecosystem
- Inkscape + AxiDraw extensions
- vpype (CLI plotter toolchain in Python)
- saxi (alternative AxiDraw server)
- p5.js-svg for vector output from sketches
- svg-path-tools for JavaScript workflows
First Plots
- Concentric circles with varying density
- Hatching and cross-hatching patterns
- Parametric curves (Lissajous, spirographs)
- Grid deformations and wave interference
- Typography with Hershey single-line fonts
Algorithmic Foundations
Months 2-4
Flow Fields & Noise
- Perlin noise flow fields with streamlines
- Domain warping techniques
- Curl noise for organic flows
- Multi-layer compositions with varying line weights
Stippling & Halftones
- Weighted Voronoi stippling (photos → dots)
- TSP art (traveling salesman optimization)
- Floyd-Steinberg & Atkinson dithering
- Adaptive hatching from image brightness
- Plot portraits from photography work
Recursive & Fractal Systems
- L-systems for plant-like growth
- Space-filling curves (Hilbert, Peano)
- Recursive subdivision (Mondrian-style)
- Fractal trees with natural variation
- Islamic geometric patterns
Physics Simulations
- Particle systems that trace paths
- Collision detection and avoidance
- Spring/cloth simulations
- Differential growth algorithms
- Fluid simulation particle tracing
Advanced Techniques
Months 4-8
Multi-Layer & Multi-Pen
- Compositions with 2-4 pen swaps
- Color theory for limited palettes
- Registration and alignment techniques
- Overprinting and transparency effects
Typography & Text
- Single-line font rendering (Hershey, Simplex)
- Custom font design for plotting
- Text as texture (repeated micro-text)
- Calligraphic algorithms
Photo Processing
- Convert photography to plotter art
- Edge detection (Canny, Sobel)
- Contour tracing and simplification
- Hatching based on form/gradient
- Stipple density from tonal values
Custom Tooling
- Web-based plotter preview tool
- SVG optimizer for plot time reduction
- Pen-lift analysis and optimization
- Plotting time estimator
- Gallery system for plotter works
Portfolio & Exhibition
Months 6-12
Series 1: Algorithmic Portraits
Stippled photos with code. 10-20 works exploring photographic abstraction through computational mark-making.
Series 2: Urban Flows
Flow fields based on NYC city data. Visualizing transportation, pedestrian movement, and infrastructure.
Series 3: Noise Studies
Pure algorithmic abstractions. Perlin/Simplex noise exploration with emphasis on line economy and composition.
Series 4: Typographic Experiments
Text as image. Single-line fonts, calligraphic algorithms, and micro-text textures.
Technical Integration
P5.js → Plotter Pipeline
- Create utility library:
p5-to-svg-plotter.js - Handle coordinate system differences
- Batch export multiple variations
- Preview mode vs. plot mode
- Seed management system
Website Integration
- Add plotter art to generative gallery
- Dual display: digital + plotted photo
- "Plottable" filter tag for sketches
- SVG download for users with plotters
- Plot time estimates in metadata
Photography × Plotting
- Hybrid works (plot over photo)
- Contact sheets/grids of photos
- Plot art from photo metadata
- Document NYC architecture through plotting
- Abstract photo series into line art
Learning Resources & Community
Key Figures & Blogs
- Tyler Hobbs - Flow fields, generative art theory
- Inconvergent - Differential growth, organic algorithms
- Anders Hoff (@inconvergent) - Generative systems
- Licia He - Plotter art techniques
Tools & Libraries
- canvas-sketch - JS framework for generative art
- penplot - JS plotter utilities
- vpype - Swiss Army knife of plotter prep
- vsketch - Python sketching for plotters
- axicli - AxiDraw CLI control
Communities
- #plottertwitter on Twitter/X
- r/PlotterArt on Reddit
- Generative Art Slack/Discord
- Local NYC maker spaces with plotters
- Art + Code meetups
Budget & Timeline
Equipment Investment
| AxiDraw SE/A3 | $600-900 |
| AxiDraw V3/A4 | $475 |
| Pen collection | $50-100 |
| Paper variety pack | $50-100 |
| Archival paper (100 sheets) | $100-200 |
| Total Est. | $1,275-1,850 |
Timeline Overview
- 1-2mo Foundation & equipment setup
- 2-4mo Core algorithm development
- 4-8mo Advanced techniques & tooling
- 6-12mo Portfolio series & exhibition
12-month goal: 4 cohesive series (40-80 works total), online gallery, first physical exhibition.