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Creating digital art can take many forms, and in this lesson, we delve into the unique approach of using Google Sheets to transform a spreadsheet into art. This process revolves around the concept of ‘conditional formatting,’ a technique that uses colors and shading to emphasize data based on specific conditions or rules. You will apply conditional formatting to assign different colors to various numbers or values. These colored cells will then be used to create an image, with each cell representing a single pixel – the basic building block of any digital image. As you progress, you’ll engage in several steps including creating a new spreadsheet, setting a custom cell size, finding an inspiring image for your artwork, adding conditional formatting rules to assign colors, and finally, using the data to create your art. This innovative approach to art highlights how spreadsheet applications, typically used for data management, can also be harnessed for creative expression.
To commence your artistic endeavor in Google Sheets, the first step is to ensure you have access to your Google account. Begin by opening a new tab in your browser and navigate to “google.com.” If you’re not already signed in, now is the time to log in, or if you don’t have a Google account, take a moment to create one. Once logged in, open Google Drive and start a new spreadsheet in Google Sheets. It’s important to rename this spreadsheet, incorporating your full name and a title for your artwork, to make it easily identifiable by yourself, your teacher, and peers. Your task now is to sign into your Google account, create and rename a new spreadsheet, and embark on the creative journey of turning spreadsheet cells into a piece of digital art. Remember, the skills learned here can be applied to any spreadsheet application, not just Google Sheets. If you’re using Google Sheets, consider exploring additional features such as screen readers to enhance your experience and ease of use within the application.