Electronic literature studio

Offering app and web development at the intersection of art, language, and technology

 

Ciao! I’m Artemio.

As a kid, I loved playing video games, reading, and writing. But I always wondered, what if you could apply the multimedia aspects of video games towards literature? What would those experiences look like?

Not only that, what if software existed to facilitate the creation of those experiences?

Now a professional software developer, after years of experimentation, I have developed a toolset and a series of projects exploring the possibilities of this space, called “electronic literature.”

My aim is to share this passion for electronic literature with the world, and I would love to work with you.

What is electronic literature?

 

Electronic literature is born-literature that has been created specifically for digital devices.

This includes computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Textual, visual, auditory, interactive—a whole world waiting to be explored.

It invites readers not just to read, but to engage, navigate, and experience.

At Artmayu Studios, we’re dedicated to exploring the area of electronic literature, digital art, and adjacent spaces.

We help develop projects from inception to completion, combining storytelling, design, and code to craft new forms of narrative.

Our mission: To explore the possibilities of digital mediums as platforms for creative expression, public engagement, and commercial viability.

My Approach

The world of electronic literature is vast.

I define my approach with the following principles.

I call this subgenre Maximum Literature.

  • Laptops and mobile devices displaying 'A Modern Ghost' book cover

    Widely accessible

    Electronic literature belongs to the masses. I take a mobile-first approach in everything I do, prioritizing touch input for phones and tablets over less commonly used hardware, such as consoles, controllers, or headsets, to enable wide adoption and engagement.

  • Text from a game screen offering a choice. Background shows a shack.

    Fully multimedia

    Multidisciplinary expression of complex ideas is the lifeblood of electronic literature. Through the harmonious integration of text, audio, still illustrations, animation, video, interactivity, and more, this medium becomes more than the sum of its parts.

  • Illustration of a person walking on a dimly lit street with another person hiding behind a trash can in an alleyway.

    Story-focused

    Interactivity should support story, not vice-versa. The act of reading, whether through prose or visuals, is inherently interactive. Building on this foundation, I strive for simple interactions to enable a wide range of expression based on emergent complexity.

Electronic Literature Projects and Game Jams (Unity)

  • Black and white illustration of a woman in profile, with long hair, looking upward against a dark background.

    A Modern Ghost

    An original multimedia short story exploring love and loss. I directed, programmed, and created artwork for the project. Shortlisted for the New Media Writing Prize.
    Platforms: Web

  • Blurry letter 'R' with the word 'word' overlaying it in black and white.

    Riveted in the Word

    I programmed this app for renowned designer and author Warren Lehrer. It explores a historian’s struggle to regain use of language after a stroke. Coupon codes available on request.
    Platforms: iOS

  • Blurry image of a person standing against a wall

    SHTF

    I programmed this retro, post-apocalyptic interactive fiction app for art duo Really Large Numbers and publisher Paper Crown Press.
    Platforms: Web

  • A cartoon lion with a vibrant mane examines a plush toy with a stitched face in a colorful room with scattered toys.

    Stitch Me

    I programmed the business logic for this prototype about a stuffed animal hospital. Nominated for Best Use of Theme at the NYU Global Game Jam.
    Platforms: Browser, iOS, Android

  • Cartoon laboratory with futuristic machines, green glowing tubes, and a large central device with tentacles and a swirling light. The scene includes a Roomba-like robot cleaner and a dialogue box saying, "I've been waiting for you, GWR 3000."

    Rooombra to the Rescue

    I programmed the gameplay logic for this prototype about a robo vaccum cleaner on a mission to save the world. Made during Major Game Jam: Isolation.
    Platforms: Mac and Windows

  • Illustration of a smiling cartoon bear character with green eyes, wearing a light green shirt and aqua shorts, standing against a blue sky background with clouds.

    Green Our Home

    I programmed this children’s story about eco-friendly house habits for the green, educational organization Green Rank.
    Platforms: iOS and Android.

Community Initiatives

  • Web page featuring 'Alternative Worlds' theme with community contributions and featured content displays.

    AltSalt.com — Community Website

    I see electronic literature as a cost-effective means of creating high-fidelity commercial entertainment—a big opportunity for indie creatives. To that end, I created AltSalt.com, a community website for alternative voices in publishing, currently in alpha, which aims to be a hub for e-lit and other indie creators.

  • Alternative Worlds

    AltSalt’s first community project, Alternative Worlds, comprises two collections work by more than twenty creators. The aim is for Alternative Worlds to be the first of many projects on AltSalt to build community and foster an environment where electronic literature and indie publishing can thrive.

  • Electronic Literature Creation Tools

    I’m working to make our internal studio tools available to download for individual creators. Called Scroll Cinema, this program allows users to create electronic for the web without needing to code. Ideal for making animated zines, motion comics, web comics, and other forms of highly visual electronic literature.

  • Educational Workshops

    I am currently piloting workshops to share my approach and toolset to enable creative expression and technological literacy, as well as help develop the space of electronic literature. If interested in learning more or hosting a workshop with your organization, please fill out the interest form below or contact me.

Web Development

  • WordPress logo, blue and white design

    WordPress Contributions

    As an employee at Automattic, I created WordPress’s image lightbox, contributed to the development of the Block Biindings API, and collaborated on creating new new features for the WordPress.com Reader via the Calypso frontend codebase, including the user profile page and the quick editor.

    Technologies: React, Redux, TypeScript, PHP, HTML, SASS, CSS

  • Screenshot of BluePages website interface showing search bar and IBM news article about quantum power leap.

    IBM Internal Projects

    While working at the New York City-based agency VSA Partners, I helped develop and maintain the front end for internal platforms at IBM. This included their company directory, an employee educational platform, and an internal news platform.

    Technologies: React, Drupal, C3, JavaScript, HTML, CSS

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with curly hair on Living Proof website.

    Other Agency Work

    While working as a front end developer at Pixafy, I helped develop and maintain enterprise e-commerce websites. Tasks included implementing coupon codes, revising checkout experiences, updating styles, and more.

    Technologies: HTML, JavaScript, SASS, PHP (Magento)

Services

  • Person contemplating in front of a diagram on a whiteboard with arrows pointing in four directions and labeled 'Branching Paths.'

    Discovery

    Interested in creating or adapting an electronic literature work, but not sure where to start? I can help you brainstorm and define your project, giving you the technical perspective you need to know what’s possible.

  • A video game development interface showing code and assets for a post-apocalyptic game titled 'SHTF: a post-apocalyptic pick your path adventure' with options 'Start,' 'Tutorial,' and 'Credits.'

    App Development

    When it comes time to implementation, I have the skills and experience needed to program your electronic literature or digital art project, as well as publish to web, iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.

  • Web Development

    I have a proven track record creating websites and web tools, both independently and as part of teams. With my experience at all phases of development, from inception to completion, I can be your partner in achieving your web goals.

For more details, request our portfolio

Schedule a consultation or request portfolio

artemio@artmayu.com