Final Project Artwork and General Update
One of the key segments of my project is in the vector art that will be used in the e-card generation system. When I first conceived of the project, I wanted to do everything for it myself; it would be mine completely. However, I also know that there are weaknesses in my abilities that would hamper the successful completion of the project goals. In this case, creating artwork is one of them.
Also behind the cut is my most updated version of the Generative Application.
I do enjoy drawing and when I spend a lot of time on something, it tends to turn out alright (I think). At the same time, I can’t seem to manage to create successful vector-based art particularly well, despite trying. After attempting to create a few pieces, I decided that if I wanted the final e-card application to look good and attractive (one of the project goals), I would really need to find a different way of getting the resources. One idea I had was to ask the dd09 and dd10 classes if anyone would be interested in helping me create 10 to 15 different vector pieces. Unfortunately, no one replied to my e-mail. However, a fellow student, Asuka Kono, offered to help create some vectors for me if I help her with her flash site. Not a bad trade if I may say so!^^ My adviser, Sergio, suggested that I also look at istockphoto as a resource for purchasable, royalty-free vector artwork. Spending time there and at other “free” vector sites around the web, I gathered this collection of various potential purchases:
The next step will be to go through them to identify what exactly I’m looking at from each and which ones I can eliminate. At the moment, the entire set would cost ~ $100 Canadian. If I need to spend money on the project, I will, but it would be better to really focus in on which ones give me the highest value. Not to mention working with Asuka to see what kind of imagery she would be interested in creating before actually purchasing anything.
All in all, I’m rather excited at how the project is progressing. I upgraded my previous algorithm program, moving toward a semblance of the actual completed engine.
Click here to view the updated version
As you can tell, there have been some major integration that has taken place. Now, the main page creates a grid of points on the window and auto-selects 10 of them. At those 10 points, it calls a random number to pick which algorithm will be used. That value, the “randomize” value and the point’s x and y value are passed to a controller which selects the particular algorithm and sends all the required information to it (including the selected image). Finally, the algorithm draws itself out.
I rather like setting the randomization to around 45-55 percent. that actually results in an offset of plus or minus the percent amount to the x and y coordinate of each point. Overall, I think it gives the design a really nice “random” feel while still keeping the imagery in a coherent group. The flower graphic that is currently used is only a test one (you can easily notice the pixelation at larger size!). My final version will use vector imagery so it can be resized to any final size.
The next step will be in identifying what vector work I’m interested in from the site, what I can get help with from my classmate and continuing to refine the generative application! Oneward!!
