Tutorial 165: Generative Art
Joe Clay | Mar 1, 2019
We just got back from Keyframes Conference so we're going to explore a little bit of what we talked about there. We'll take a look at how to set up a grid that can generate imagery using master properties in a single precomp. Building the grids using StackIt, it's pretty easy to make some interesting imagery with short expressions.
Expressions
Inside of your block precomps, add a controller layer. Add a slider to it called Brightness. Then you'll have to add your own expressions to achieve whatever you're looking for. Here are some examples.
For poly shape points:
Math.floor(thisComp.layer("Controller").effect("Brightness")("Slider")%.06*100)+3;
For shape strokes:
thisComp.layer("Controller").effect("Brightness")("Slider")*7+1;
For grids (sized from width):
b = Math.floor(thisComp.layer("Controller").effect("Brightness")("Slider")*8);
if(b < 1) { b = .5 }
30/b;
Then in your main comp, also set up a controller layer. On that layer you'll need a Layer Control. Then add this to your precomp with Brightness Master Property.
l = thisComp.layer("Controller").effect("Layer Control")("Layer");
b = l.sampleImage(position,[5,5], true);
b[0];
And then duplicate your layers with either StackIt or do it manually. If you grab the project file, there is a 60x60 and a 30x30 grid already set up.
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