Procedural imagery

Rule-driven repetition and variation are likely to appear.

Visual traits

• Repetition
• Parameter-driven variation

Expected changes

• Rule-driven repetition is more likely to appear
• Variation is more likely to remain coherent

Definition

A production method that builds a two-dimensional image with rules, repetition, randomness, or parameters. Art style, subject, particular software, and final format are specified separately.

In more detail

It can produce coherent repetition and variation from the same rules. Color, composition, material feel, and depicted content can be adjusted independently.

Includes

• Two-dimensional image production using rules or parameters

Excludes

• A particular art style or subject
• Three-dimensional form or rendering
• A particular product or output format

What this does not imply

• A particular art style, subject, or color
• Particular software or code
• Three-dimensional representation or final format

Variability

Results vary substantially with rule detail and parameter range.

Usage

• Specify only the rule-based production method
• Specify subject and art style separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify particular code or software separately

Typical uses

• Create repeating shapes or patterns
• Compose an image with parameterized variation

Possible failure modes

• The rule structure is lost and becomes chaotic
• It is treated as a particular art style