What is Fractal Art?

Fractals are graphical representations of complex equations that can describe a 3-dimensional space. By selecting a set of non-linear equations from the dozens available and tweaking the parameters, a digital artist can create fractal art. The variations are truly limitless.

Digital artists generally use one or more of the available fractal-generating programs. The programs often vary in the types of images they generate; however, the general approach is the same: select the equations to be used, set the parameters for these equations, run the calculations, and assess the resulting image. The final rendering of the image can be a very time-intensive process.

Most of the software programs make the process easier than it sounds by allowing a graphic modification of the equations and a rough rendering of the image so that decisions to accept or to modify the image can be made in a realistic time frame. Options for color and lighting are usually available within the software.

I use Apophysis7X and Mandelbulb3D to generate fractal images. I import the rendered fractal image into a Photoshop where I am likely to combine multiple fractals, modify the shapes and colors, add textures, and/or integrate it with a non-fractal image.