April 2014 Contest and Challenge - Closed

Hello everyone! It's been a few months since we had a contest, so the group staff have put a lot of work into designing one with a lot of possibilities for artistic directions and technical learning... and as if that wasn't enough work, we've decided to run a theme challenge simultaneously!  



The purpose of this challenge is to focus on a relatively underused part of Ultra Fractal—the Inside tab. Inside coloring algorithms open up a whole new world of artistic possibilities, but using them is actually very similar to using the more common Outside tab—so no need to feel apprehensive if you've never done this before!

Because the focus of the contest is the inside tab, all entries must use the standard Mandelbrot formula, and may not use mapping. On the outside tab, you are limited to the simple coloring algorithms None, Basic, and Smooth (Mandelbrot), all in the standard.ucl file. But on the inside tab, you may go wild and do whatever you like! Any coloring algorithm is fair game; in fact, we encourage you to try out several coloring algorithms on different layers. For this reason, layering and gradients are unlimited. Last but not least, you are free to alter the zoom and position of your image, as long as the vast majority of the image (about 80%) is showing the Inside portion of the fractal. In order to verify that your fractal meets these guidelines, you must share the parameters with the group admins, either by note or by publishing them along with your art.

Of course, we have also collected several resources to help you get started.

First, my Fractal Intestines Tutorial goes over the basics of working with the Inside portion of the fractal (if you're a bit fuzzy on what exactly the Inside even is, this should clear that up). Second, Velvet--Glove has kindly put together a set of parameters with example layers for you to refer to. You may use these to get started, although that is not required.

Last but not least, we have compiled some additional suggested coloring algorithms that you may find helpful:

• Lyapunov in dmj.ucl and Lyapunov Forduckin in em.ucl
• Most tma.ucl algorithms, including Thin Orbit Traps II, Doodads II, and Sine-Mod III.
• Triangles in ldm.ucl
• Two Count in lkm3.ucl
• Advanced Gnarl, Disk Plasma, and Weave in mt.ucl
• Any coloring you want to experiment with! With a basic formula like Mandelbrot, many many coloring algorithms work well on the Inside.  The staff may take creativity and exploration into account when we are selecting finalists at the end of the month.

Speaking of the contest results, they will be decided by the same method that we have used in the past: an admin selected pool of finalists with a community vote to determine first place. In addition to the usual journal feature, the first place winner will receive 250 dA points and a badge to display in your artist's comments or journal.

Finally, here are several works that are primarily (or entirely!) made with the Inside of the fractal, for inspiration:




For our theme challenge, we have decided to go with something a little unusual: make a fractal that doesn't really look like a fractal. You'll want to avoid "classic" fractal shapes like spirals and mandelbrots, and instead draw inspiration from different types of art. If you've ever received a comment like "Wow! I never would have guessed this was fractal art!" then this challenge is for you.  NOTE: No manipulations allowed, including import of images, for this challenge.

When you think about it, there are several different approaches you could take. You could attempt "fractal realism..."