Just a Pattern

[Subpath]

This was inspired by "string art"; I wanted to experiment with creating it
as vector graphics and applying gradients to the individual paths to see
what kind of patterns would emerge.

The String Art was made in Nodebox because its very easy to
create Point/Node Pattern with it.
https://www.vectorstyler.com/forum/topic/4119/a-kind-of-patternnodes-for-windows-free-win-mac

The coloring was created in VectorStyler; which allows to create gradients along a path
and allows them to be applied to the design's paths using the "Style Picker" group function.
https://www.vectorstyler.com/forum/topic/5851/a-style-picker-tool-feature-and-a-few-strokes

[Subpath]

Another Variation of it

[monsterfox]

@Subpath These graphics look quite unique. I’m curious: can VectorStyler create them at the moment?

[Subpath]

@monsterfox

I think some of the Designs would be possible in Vectorstyler
all you need is a straight Line, rotate it a bit and copy and repeate it

But i think it is way easier to do it in Nodebox because one would have more Options
when you could set single Points and connect those Points with a Line i dont think
that Vectorstyler could set single points.

To set single points and connect them its very easy in Nodebox. (Nodebox is free, PC and Mac
in the mean time there is also a Version for Silicon based Macs )
All you need is a Path and a Point Node which say how much Points a Path should have.
This way you could create all kind of Point Patterns and connect them.
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Here how the base Structure is made

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and here the whole Design

[Subpath]

Some additional notes regarding Points in NodeBox:

Points serve not only to connect lines or paths.
They can also be used to specify positions for shapes or designs.

And since this all is Node-based in Nodebox, it is very easy to replace
one shape with another or to modify the design.

Not to forget that Nodebox is a pretty good compainion to Vectorstyler
NB has .SVG and PDF Export and you could import .SVGs

[monsterfox]

@Subpath This is a node-based program, which I’m afraid won’t work for me. Just like creating materials in C4D, it requires connecting nodes. This kind of workflow isn’t my strong suit.

[Subpath]

@monsterfox

No problem if it doesn't work for you or isn't a good fit.

I only use it for specific tasks myself. Creating vector graphics using nodes certainly
has its merits and its fun to use. I didn't find the basic principles hard to learn—and
I’m really not the brightest bulb.

[Subpath]

The design was created using Nodebox (which is free).
I tried to copy and scale it within VectorStyler, but I couldn't find
a way that produced a good result.

However, the coloring was done in VectorStyler—and this is where
the "Style Picker Group" feature really shines. The design consists of 80 objects;
I created a single stroke, applied a gradient along a path, and then duplicated
it until I had 80 copies.

Finally, I grouped the design elements and the strokes, and then applied the styles
to the whole set using the Style Picker.

[Li Xiao]

@Subpath said in Just a Pattern:

I tried to copy and scale it within VectorStyler, but I couldn't find
a way that produced a good result.

VectorStyler can actually create this. I'll take some time to record a video

[Subpath]

@Li-Xiao

No problem, just take your time.

I’m very interested to see how you solve this—
and I imagine other users are, too.

In my own attempts, VectorStyler always distorts the shapes being duplicated;
maintaining consistent spacing between them also proves to be an issue.

Here how the Result looks in Nodebox

[Li Xiao]

@Subpath said in Just a Pattern:

This is quite easy, just use the Blend Tool

This is the specific example I was referring to for the video I plan to record.

[Subpath]

@Li-Xiao

I wouldnt recommend to take the Blend Tool for the first one.

Made a little Tutorial how i made this one which i made in Vectorstyler now
Here the Link:
https://www.vectorstyler.com/forum/topic/5951/a-little-tutorial-how-i-made-and-colored-the-curved-polygon-in-vectorstyler

[Li Xiao]

@Subpath

I first tried duplicating a line along a path with the Repeater it was close, but not quite right. In the end, I used a Grid shape with an Envelope effect. Attached are a brief video demo and the source file for reference.

https://youtu.be/3Pm0DL2eevo

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PXxuUuBCzqWX3qU6mv5T4FR148ZrN8Wa/view?usp=drive_link

Envelope.vstyler

[Subpath]

@Li-Xiao

That’s a really clever solution!
I never would have thought of that myself.
I love and admire your ideas and your inventiveness.
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It’s clear that this structure could also be replicated in VectorStyler
in one way or another.

However, I chose NodeBox for this because it allows me to stay as close as possible
to the concept of "string art." String art requires nails and a piece of string.

In VectorStyler, a piece of string can simply be represented by a straight line. Nails, on
the other hand, cannot be implemented there in the same way they can in NodeBox.

In NodeBox, there is a "Point" Node for this purpose. This "Point" Node converts vector graphic
nodes into coordinates. These coordinates can then be passed to a "Line" Node, creating a string
that runs between two nails/Points.

All in all, this results in an extremely flexible basic structure that can be used to create a wide variety
of string art designs. More or less just like in real life.

Incidentally, the number of Nails can be controlled very easily via the Resample node.

Nodebox and VectorStyler work together wonderfully. Vector graphics can be easily exchanged
via the .SVG format—though Nodebox can also export vector graphics as .PDF files.

[Subpath]

For anyone who is interested here the Nodebox Nodetree
for the Base

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and the first structure

[Li Xiao]

@Subpath Node-based apps can indeed create some very unique patterns through different node combinations, but combining different tools in VectorStyler is also super versatile! It is possible to build this with lines using the Transform tool or the Repeater, but the drawback is that it cannot remain non-destructive. As a result, making tweaks and adjustments isn't quite as convenient as in node-based workflows. Attached is a screenshot demonstrating the Repeater approach.

[Li Xiao]

It can also be done very quickly using Transform, though it's still a destructive effect.

[Li Xiao]

Generating a circular pattern using the Transform tool is quite straightforward.

[Subpath]

@Li-Xiao

Yes, there are many ways to achieve something like this—or something similar—in VectorStyler.
I would never dispute that.

However, when it comes to the flexibility of node-based vector graphics software,
VectorStyler cannot (yet) keep up.

In NodeBox, every single node—and therefore every parameter—is editable and modifiable
at any time. Furthermore, you can even create your own nodes. All you need is some knowledge
of Python programming—though nowadays, you could likely even use AI to help you build
custom nodes as needed.

John, the administrator of the NodeBox forum, has created a vast library of custom-programmed
nodes that anyone is free to download and use.

Of course, most people probably know that I love VectorStyler, but some things in it can occasionally
be overly cumbersome—and, to make matters worse, only achievable through destructive editing.
This, in turn, somewhat hinders the process of playing around and experimenting.

Just because something is possible doesn’t mean it always makes sense; when in doubt, I choose
the option that I believe offers me the greatest amount of creative freedom.

[Li Xiao]

@Subpath NodeBox is indeed great, but VectorStyler is a comprehensive, full-featured vector application something NodeBox can't quite match. For patterns like the one above, with just a slight improvement to the Repeater, it could be done using a single line without needing to expand and trim. This would keep the effect completely non-destructive, making future tweaks and adjustments extremely convenient.