Blending TikTok Art with Grasshopper

Summary

In this engaging video, Lazer dives into the fascinating world of 3D printing, inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok sculptures. The tutorial begins by demonstrating how to create a unique geometry using Grasshopper, starting with setting an origin point and dividing a circle into equal parts. The process involves 3D modeling, moving points along vectors, and utilizing the cross product for defining arcs. To achieve a randomized yet orderly pattern, points are adjusted with random values and domain settings. The video continues with techniques for eliminating overlapping cells, drawing vertical lines based on distance measurements, and creating curves for a 'band effect.' The final stage involves scaling cells and using the gradient component for coloring. The tutorial also teases further content on creating Vero patterns and sorting techniques for 3D print-friendly designs. For a comprehensive learning experience, viewers are encouraged to check out the Grasshopper Complete Course for in-depth video material and direct access to the creators.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Creating Art with 3D Printing**: The video is about using 3D printing to create art inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok sculptures.
• 🛠️ **Grasshopper Tutorial**: The tutorial focuses on the 3D modeling process using Grasshopper, a plugin for Rhinoceros 3D modeling software.
• 📐 **Setting Up a Circle**: The first step is to create an origin point for a circle on the XY plane and divide it into equal parts.
• 🔄 **Using Vectors and Cross Product**: The process involves moving a point along a vector perpendicular to the tangent and Z vector using the cross product.
• 📊 **Randomization for Unique Cells**: Introduce random values to the X and Y coordinates to create unique shapes for each cell.
• 🔲 **Removing Intersecting Cells**: Cells that intersect with a predefined circle are removed to maintain the desired size.
• 📏 **Drawing Vertical Lines**: Vertical lines are drawn from each cell center based on the distance from the circle center, with lengths controlled by remapping measurements.
• 🧵 **Constructing Band Curves**: New curves are created with three points for a band effect, bending based on vectors and distances from the cell center to the circle center.
• 📈 **Scaling Cells with Noise**: Cells are scaled using the center of each polygon as the scaling center with a factor based on values distributed from 0 to one.
• 🎨 **Adding Color with Gradients**: The gradient component is used to add color to the geometry, with the shortest and longest distances determining the color variation.
• 🔍 **Further Learning Opportunities**: The video mentions additional content on Patreon, including creating Vero patterns and learning about vector fields and sorting techniques.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Lazer?

The video focuses on how to create 3D printed sculptures inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok sculptures using Grasshopper.

What is the first step in creating a 3D model in Grasshopper as described in the video?

The first step is to set a point that will be the origin of a circle on the XY plane.

How are the division points of the circle connected back to the center in Grasshopper?

The division points are connected back to the center by using the line and point points to make 3D point arcs.

What component is used to find the midpoint of the line in the arc creation process?

The evaluate curve component is used to reparameterize the curve and set the parameter to 0.5 to find the line's midpoint.

How is the third point of the arc defined in the Grasshopper model?

The third point of the arc is defined by moving the point along a vector that's perpendicular to both the tangent and the Z vector, using the cross product.

What function is used to gather all the division points of the arcs into one list?

The flatten function is used to gather all the division points into one list.

Why is the c duplicates component used in the process?

The c duplicates component is used to remove points that are too close to their nearest neighbor, ensuring that the points are properly spaced out.

How is randomization added to the cells to make them look unique?

Randomization is added by separating the point coordinates for each x and y coordinate and adding a certain random value, using a seed number and a domain of random numeric range.

What is the purpose of using the initial circle as a reference when eliminating oversight cells?

The initial circle is used as a reference to check if any of the cells intersect with it. If a cell intersects, it is removed from the list to keep only the cells that fit within the desired size.

How are the lengths of the vertical lines from each cell center determined?

The lengths are determined by measuring the distances to the circle center and remapping these measurements to a new domain between 0.05 and 0.3.

What is the final step in creating the geometry in Grasshopper?

The final step is to use the scaling curves to create a poly surface using the LOF component and then cap the holes to get a closed surface.

How can viewers access more in-depth tutorials and project files related to the video content?

Viewers can access more in-depth tutorials and project files by supporting the creators on their Patreon page, which also gives them access to exclusive content and the Grasshopper Complete Course.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 3D Modeling with Grasshopper: Inspired by Shapiro's TikTok Sculptures

In this segment, the video introduces a step-by-step guide to creating 3D printed art inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok sculptures. The process involves using Grasshopper to model a unique geometry. Starting with setting a point as the origin of a circle on the XY plane, the circle is divided into equal parts, and points are connected back to the center. Using line and point components, 3D arcs are created, and the midpoint is found with the evaluate curve component. A cross product is used to move the point along a vector perpendicular to the tangent and Z vector. The arcs are then divided, and points are gathered into a list using the flatten function. To avoid elongated cells, a duplicate component is used to remove points that are too close to each other. Random values are added to the points' coordinates for a unique look, and Python code is used to further manipulate the points. An initial circle serves as a reference to eliminate any cells that intersect with it. Vertical lines are drawn from each cell center, and their lengths are controlled by remapping the distances from the circle center. A new curve is created for a band effect, and the end points of these curves are moved along vectors to achieve the desired shape. The final stage involves scaling the cells and creating a poly surface using the Loft component, with the gradient component used to add color to the geometry.

05:01

🛠️ Advanced Grasshopper Techniques for Complex Geometry

This paragraph delves into advanced techniques for creating complex geometries using Grasshopper. It begins with a method for welding points that are close together to avoid short cell segments, which is beneficial for 3D printing. The video then explores the use of multiple points as attractors with vector fields to bend curves and create more intricate shapes. Additionally, a sorting technique is introduced to organize points, which is particularly useful when engraving numbers onto elements for assembly purposes. The video also mentions the availability of more content on Patreon, where viewers can access tutorials on creating Voronoi patterns on rectangular surfaces, learning how to sort points in a grid, and a comprehensive Grasshopper course covering over 500 components with practical examples and direct access to the creators for questions.

Keywords

💡3D Printing

3D Printing is a process used to create a physical object from a digital design by successively adding material layer by layer. In the video, 3D printing is the core technique used to fabricate the sculptures inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok creations. It is essential as it brings the digital designs created in Grasshopper to life as physical objects.

💡Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a visual algorithm editor and 3D modeling plugin for Rhinoceros that allows users to create complex 3D forms through the use of scripts and mathematical equations. In the video, it is used to model the intricate geometries of the sculptures, which are then 3D printed.

💡TikTok Sculptures

TikTok Sculptures refer to the three-dimensional artworks created by Hersel Shapiro and shared on the social media platform TikTok. These sculptures serve as the inspiration for the tutorial in the video, guiding viewers on how to replicate similar designs using 3D modeling and printing techniques.

💡Sanding

Sanding is a finishing process used to smooth surfaces, often following 3D printing to remove imperfections and achieve a desired texture or appearance. In the context of the video, sanding is a step in the post-processing of the 3D printed sculptures to refine their finish.

💡Airbrushing

Airbrushing is a technique where paint is dispersed through an airbrush gun to create smooth, even coats of color on a surface. In the video, airbrushing is mentioned as a part of the coloring process for the 3D printed sculptures, allowing for detailed and nuanced coloring.

💡Assembling

Assembling refers to the process of putting together the various components or parts of a structure to form a complete unit. In the video, assembling is a step in creating the final sculpture, where individual 3D printed pieces are combined to form the full artwork.

💡Packaging

Packaging is the process of enclosing or protecting a product for distribution, storage, sale, or use. In the context of the video, packaging is likely a step in preparing the finished sculptures for shipping or display, ensuring their protection and presentation.

💡Randomization

Randomization is the introduction of randomness into a system or process. In the video, randomization is used to give each cell of the sculpture a unique shape by adding random values to the x and y coordinates, which contributes to the distinctiveness of the final design.

💡Vector Fields

A vector field is a mathematical concept where each point in a space is associated with a vector. In the video, vector fields are used to bend curves and create interesting geometry in the 3D models, adding complexity and visual interest to the sculptures.

💡Remapping

Remapping is the process of adjusting values from one range to another. In the video, remapping is used to control the length of lines and the scaling factor of the cells, allowing for precise manipulation of the geometry to fit within desired parameters.

💡Polysurface

A Polysurface is a 3D modeling term referring to a compound of multiple surfaces that form a single object. In the video, the LOF (Loft) component is used to create a Polysurface by capping the holes in the 3D model, which is a crucial step in preparing the geometry for 3D printing.

💡Gradient Component

The Gradient Component in 3D modeling software is used to create a gradual change in color or other attributes across a surface. In the video, it is used to add color to the sculptures, with the shortest and longest distances influencing the color gradient, contributing to the final aesthetic of the piece.

Highlights

Introduction to creating 3D printed sculptures inspired by Hersel Shapiro's TikTok art.

Explanation of the complete creative process including 3D printing, sanding, airbrushing, coloring, assembling, and packaging.

Identification of a missing step in the process: 3D modeling with Grasshopper.

Step-by-step tutorial on setting a point as the origin of a circle on the XY plane.

Dividing the circle into equal parts and connecting division points back to the center using line and point components.

Use of the evaluate curve component to find the midpoint of the line for creating 3D point arcs.

Moving the point along a vector perpendicular to the tangent and Z vector using the cross product.

Dividing arcs and gathering division points into a list using the flatten function.

Adding a c-duplicate component to remove points too close to their nearest neighbors.

Adding a certain level of randomization to cell shapes by separating x and y coordinates and adding random values.

Defining a domain for the random numeric range and using a seed number for a sequence of random numbers.

Using Python code for creating a custom set of points with unique shapes.

Elimination of any oversight cells by checking for intersection with the initial circle and removing intersecting cells.

Drawing vertical lines from each cell center based on the distance from the circle center.

Creating new curves with three points for a cool band effect using cell center and circle center vectors.

Using remap values to control the length of lines and the bending of curves.

Positioning noise cells on corresponding XY planes along the band curve and scaling them based on values from 0 to one.

Using the gradient component to add color to the geometry materials based on the shortest and longest distances.

Additional content on creating Vero patterns on a rectangular surface and welding points for 3D print friendliness.

Learning how to sort points along the X and Y axis for organizing elements in a specific order.

Access to over 60 hours of video material in the Grasshopper Complete Course for in-depth learning.

Transcripts

hi guys Lazer here and in today's video

we are diving into the cool world of 3D

printing inspired by hersel Shapiro's

amazing Tik Tok sculptures we're going

to break down how to create something

similar with Grasshopper on his Tik Tok

page herall shares the complete creative

process Behind These incredible wall

decorations that process includes 3D

printing sanding airbrushing and

coloring assembling and packaging

however we noticed that one important

step is missing and that is the process

of 3D modeling with Grasshopper we also

got a lot of requests from you guys to

show you the exact process so get ready

step-by-step tutorial coming right up

first up let's set a point that will be

an origin of a circle on the XY plane

next we are dividing the circle into

equal parts and connecting those

division points back to the center we'll

use the line and point points to make 3D

Point arcs for the third point of the

arc the midpoint we'll use the evaluate

curve component simply reparameterize

the curve and set parameter to 0.5 to

find the line's Middle Point here's why

we used a valid curve because the output

provides a point and its tangent you're

going to move the point along a vector

that's perpendicular to both the tangent

and the Z Vector to do this we'll use

the cross product once we nail the

vector's amplitude we can move our point

to Define our arcs third

Point next up we'll divide the arcs and

gather all the division points into one

list we do this by using the flatten

function on the points

output we could jump straight to the ver

noise cells but to avoid weird elongated

cells near the center we are adding a c

duplicates component if a point is too

close to its nearest neighbor closer

than our set tolerance value we'll

remove it this helps in keeping our

points properly spaced out if you want

to add a certain level of randomization

to make the cells look unique we need to

separate the point coordinates for each

x and y coordinate We'll add a certain

random

value first we need to define the domain

of the random numeric range I will use a

single

slider and based on its positive and

negative values we'll create the domain

the number of random values will be

equal to the total number of points a

seed number help us set a sequence of

random numbers and I suggest setting

different SE the numbers for the X and Y

coordinates finally We'll add our first

batch of random numbers to the x

coordinates and the second badge to the

Y coordinates this way each coordinate

gets its own unique twist and for the

code Wizards a few lines of python can

do the trick

too by tweaking this points we end up

with a custom set that gives our waro

cells their own unique shapes to

eliminate any oversight cells we use our

initial Circle as a reference and here's

the plan we'll check if any any of the

cells intersect with a circle if a cell

does intersect we'll remove it from our

list this way we keep only the cells

that fit within our desired size we'll

then convert the number of intersections

into a bowling value zero means no

intersection false value and Any number

greater than zero indicates an

intersection True Value to reverse it

we'll perform a bull negation this means

we'll flip the values cells that don't

intersect previously fall

will now be marked as true this way we

keep only the cells without intersection

points now let's draw vertical lines

from each cell center the line depends

on the distance from our Circle Center

first I will locate the center of each

Verno cell and use SD align component to

construct vertical line we're going to

measure the distances to the Circle

Center and then remap this measure

measurements to a new domain

specifically between

0.05 to

0.3 this step is important as it allow

us to control the length of our lines

now let's create new curse with three

points for a cool band effect the first

point will be at the start of the line

the second at the mid point and third

will be based on the end point to

determine how our curve curves will bend

we need to construct two point of

vectors first using cell center and

Circle Center we'll move the end point

of each vertical line along a vector

that's perpendicular to both our twoo

vector and the Z Vector for the vector

length we're going back to using the

list of distances however this time

around we'll apply uh these distances to

a different Target domain we'll use our

remap values to move the end points

giving us the third control point of our

new curves don't forget to graft each

input to ensure we get three points in

each branch and make a curve set curve

degree to

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two in the final stage we'll divide

these band curves and use division

points as the origins for XY planes

these planes will act as our our targets

we're going to position each for noise

cell on its corresponding XY plane along

the band curve next we'll scale the

cells using the center of each polygon

as the center of scaling the scaling

Factor will be based on values evenly

distributed from 0 to one matching the

number of planes on each

curve we'll first remap these values

using graph mapper with bizier curve

then remap them again into a new domain

the domain starts at one and ends

slightly above zero because if it's zero

the scaling won't

work once we have our scaling curves

ready we'll use the LOF component to

create poly surface the cap holes

component is our go-to for getting

closed to BS and for those who want to

add color similar to our reference the

gradient component is your tool place

the shortest distance in the l0 input

and the longest in the L1 input all the

distances go into T input the resulting

list of colors will be used as the

diffuse color for our geometri

materials and there you have it a

step-by-step guide to creating a unique

geometry inspired by hler Shapiro's

amazing sculptures using grasshopper in

exent version this tutorial there's a

ton more exciting content for you we'll

dive into creating Vero patterns on

rectangular surface first up I will show

you how to weld points that are closed

together these tricks help us avoid

short cell segments making them much

more 3D print friendly then we'll use

multiple points as attractors with the

help of vector Fields we'll Bend our

curves to craft even more interesting

geometry plus you will get to learn how

to sort Point especially does not align

in a grid first along X then along Y

axis this sorting technique is super

useful for organizing element in

specific order later on this will come

in handy when we engrave numbers on them

making the assembly process way easier

you can watch it on our patreon page and

support our work at the same time with

that you will also get access to all our

ex tutorials and project files if you'd

like to know exactly how to create

complex projects like this and if you're

interested in stepbystep learning

approach starting from zero make sure to

check our grasshopper complete course

where you'll find over 60 hours of video

material structured in a form of video

library covering a depth more than 500

grasshopper components through practical

examples and you'll have access to us

personally so we can answer all of your

questions right away the link is in the

description

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