Cousins

What do you get when you mix Blender, Python and the linguistics? A machine that makes Cousins.

Cousins #42. System version 10. Seed 66.

 

Not Simple PFPs

Cousins is a PFP collection, but it does something that no other PFP collection (that I’ve been able to track down) does by generating more meaningful and subtle variations that bring each Cousin to life.

Instead of using a static base image or model and simply swapping in and out parts on that same base, Cousins can generate unexpected variations in poses, the attitudes of the characters and even small details.

What does this mean to you? Cousins are a first-of-its-kind, unique and deeply varied collection.

How It’s Made

Much of the creative and technical work to create Cousins is undertaken live online.

You can join Ian (VoidStrummer) on YouTube or Twitch every week to learn more about our methods, thought process and actual tools. We answer questions, share insights and even code and technology when asked nicely.

The Cousins system borrows a concept from applied mathematics called a formal grammar. Originally derived from the study of language, formal grammars can be used to generate valid sentences.

In Cousins I’ve swapped out letters, words and sentences for hair, noses and attitudes. In this way it generates a wide variety of “valid” cousins. In spite of its “formal” nature, the best part of Cousins is how surprising the results can be.

 

What’s the Plan?

  • Abiogenesis

    After years of tinkering with generative systems here and there in my spare time, the emergence of the NFT art market made it possible for me to make it a central part of my art practice.

    That all started with Cousins, so named for its tendency to produce distinct but related characters that look like they belong together.

  • Evolution

    As Cousins grows in notoriety and esteem I’ll continue to develop the underlying ideas. Not only have I added new traits and refined the expression of older traits, I’m developing entirely new ways of combining features and expanding the expressive range of the system.

    At this stage Cousins will slowly morph from a “simple” PFP collection into a new form of systematic illustration. It will express more complex ideas and surprise us in ways we haven’t anticipated yet.

  • Diaspora

    Although it’s not clear exactly when, at some point Cousins will reach creative maturity and the limits of its own architecture.

    At this time I will create the final generation of Cousins, celebrate with special events, create a special set of 1/1s for giveaways to Cousins holders and announce the next stage of the Cousins Cryptomatic Universe.