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About
On ABOUND you (yes, you!) can play around algorithms that generate art - no code required.
Some recent pieces - each was generated by one user tinkering with the parameters of an algorithm that another user uploaded.
This is just the tip of the iceberg: 29 users have generated 230 images on ABOUND using 22 different algorithms (and counting)!
How it Works
Artist
An artist writes code that makes art, and uploads it to ABOUND. They can use any of their favorite tools or languages. Once live, anyone can run it to produce art.
Artist Guide
Tinkerer
Other users tinker around with the settings for the algorithm. With a few simple button clicks, they can run it many times, and find combinations they like.
Explore Algorithms
Owner
Thumbnails of the art are free for all to use, but if you want a full-size (print quality) version, you can buy it, either for 1 , or a few dollars. If you pay money, the Artist and Tinkerer split the profit.
Explore Art
Why?
Creating an interesting art algorithm is only half of the challenge of creating good art using code. The more time consuming (but less technical) part of the work is finding the settings that make art that evokes emotional resonance.
Algorithmic artists spend hours sifting through the outputs of their algorithms to find ones that they find striking. That searching and tinkering is just as much a part of the creation of art as is the logic in their code, and everyone, from the most tech-savvy to the least, can do it.
Moreover, discerning how images hold our attention and create value is inherently subjective and time consuming. To get the most out of an algorithm you need lots of tinkerers, each thinking about the art differently.
A marketplace of random pictures doesn't offer much value. Compensating the tinkerer (in addition to the artist) for their visual discernment is critical to creating a fruitful marketplace where resonant art thrives.
Read the Mission Statement
OK, so how do the financials work?
  • Anyone can upload an algorithm for free.
  • We have an on-platform currency called a "Pixel" (). You can learn about them on our Pixel guide , but in summary
    • Users get 50 when they sign up.
    • Users get 20 every month after.
    • Users can purchase more at any time for $0.02 USD each.
  • Running an algorithm to create an image typically costs 2 . Resource intensive algorithms (like AI art) may cost more.
  • Didn't like what the algorithm produced? Destroy the result to get one back.
  • Artists set the price for their work. If they decide to charge for it, when someone buys an image, they pay the posted price, then:
    • 40% goes to the algorithm artist
    • 40% goes to the tinkerer who posted the image
    • 20% goes to ABOUND
    If an artist decides not to charge for their work, then purchasing a work costs 1 Pixel (), to cover the infrastructure costs of storing and transferring the art.
  • Intellectual property generally follows the person who created the data - the details can be found here .
Any Questions?
As you may be able to tell, we're growing (and learning) quickly. Please let us know if you have any questions!
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Take the Tour

Unsure of how to get started? Not a problem. We'll guide you through it step by step - just look for the blue banner at the top of each page.

Start The Tour, by browsing algorithms