For my sketch, I wanted to base it around a Chinese proverb- “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.”
I want to display how people’s lives become intertwined through an animation showcasing the length of a red thread growing, to convey how throughout your life, you will become tied to every individual you meet one way or another. In this video, I made a flipbook trying to highlight how over time, the thread will grow and tangle across the page, which is supposed to be a replacement for a screen.
Research-wise, I need to learn what command I need in max to trigger something to expand, to display the impact of the red thread/connection. Additionally, I need to look into how I can incorporate multiple users in triggering this effect because thus far I’ve only relied on single-user-based projects. Lastly,I need to figure out how to make objects fade on their own in Max after the users stop interacting with the piece.
I intend to use the MakeyMakey to trigger the thread growing. Each time a trigger linked to the alligator clip is pressed, it will showcase the thread’s growth. I believe linking an alligator clip to a piece of red thread would have been a nice way to tie the project together, but the thread is not very conductive. Maybe I’ll use a red paper clip!
Artist Question: Should the thread shown on-screen fade after it is created? or should it stay on screen after every interaction from users?
To answer your artist’s question, I think having it reset for different users would make the most sense. However, I doubt it would be too difficult to implement a reset button, so the thread always remains unless someone wants to restart.
Neutral Question: Are there two strings which intertwine (one for each user) or are they growing the same string? If it’s the latter, are they growing different ends of it, or are their inputs differentiated some other way?
I was planning on having one string, but each time the user interacts with the MakeyMakey, the string would grow. For the growing aspect of it, I wanted the ends of the string to correspond to each user. So end 1=user 1 and end 2=user 2. Each time the user interacts, the ends would grow accordingly in all types of loops/directions! : )
I think it would be cool if the string fades slowly after the users let go of the clips, demonstrating that the connection requires people to be involved.
I never thought of that perspective! Definitely will try to make that happen
I believe a slow fade would be better as it also makes the piece feel more dynamic and alive with user input.
Ty for the input, I think I will incorporate that!
Will both users be expanding the string together, or will one user be in charge of another aspect of the red string on the screen?
Both users will be expanding the string together! They just need to hold the control to give the output at the same time
I like the concept a lot. As a response to the artist question, I think it would be more visually intriguing if the red thread could stay on the screen to give a sense of entanglement.
That’s a good point you bring up! I’ll have to make my final choice soon
The flip book is a smart way to test your animation concept.
If you wanted to use that hand drawn style in a digital animation, you could make a drawing on paper and stop to take a picture every inch or so (this will come out best if you can keep the camera in one place). Then you can play the image sequence in Max and it will animate your drawing.
I never thought of this, and stop motion would be fun to play around with, thank you for the insight Prof!