Fractal Creation: The Importance of Color
When creating fractals it is easy to focus on the formulas, but color is equally important in the creation of an attractive fractal. In some cases changing the gradient not only changes the color (for example, from red to blue), but also changes the shape a person sees when they look at the rendered fractal.
The same formula using three different gradients: Apophysis
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The same formula using three different gradients: Fractal Explorer
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Basic color decisions and suggestions
- Some fractals look better with high contrast gradients and stronger colors (ie maroon, navy blue, and white). Others look better with low contrast gradients and muted colors (ie tan, grey, and pastels).
- Some fractals look better with warm colored gradients (ie yellow, orange, brick red). Others fractals look better with cool colored gradients (ie navy blue, purple, white). A few fractals, especially those with two "shapes" or patterns look good with a gradient that has both cool and warm colors.
- Some fractals look good with a gradient with only a few colors. This is particularly true for diffuse fractals. Other fractals work best with gradients with a large number of colors.
