How to Incorporate Augmented Reality in Your Art

With the ever-speedy advancement of technology, traditional forms of art and creation are being reinvented daily. That’s why staying ahead in already innovative fields, like CG art, can truly differentiate you from the crowd.

And with new features such as augmented reality (AR) becoming increasingly accessible, exploring AR now not only makes you a pioneer but can also help you navigate both the physical and digital as an all-around creative. If you’re an artist wanting to dip your brush into the world of AR, here are a few options to look into:

Video and Photo Overlays

Augmented reality comes in all shapes and sizes. But one of the most common formats is overlays for both photos and video. This type of AR has managed to trickle into our everyday world seamlessly— for example, many probably don’t realize that most of today’s Instagram filters are actually AI overlays.

Other apps are specifically made for this purpose, like Overly AR Creator, which is designed for low-tech artists looking to digitalize. These sorts of apps all share similar AR features, typically with the use of markers, which are unique patterns that are identified in order to activate the augmentation. Other types of AR include:

Single image or video reveal: Most people will think of this type, which is the simplest version when AR is mentioned. With this type, the marker is replaced by a photo (JPG or PNG) or video, typically of the same dimensions.
AR image gallery reveals: This is similar to the first, but serves specific creators, such as businesses, most effectively. For example, a marker on an ad for cookware could be scanned in order to reveal multiple photos showing users various options.
Random video reveals: One marker can also reveal multiple videos at random so that every instance it’s scanned, a different video is played.
360° views: This type of AR is one step closer to its brother, VR, in which scanning the marker can turn a static JPG into a 360° view using high-quality panoramas.
Alfa video: For those who have already played around with basic AR and want a more complex challenge, try AR alfa video. This type of AR allows you to create content that is superimposed onto live surroundings, adding another degree of reality.
3D Model: For those interested in modeling larger-than-life assets, you can easily take a static 3D model and turn it into an AR experience that allows you to see certain assets from multiple perspectives in real life by pointing the marker.
3D Animations: Perhaps requiring some already-acquired skill is AR animation, which also involves a 3D Model. This type of AR typically uses asset packs with multiple animations and can be applied in different contexts.

Marker-based vs. Markerless

The types of AR described above utilize a marker in order to “trigger” the AR. Therefore, in marker-based AR, the AR experience will depend on what’s known as a trigger photo, such as a QR code. However, there is also a way to create a markerless AR experience, which involves something digital being projected onto a flat surface in reality. It can also be attached to GPS coordinates, such as the AR used in Pokemon Go. This means that your AR CG art could potentially be attached to more traditional physical artwork, but it can also stand alone.

We’ll break down a few pros and cons of marker-based vs. markerless AR so that you can determine which is best for your speciality:

	Pros	Cons
Marker-based AR	Reliability: As long as the trigger image is entirely unique, the quality of marker-based AR is completely guaranteed— the content will always remain stable. User-friendly: Just as seen in the section above, there are plenty of options for beginner and expert creators alike. Your users/audience will also be able to access it easily, as it doesn’t require additional equipment— no extra buttons or gadgets.	Tracking Issues: If your phone camera turns away from the marker, the AR experience can be disrupted altogether, requiring the marker to be scanned again. This can cause potential issues for first-time AR users that may encounter your artwork. Detection: As the AR relies solely on the marker’s visibility, factors like poor lighting or weather can make the marker malfunction.
Markerless AR	Flexibility: As soon as the AR assets are loaded in the environment, markerless options allow for a higher level of dynamic interaction, and doesn’t rely solely on the mobile camera to be fixed on the marker. Autonomy: Users or creators alike don’t need to fuss with or worry about the accessibility of the marker, and CG artists in particular can stick to what they likely know best— the digital realm.	Context: Depending on the content, AR can be highly context-specific. This means, although not ideal, it may make the most sense to limit user access to certain controlled spaces. Specific surfaces: The AR content will often not load in most apps unless you have access to not only a flat, but also a somewhat textured surface onto which the assets can load.

Bringing 3D Art to Life

As a CG artist, you’re probably used to making and seeing amazing creations come to life in digital space— in fact, that may be your entire career. But with augmented reality, you can begin to bring your digital creations into the physical realm. Just like traditional artists can now see their artworks, such as paintings becoming an interactive AR filter, CG artists can also reap the benefits of AR.

Create a markerless AR experience that transports your CG assets, whether human or alien, into the real world, into a gallery space, or even into someone’s bedroom. Most importantly, make your 3D creations accessible from anywhere. It doesn’t have to be complicated— simply uploading your existing 3D model for marker-based or markerless AR use is a huge leap forward.

Whatever form you choose, exploring augmented reality can lead you to discover new platforms and spaces to exercise your creativity. Whether that’s adding to existing pieces, or beginning to merge the physical environment with a user-friendly digital experience, there are so many avenues to explore with AR, and being a CG artist is already a step in the right direction.

Don’t let fear stunt your curiosity— augmented reality still has quite a ways to go, and you can be the steering of that ship.