> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.speedboat.studio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.speedboat.studio/speedboat-v2/creating-generative-nfts.md).

# Creating Generative NFTs

## What is Generative Art?

Generative art, as defined by [Datash ](https://en.datash.io/)in their [article](https://medium.com/@datash/an-introduction-to-generative-art-nfts-35e650a0f281), is artwork that has "gone through a generation process by a system" [that is set into motion with some degree of autonomy contributing to or resulting in a completed work of art](http://www.philipgalanter.com/downloads/ga2003_paper.pdf).

In layman terms, it means art that has been created by an artist, but combined by a machine or system. NFTs have become popular mediums for generative art as generative art can now be created and owned via smart contracts.

## How Generative NFTs are Created

Generative NFT artworks are created by layering PNG images on top of one another. This is commonly done with a solid-colored background, followed by multiple layers with a transparent background that represents each trait of the NFT 

![A sample generative art with 4 traits: Background Color, Face Color, Eyes, and Mouth](/files/v7UTus8CLEbOqTKIQbZl)

Moving from left to right, if you layer each image on top of each other, you will generate the 5th image. Notice that:

1. Each image has the same size
2. All other traits except the background have a transparent background
3. The images must be layered in the correct order
4. The position of each layer is drawn so that they combine into a sensible image
5. You can change any trait to another of the same category as seen in the image below:

![The Face Color and Mouth traits have been changed, creating a new generative image](/files/udP8YK5YEPtN32yglL2R)

To calculate how many variations of a trait you will need, use the following formula:

![](/files/vxTwjv5EqN7UC0UXqsLB)

Using the above example with 4 traits, If you wanted to generate **10,000 *****unique***** NFTs** (No two NFT would look alike), you would need 10 variations of each trait. the calculations are as follows:

![](/files/6uiuOg1qEY358rF73FIq)

Our example project, the Ejomis, contain 4 traits: Background Color, Face Color, Eyes, Mouth

![](/files/Y7Q7ua0JFFzKMYZRN44N)

Each Trait contains 5 *V*ariations:

![](/files/1oAYk6cQDHK8Qi2Eb4LN)

You can calculate the number of *unique* generative NFTs you can produce using the following formula

![](/files/M5DGjPKnkjP4ZFVZRZmk)

Based on this formula, we know we can produce **625 *****unique***** Ejomis**:

![](/files/WKpv6SkPl0rzseDZ4VNj)

{% hint style="warning" %}
***This formula is only theoretical. Our platform uses a different algorithm to generate images which may result in identical images.***   
{% endhint %}