Seeds & Branches
Artfork uses a biological tree model to map the lineage of creative works. This visual genealogy allows audiences to trace how an idea grows across disciplines and collaborators.
Seeds
A seed is the original root work. It anchors the entire collaboration:
- Created by the seed creator, who holds Color Slot 0 (Moss — never assignable to anyone else).
- Defines which branch types are allowed (
allowed_branch_types) and how many branches can graft in (max_branches). - Carries its own equity ledger: by default 80% seed creator + 20% Sap.
When you plant a seed, you choose whether it is open for grafting. Only seeds that are open can receive graft proposals in the Workshop.
Photography seeds
Photography is a special case: a photography seed publishes directly from the Photography Studio to Trunk status without going through the Nursery or Workshop. The equity default is 80% photographer + 20% Sap.
Branches
A branch is a child work grafted onto a parent seed. It must be of a type permitted by the seed's configuration:
- Proposed by a collaborator during the Nursery phase.
- Assigned a color slot (1–11) to visually isolate it on the project genealogy tree.
- Carries a portion of the project's equity — by default 50% seed + 30% branch + 20% Sap (negotiable before signing).
Once all equity rows are signed, the branch is locked and immutable.
Branch Types by Discipline
Branch types available in the Nursery are filtered by the seed's discipline. The seed creator configures which types are allowed when they open the seed for grafting.
| Discipline | Available branch types |
|---|---|
| Music | remix_sequel · sound_score · writing · translation · featuring · custom |
| Film | writing · translation · interpretation · visuals_camera · sound_score · documentation · custom |
| Documentary | writing · translation · interpretation · visuals_camera · sound_score · documentation · custom |
| Dance | interpretation · sound_score · writing · translation · visuals_camera · documentation · custom |
| Performance | interpretation · sound_score · writing · translation · visuals_camera · documentation · custom |
| Photography | graphic_design · visuals_camera · documentation · custom |
| Visual arts | graphic_design · visuals_camera · documentation · custom |
| Craft & design | graphic_design · visuals_camera · documentation · custom |
| Publishing | writing · translation · graphic_design · documentation · custom |
| Spoken word | interpretation · writing · translation · sound_score · featuring · custom |
custom is always available and lets the collaborator define their own type label (max 40 characters).
Type meanings:
- writing — original text inputs, script draft, dialogue editing, or story additions
- translation — localization, subtitle translation, or text/lyric translation
- interpretation — performing arts input including acting, dancing, vocal performance, or narration
- graphic_design — layout formatting, cover art, illustration, posters, or photobook interventions
- visuals_camera — cinematography, B-roll, set design, camera operation, or footage logging
- sound_score — original soundtrack score, sound design, sound mixing, or foley
- remix_sequel — sequels, continuations, adaptations, or remixes of the original audio/theme
- documentation — set photography, behind-the-scenes footage, or production logging
- featuring — guest vocals, cameo appearances, or special guest interventions
The Genealogy Tree
When viewing a seed page, an interactive SVG genealogy tree renders the full lineage. Each node represents a seed or branch; each edge represents a graft relationship.
- Drag the empty canvas to pan. A small threshold (4px) distinguishes drags from clicks, so branch nodes remain clickable.
- Mouse wheel or two-finger pinch to zoom in or out. Scale is clamped between 0.4× and 3×.
- Click the ↺ Recenter button (top-right of the tree) to restore the original view.
- Edge thickness reflects the graft's equity share — thicker = larger share.
- Dashed edges indicate unsigned (pending) equity agreements.
- First-generation branches radiate from the seed center; second-generation branches orbit their parent.