The definition of "complex"

Simple origami

   

             What is the definition of "complex" in origami?  The answer depends on the person you ask.  For a very beginner, an origami simple dragon isn't so simple, but for someone like me its quite simple.  I will try and give you a measurement that you can base your own skill on to see where you fit in the origami world.  I would like to say that this measuring tool is just my thoughts, and can very well be different from someone else standard.  Are you a beginner, an intermediate, or complex origami-est?  Keep in mind that its a spectrum, from novice to master, there is no "finish this model and your master!", its a continuum of improvement.  

               First off, there are some models that most beginners always start out with.  One of the classics is the paper crane.  This is like the very first "true" origami pieces which most people start out.  It similar to coding, in a way.  Everyone who starts programming generally begins by running "hello world!", or for Arduino every single person starts by flashing an led light on their circuit board.  There is always a beginning step that everyone takes, and for origami thats the paper crane.  After that, you can explore the different basic models to fold.  Some of the models would include:  hats, 2-D animal faces, box, windmill, boat, 2-D fish, etc.  Very basic, and mostly 2-dimentinal models.  This stage can be as short or as long as you want it to go.  You can spend a month in the basic stage, or years in the beginner stage, it depends on what you want.

Intermediate origami by assorted artist

           Then comes the intermediate stage.  With origami, you can fold anything, but there are different levels of complexity which defines its place on the scale.  How do you determine what is intermediate?  The question to ask:  Which origami model has more details? (generally speaking, this is the case)  The intermediate stage would include more 3-dimentinal objects and more details.  For instance, an origami butterfly.  Instead of having a the butterfly being the same color, what if you integrated color change?  Quick definition of color change: Is when a model has 2 colors to it.  For example, if one side of the paper is gold, the other side is black, that means parts of the model would be gold and other parts would be black.  Another things that adds to the intermediate stage is: Does the model have extra components to it?  This means, instead of a "leg" being straight, what if you implemented a joint to it? What if you added, 2 pairs of wings to a dragon instead of one, what about more teeth? etc.  See image for some examples of intermediate origami.

Complex origami by Robert J. Lang

              Then there is the complex level.  This is where you try and fit as more detail in the model without causing it to look too busy.  There is a moderation of how much detail can fit in an origami model.  Also, in this stage the models will resemble more realism, and something that everyone will recognize at a glance.  These are the models that will take around 3-14 hours straight to complete.  Here are some pictures of complex origami. These definitions of "levels" I'm giving you are subjective to the individual.  Someone beginning would might consider these models "master" level, but for me, these levels are just "complex".  So it all depends on what level you are currently in to define what is and isn't complex.  However, I think these terms I am presenting are somewhat objective in the sense that most average people would consider these models "complex". 

Master origami by Kamiya

          Finally, there is the "master" level of origami.  This is where you take origami to the most complex level possible.  Having the most details, the most eloquent forms, and that illustrates "complete realism".  These models take a tremendous amount of time and patience.  This model is called the Ryujin 3.5 and was designed by Kamiya Satoshi.  Most people would consider this artist as a legend in the origami world for creating such amazing pieces of art.


          As you can see that there are may different levels of origami and there is no one direct answer, or achievement to prove that you've passed a certain level.  But hopefully you can get a general scale to measure this art style. *



*These origami models in this post where NOT folded by me.