Artificially Intelligent

Jan 2022-June 2023

Having explored AI programs like Runway, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney, and incorporating GPT into my coding process, I've realized that AI will inevitably impact traditional craftsmanship. While it may overshadow unique human skills, we can't avoid its progress. Instead, we should embrace AI's integration into our creative endeavors. AI is opportunistic but struggles with specificity, whereas illustration allows deliberate placement in compositions, despite being time-consuming. If left unchecked, AI could replace designers, leading to specialized work. However, collaboration between design and AI communities can reshape AI's role, opening doors to innovation.

AI/ Hand-drawn

As an illustrator, I am able to bring any vision to life with just a pen. Additionally, my expertise as a prompt engineer for AI-generated images adds a unique dimension to my work. By combining these two approaches, I offer a distinct value in creating complex images more efficiently using AI while infusing them with a poignant touch through traditional painting techniques.Incorporating AI into my process speeds up the non-focal aspects of an image allowing me to dedicate more time on the narrative, and conceptual decisions.In the image below, you can see a prime example of this combination where the environment was produced using Stable Diffusion, harnessing the power of AI. I hand-crafted the character, intentionally selecting each detail like his red pupils, his facial expression, his clothing style, and his slight hunch.

Landscapes

Crafting the perfect setting for images can be a time-consuming endeavor. However, in many instances, I prefer to avoid creating specific, recognizable locations. Instead, I find that the randomness or anonymity of a setting allows viewers to immerse themselves in the interplay of elements within the composition. This ambiguity grants them the freedom to interpret the story in their own unique way.

I envision AI as a valuable tool in generating distinct and original settings for my artworks. By leveraging AI, I can create captivating environments that serve as the backdrop for my narratives. This not only saves time but also adds an intriguing layer of unpredictability to the artistic process.

With AI-generated settings, I can venture into uncharted territories, exploring unimagined landscapes that spark the imagination of both myself and my audience. This fusion of human creativity and AI's potential enables me to craft images that evoke emotions and stories without being confined to real-world locations.

Samurai

I have experimented with prompting Stable Diffusion to integrate characters into environments. The outcomes come with mixed results. AI excels in creating intricate patterns in plant-life, enriching the scenery, but struggles with the precise anatomy of animals.

Watercolor

Here, I explored prompting with John Singer Sargent's name. I learned that when applying a style to subject matters that the original artist did not explore themselves, this approach tended to produce digital artifacts . Additionally, I noticed that AI-generated visuals were more readily accepted by human viewers when approaching styles where precision is not the primary focus. The swift and broad style commonly embraced in watercolor worked exceptionally well in this context. This ongoing observation allowed me to better understand the dynamics of combining AI with different artistic approaches, enhancing my ability to create captivating and harmonious compositions.

Crowds

As an artist, I am particularly intrigued by exploring the themes of the hive-mind and tribalism. While, drawing every individual in a crowd manually would be time-consuming, AI offers an exciting opportunity to experiment with collaging synthetic humans seamlessly into my artworks. This integration of AI becomes a symbolic representation of the homogenizing effec -t of the hive-mind and the all-encompassing nature of technology, as it draws from diverse datasets from countless sources to form a cohesive technical process. This artistic exploration further blurs the boundaries between human consciousness and AI capabilities, opening up a realm of captivating and thought-provoking possibilities.

What's Next?

AI indeed presents significant dangers, possibly surpassing even nuclear weapons. Unlike immediate destruction, AI's impact is insidious, gradually eroding the value of humans. Our purpose often stems from the roles and contributions we make within our communities, showcasing our value through specialized skills. If AI can outperform humans in every domain, what remains for us to contribute meaningfully?

AI represents a paradigm shift in technology. While previous tech acted as tools to aid human efforts, AI seeks to generate final products independently. Consequently, AI replacing human interactions jeopardizes our sense of individuality and mutual respect.

Furthermore, this shift adversely affects critical thinking. Relying heavily on AI search engines could erode our ability to form independent conclusions, relying solely on a single source for answers.

The dangers of AI bring forth a disconcerting parallel with Calhoun's rat experiment, where an apparent utopia led to the rats' extinction. Similarly, AI's influence may lead to breakdowns in social roles, skills, and mental health crises, mirroring the human struggles with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Vigilance is crucial to navigate the potential pitfalls AI poses to our society and humanity as a whole.