Creating with AI: What is it like for me

Sharing my journey of creating with AI. Having had years of making images and creating art in various forms I can recall the experiences of the physical media. Since studying art history I can also relate to the desire to place into the world that which is seen and thought. Now that I have worked in AI art creation for eight months I wanted to note down what I understand this process to be like.

The areas of AI image creation

Director of AI image creation not creator of AI image

Being director

Working with AI for image creation feels like directing a play. The text prompt acts as the script. The AI follows the instructions given. The process involves guiding the AI, not controlling it. The outcome depends on how well the AI understands the direction. Improvements in AI technology have made results more accurate. The role resembles that of a director leading actors to perform scenes.

Experience of creation

Being within one's mind

Creating AI art differs from traditional photography. Photography involves the environment and emotions of the subject. Sounds, lighting, and smells add to the experience. With AI, creation happens within the mind. The text prompt or image-to-image process relies on internal thoughts. No external experiences occur at the moment of creation. The focus remains on what the mind envisions. This is also different from physical painting or drawing because the control to change the shape, color or line is not immediately available.

The process of creation is closer to mental reflection of thought and emotions through a translator that has its own understanding and limits with this disconnection resulting in something different that requested. This process is like taking a photo with a glance of the scene without control of it. The color, subject, location of objects in the image are not fully in the creator's control. The lighting and emotional feel of the out come are also not in the creators control. Photographers capture moments in nature without controlling the scene but they see the subject before them in the start of AI creation the subject is within the mind and not seen.

Immediate results

Being in the moment

AI image creation offers instant feedback. Like digital photography, results appear immediately. No waiting for film development. The images show up right away. The immediacy allows for quick adjustments and explorations.

Creating in the moment

An idea may lead to unexpected results. The AI's output can change initial thoughts. This process encourages discovery and exploration. Each prompt evolves based on AI responses and my creative direction. The experience feels unique and is unrepeatable. This is a process of mixing repeatedly creative idea from the mind to visual interpretation of results that flip back and forth with each image made.

Reworking images

Another creation apart from the moment of direction

Reworking AI-generated images feels like a new creation process. The initial prompt sets the stage, but the a different magic happens in the editing phase. Adjusting colors, textures, and lighting transforms the image. Adding new elements or changing existing ones brings fresh perspectives. This process resembles post-production in photography. The original shot captures a moment, but editing refines and enhances it. Each tweak and adjustment reveals new possibilities. The creative journey continues beyond the initial direction. This can be done through printing the AI image to canvas and physically working on it or moving the digital image to a software tool to rework it with manual controls. My focus has been using AI to rework the AI created images which presents a continued discovery process and a repeated experience of that creative idea from the mind to visual interpretation.

Taking it to another direction

What is the platform of presentation

Choosing the platform for presenting AI art matters. Each platform has its own limitations and requirements for the images. The factors of ratio, size of the image, the placement of the subjects and the intention of the use of the image all need to be considered. Different platforms offer unique ways to showcase creations. Social media provides instant feedback and engagement. Online galleries offer a more curated experience. Print media adds a tangible element to digital art. Each platform influences how the audience perceives the work. The choice depends on the intended impact and audience. Exploring various platforms can lead to unexpected opportunities. Presentation shapes the final narrative of the artwork and is something I have come to place in the first stages of planning the creation process.

Stepping back

Finishing thoughts

Creating with AI has been a solitary yet enriching experience. The process blends elements of traditional art forms with cutting-edge technology. Each step, from directing to reworking, offers unique challenges and rewards. The solitary nature of AI creation mirrors other artistic endeavors. The journey feels deeply personal and introspective. Sharing these creations opens new dialogues and connections. The exploration of AI in art continues to evolve, offering endless possibilities.

The Creative Process with AI

Generating Ideas and Content

How AI assisted in brainstorming

Creating with AI has changed how I brainstorm ideas. AI tools provide a fresh perspective. These tools suggest concepts I might not consider. The process feels like having a creative partner. AI generates a wide range of ideas quickly. This speed helps me explore many possibilities. I find new directions for my projects. AI's suggestions often spark my imagination. The brainstorming phase becomes more dynamic.

Examples of AI-generated content

Creating with AI produces unique content. I have seen AI generate stunning images. Some images look like they come from a dream. AI can create detailed landscapes and abstract art. Each piece feels different from the last. The variety keeps my creative process exciting. AI-generated content often surprises me. The results push me to think outside the box. I enjoy seeing what AI comes up with next.

Refining and Editing

Human touch in AI creations

Creating with AI does not end with the initial output. The human touch remains crucial. I refine AI-generated images to match my vision. Adjusting colors and textures adds a personal touch. This step makes the art feel more authentic. My input ensures the final piece reflects my style. The blend of AI and human effort creates something special.

Balancing AI input with personal style

Creating with AI requires balance. I combine AI's capabilities with my personal style. This balance enhances the final product. AI provides the foundation, but my touch completes it. I adjust elements to fit my artistic voice. This process feels collaborative. The result showcases both AI's power and my creativity. Finding this balance takes practice. The effort pays off in unique and compelling art.

Challenges and Learning Experiences

Technical Hurdles

Issues faced with AI tools

Working with AI tools has presented several technical challenges. Some AI tools have complex interfaces that feel overwhelming. Understanding how to use these tools effectively takes time. Sometimes, the AI does not produce the expected results. The output can look strange or completely off from the intended vision. This unpredictability adds frustration to the creative process. Compatibility issues between different software also arise. These issues slow down the workflow and create additional hurdles.

Solutions and workarounds

Finding solutions to these technical problems requires patience and persistence. I spend time learning the ins and outs of each tool. Online tutorials and forums provide valuable insights. Experimenting with different settings helps achieve better results. When AI outputs do not meet expectations, tweaking the prompts often improves the outcome. For compatibility issues, using intermediary software bridges the gap. Adapting to these challenges enhances my skills and makes the process smoother over time.

Creative Challenges

Maintaining originality

Maintaining originality in AI-generated art poses a unique challenge. AI can produce stunning images, but the risk of similarity exists. Ensuring that my personal style shines through remains crucial. I focus on adding unique elements that reflect my vision. Combining AI-generated content with traditional techniques helps maintain originality. This blend creates a distinct artistic voice. Regularly exploring new ideas and concepts keeps the work fresh. Staying true to my creative instincts ensures that the art remains authentic and original.

Reflections on Creating with AI

Personal Growth and Insights

Skills developed

Creating with AI has sharpened my technical skills. I have learned to navigate complex AI tools. Experimenting with different settings has become second nature. My problem-solving abilities have improved. Each challenge faced has taught me something new. Patience and persistence have paid off. My artistic skills have also grown. Combining AI with traditional techniques has expanded my creative toolkit. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding.

New perspectives on creativity

AI has changed how I can express my creativity. The process has opened my mind to new possibilities. I now create and explore things through AI that my physical living space can not support. I can explore the world and objects which I am unable to physically see or visit. My ADHD has greatly limited me along with my dyslexia. The ideas above that I am able to share here for myself to review later and others is only possible because of the advancements in AI. The numerous tools with AI support that I have added to my online resources will be shared later. My needs for AI to assist me in having a way to express my thoughts into the world for review and to keep notes of how to do things is beyond my ability to explain.

Future of AI in My Creative Process

Plans for future projects

I plan to continue exploring AI in my projects. The potential for innovation excites me. I want to push the boundaries of what AI can do. Future projects will blend AI with other art forms. I aim to create more interactive and immersive experiences. The possibilities feel endless.

Evolving relationship with AI

My relationship with AI continues to evolve. I see AI as a creative partner. This partnership has grown stronger over time. This evolving relationship shapes my creative process. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me. The future of creating with AI holds great promise.

Best wishes,
Ray