⬥ Level of Understanding
I have thought about this quite a bit, as this is something that affects my work directly. These will certainly continue to evolve over time, but I’m confident in sharing them in this state.
AI art is a new art form where it’s not so much about the motoric skill set of the artist, but about the boundless imagination of the individual. We are fast approaching a world where everything that can be imagined can be brought into actuality at the click of a button. Meaning comes from how we choose to use these new tools.
With this in mind, I propose a set of five guidelines for integrating generative AI into the creative journey. These guidelines serve as a compass, helping to navigate the landscape of these new technologies and harness their full potential.
- Vision: Take some time to reflect on your creative goals and what you hope to achieve through your art. Understand that while generative AI can enhance and support your creative process, it is ultimately a tool that should serve your artistic vision. Every creative decision you make, including the use of generative AI, should align with your artistic goals and intentions.
- Synthesis: While it can be tempting to replicate the styles of established artists, it’s important to cultivate your own unique artistic voice. Respect ethical considerations and avoid plagiarism. It’s like remixing in the music world — draw inspiration from existing styles, but always strive to explore new possibilities, experiment with different techniques, and create authentic works that reflect your vision.
- Amplify: Generative AI should not be seen as a shortcut or a way to bypass the artistic skills and craftsmanship required in traditional art forms. It’s a catalyst that allows you to take your inherent creativity to new heights. Unlike conventional tools, it provides avenues to enrich your work beyond traditional limitations. Use it to enhance, not replace your individual craftsmanship and originality.
- Discovery: Understand that the use of generative AI in art is different from its application in other areas of life. In the everyday world, AI often focuses on answering questions of efficiency and necessity. But in the realm of art, AI becomes a frontier of endless possibility. Here, it’s not about fulfilling a utilitarian function, it’s about embracing the freedom of expression and pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible. Allow yourself to take risks and challenge established norms through the power of generative AI.
- Transparency: Clearly communicate the role of generative AI in your creation process and provide insight into your workflow. This transparency acknowledges the unique nature of AI-generated art and ensures that it is appropriately recognized and understood as a distinct form of creative expression.