During my resting time after the closing of the brick-and-mortar store, I dove into the world of AI-generated graphics. I had previously made the transition from brush to photography and then to Photoshop corrections and then to filters for creating realistic painterly effects. So, what the heck, let’s give this new set of tools a go and see what happens.
AI image creation is kinda’ like playing the slot machines at Vegas. You can describe what you are after and put your bets (ideas) down but what comes up can be very frustrating. Like any tool, you must put in your hours to achieve some mastery to unleash your creativity and create desirable outputs. I never arrive at an image on the first pass but with a little time and effort usually get what I am looking for. What I like about AI is that new ideas and new directions pop out of the process. I like that aspect in the creative process.
I arrived at a skill set that I use to create images to accompany the prose and poetry used in our books and greeting cards.
Yes, Virginia, the images used in the cards and books that you see on our website are AI-generated and then tweaked in Photoshop to arrive at a design that I am proud of. I sure do not want to trick or mislead anybody. It is what it is. =)
An example of a creative surprise is the creation of an image for Bastion in the book, Miles To Go In The Sylvan Snow.
From the story, ” Bastion, the sentinel with a heart of gold, emerged from the very bedrock upon which the first cabin was built. Infused with the essence of the forest, he has stood guard through epochs, his strength and resilience a testament to the enduring power of the enchanted woods. Bastion’s vigilance extends beyond physical protection; his unwavering presence provides a sense of security that transcends the material, offering solace to those who seek refuge in the heart of the Fairy Forest.”
I was delighted with one of the images that placed Bastion in a location that I would never have thought of and allowed the image to expand on his storyline. I would have put him at the door guarding the travelers but I felt that the AI- generated standing on the roof position would better spark the reader’s imagination and enrich the Fairy Forest context.
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