Combining his filmmaking and photography background with AI’s infinite possibilities, artist Glashier has created a virtual world of “MIDNITE,” a fictional town full of Martians, UFOs, aliens, and of course, cats. We talked to him about the inspiration, evolution, and creative process behind this popular AI project, “Midnite on Mars.”
What first inspired you to work on AI-generated art?
“The inspiration for my venture into AI-generated art was multifaceted. Firstly, I found the financial constraints of my film-based photography work to be limiting. This prompted me to seek out alternative avenues for creative expression that could also provide a more flexible approach. In this pursuit, I discovered the potential of AI-generated art.
“However, the primary spark for my exploration into AI-generated art came from my desire to construct a world where I could engage in street photography without physical constraints. This aspiration gave birth to the concept of “MIDNITE,” a town that could serve as the canvas for my artistic vision. AI offered a pathway to build and populate this world with images that echoed the essence of street photography while transcending the limitations of reality. In essence, my curiosity about AI’s capacity to facilitate such creative exploration fueled my inspiration to dive into AI-generated art and embark on the exciting journey of bringing “MIDNITE” to life.”
How have you seen AI-generated art evolve since you first started working in this field?
“Since I began my journey into AI-generated art, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in the capabilities of these tools. When I initially started experimenting with Midjourney V2, it primarily produced abstract results. However, with persistent effort and refinement, I’ve been able to guide the AI to generate images that closely resemble reality.
In recent months, I’ve observed substantial progress in the realm of AI-generated videos. The technology has advanced significantly, enabling the creation of more complex and engaging visual narratives. This rapid progression suggests that within a year, we could be venturing into the realm of 3D AI-generated art that holds not only creative potential but also commercial applications.”
How did you learn about making AI art? Did you have any training?
“Learning to create AI art was a process akin to mastering any other art form. It required dedicated time and practice to establish a shared language with the computer. Much like acquiring proficiency in painting, photography, or any other creative discipline, the journey involved a blend of exploration, experimentation, and learning from trial and error.
“While I didn’t have formal training in AI, my background as a photographer and filmmaker provided a foundation in visual storytelling and composition. This knowledge proved valuable as I navigated the realm of AI-generated art. By immersing myself in this field, continually refining my techniques, and collaborating with evolving AI technologies like Midjourney, I gradually honed the skills necessary to express my artistic vision through AI-generated creations.”
Can you explain the creative process behind your AI-generated artwork? Do you leave anything to chance?
“The creative process behind my AI-generated artworks is an improvisational journey that fully embraces chance. It’s about discovering a personal style within the world of AI-generated art, often through trial and error. Leaving room for serendipity is crucial to this process, as unexpected outcomes can lead to innovative breakthroughs. Embracing unpredictability allows me to explore the boundaries of AI’s capabilities and uncover fresh avenues for creative expression.
“With every iteration, my techniques evolve, my approach refines, and I find myself consistently drawn to a distinctive aesthetic that resonates deeply with me. In essence, my creative process is a fusion of guided experimentation and the exciting surprises that arise from letting chance play its part, resulting in dynamic and uniquely crafted artworks.”
How long does it normally take to create one of your artworks? Can you walk us briefly through the process (without giving any secrets away, of course)?
“The time required to create one of my artworks can vary significantly, ranging from hours to several days. The creative process is not bound by a rigid timeframe, as each artwork presents its own unique challenges and demands.
“The process typically begins with formulating a concept and crafting a prompt that guides the AI in generating the desired image. Once I have the initial result, I engage in an iterative refinement process. This involves experimenting with different prompts, adjusting parameters, and fine-tuning the AI’s output to align with my artistic vision.
“During this phase, I engage in a dynamic interplay with the AI, iterating and refining until the artwork aligns with my creative intent. This process can take varying amounts of time, with some artworks coming together relatively quickly while others demand more extensive experimentation and exploration.
“Ultimately, the duration of creating an artwork is a testament to the dynamic nature of the creative process. It’s a journey where hours and days intertwine, guided by the pursuit of realizing a vision that resonates deeply with me and hopefully captures the imagination of the viewer.”
What measures do you take to ensure that your art remains visually consistent throughout a series?
“To maintain visual consistency throughout a series of my artworks, I rely on a baseline prompt that serves as the foundation for the entire collection. This prompt acts as an anchor, preserving the overarching aesthetic and visual identity I aim to convey. By using this baseline prompt as a starting point for each artwork, I ensure that key elements of the world I’ve created remain intact.
“However, I also embrace flexibility within this consistency. As I progress through the series, I introduce variations and nuances to prevent monotony and to explore the breadth of creative possibilities within the established visual framework. This combination of a consistent baseline and thoughtful variations helps strike a balance between cohesion and the evolving narrative within the series.
“In essence, the baseline prompt serves as a touchstone, guiding the visual consistency, while deliberate variations infuse the series with depth and dimension, ensuring that each piece maintains its connection to the overarching concept while still offering its unique creative expression.”
How did you come up with your visual styles or themes? Do you have a specific process for this?
“My visual styles and themes emerge purely from the realm of imagination. It all began with a desire to create a virtual space where I could engage in street photography without any constraints. I envisioned this space as an evolving canvas for my artistic expression. From there, I let my imagination run wild, exploring what I would love to capture, the colors that would resonate, and the atmospheres that would come to life.
“This process didn’t follow a rigid structure; rather, it evolved organically from the initial idea. I allowed my creative impulses to guide me, tapping into the visual imagery that resonated with my senses. As I envisioned scenes, textures, and colors, the themes began to take shape, giving birth to the distinct visual styles that define my artworks.”
You have an extensive background in filmmaking and photography. Do you think that AI levels the playing field for people that want to create art but don’t have traditional training or experience?
“Absolutely, AI is a transformative force that levels the playing field for aspiring artists who may not have traditional training or experience. The accessibility of AI tools democratizes creativity by allowing individuals to harness technology to express their artistic visions. Much like photography democratized visual expression over a century ago; AI is now opening doors for those who possess unique perspectives but lack formal training.
“AI-powered tools provide a platform for anyone with imagination and a desire to create. They enable individuals to explore their artistic inclinations without the need for years of training, expensive equipment, or specialized technical skills. This democratization empowers individuals to engage with art on their terms, regardless of their background.
“AI serves as a bridge between imagination and execution, allowing creators to manifest their ideas in unprecedented ways. It empowers people to experiment, learn, and refine their craft while encouraging a diverse range of voices to contribute to the artistic landscape. As a result, AI’s democratizing influence holds the potential to redefine what it means to be an artist, opening doors for fresh perspectives and innovative creativity.”