AI manifesto
Working with AI allows me to bring ambitious ideas to life—visions that would otherwise be impossible to realize. Traditional budgets often limit the scale of what we can create, and securing permits for the surreal or unconventional concepts I imagine would be equally challenging. But with AI, I have the freedom to explore without boundaries, giving form to ideas that exist beyond the constraints of practical, logistical, or financial limitations. This tool enables me to dream big, making the impossible possible, and transforming creative aspirations into art.
Details
Written by: Noëlle van Dijk
Version: 1.0
Date: 29 October 2024
1. AI: A Tool for Exploration, Not Substitution
AI offers immense potential for artistic discovery. My goal is to use it to push boundaries, to imagine and create things that go beyond what we can capture with a camera or create with traditional tools. I don’t believe AI should replace other artisanal methods because it can be replicated. I work with AI to tap into its power for what’s truly novel, expanding what’s possible in visual art.
2. Pure Prompting, Original Creation
As an artist using generative AI, I commit to pure prompting—crafting instructions that generate new, original art. I consciously avoid referencing the names of other artists or mimicking their work as a style reference. AI, for me, is a tool for innovation, and I use it to create things that don’t yet exist. It’s not about re-creating or replacing something that could be achieved through traditional methods, like photography, illustration or other media. I focus on realism but when an idea is photographable, I believe we should choose that approach over AI.
3. Meaning Over Aesthetics
Art is more than just “pretty pictures.” The power of art comes from its ability to convey meaning, provoke thought, or evoke emotion. My work always carries intent, seeking depth beyond surface-level aesthetics. I believe that giving meaning to my work is what separates art from mere decoration.
4. AI Isn’t Always Easy: The Myth of "Lucky Shots"
There’s a misconception that AI art is effortless—that you can just type a prompt, and voilà, a masterpiece appears. Yes, sometimes you get a lucky shot, but often it requires careful prompting, reworking, and refining. I spend significant time developing and engineering prompts to ensure the output aligns with my vision, turning rough ideas into crafted, intentional pieces.
5. Unique Outcomes: My Style, My Process
Through countless hours of data training, I’ve developed a unique style in AI-generated art. If two artists input the same prompt, our results will differ, because my process reflects my artistic voice, honed through my efforts to teach AI how to reflect my vision. The output is more than just the product of an algorithm—it’s the culmination of intentional craft, personalized techniques, and an artist’s touch.
6. Post-Processing: The Art of Making AI Real
In the images I create, attention to detail is key. AI can be imperfect—producing oddities like people with extra limbs, distorted objects, or architectural inconsistencies. I invest considerable effort into post-processing and retouching to ensure my work looks as real and refined as possible. My goal is for my images to feel plausible and coherent, free from distractions caused by AI’s occasional missteps.
7. Transparency: Acknowledging AI
Integrity matters. I believe in being transparent about using AI, and I make it a point to clearly state when it is involved in creating a piece. It’s important to acknowledge the role AI plays in shaping the art we see today and how it contributes to my own creative process.
8. Continuous Skill Development: Mastering the Tool
I actively strive to deepen my expertise in AI, constantly exploring new techniques and refining my workflow. The world of AI is moving quickly, and I challenge myself to continually learn and innovate within it. I embrace the potential of generative AI not just as a tool, but as a medium that requires skill and dedication.
In using AI, I aim to create work that is distinctly mine—guided by purpose, meaning, and a commitment to excellence. This is how I honor the potential of this powerful tool, not by replicating what already exists, but by creating something truly original.