A Journey from Concept to Print
In the age of AI, creating compelling digital artwork might seem effortless to some, but as someone who has been immersed in photography and image creation for over 20 years, I can tell you that the process is anything but simple. Crafting the perfect image for my website, Planet Dada, involves a meticulous journey of creativity, technical precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In fact, it can take hundreds of attempts, hours of retouching, and multiple software tools to create an image worthy of print.
The Power of AI: My Starting Point
I use Midjourney, an AI tool that provides a vast array of possibilities for generating stunning visuals. But my process doesn't end with a single AI-generated image. In fact, the journey is just beginning. For every piece you see on my website, I’ve gone through at least 500 different versions. Why so many? Because I believe in the importance of choice and refinement. It’s a selective, artistic process where only the most unique and compelling images rise to the top.
Patience and Precision in Retouching
The retouching phase is where the magic truly happens, and it’s here that my decades of photography experience come into play. I spend up to six hours on a single image during this phase, using Photoshop to perfect every detail. Whether it's enhancing colors, improving composition, or refining textures, retouching demands patience, technical expertise, and an eye for detail. This isn’t about quick filters or shortcuts—it’s about crafting a visual masterpiece.
Photoshop is just the start. I often work across 3, 4, or even 5 different pieces of software to get the result I’m after. Each tool has its own unique purpose, from sharpening details to ensuring the image meets the high resolution requirements necessary for large-scale printing.
Perfection for Print
Printing at a large scale demands an understanding of technical requirements that go beyond the digital screen. I’ve worked with large-scale printing for years, so I know the importance of resolution, color balance, and pixel-perfect details. Nothing makes it onto my website unless it’s perfect, because I want each image to not just look good on-screen, but to truly shine as a physical print.
The Complexity of Creation
If someone thinks creating AI art is easy, they likely haven’t gone through the intricate process of bringing an AI-generated image to life. It’s not just about hitting “generate” and uploading the result. It’s about knowing what makes an image stand out, understanding composition and color, and mastering the technical side of post-processing.
This is a highly creative endeavor that combines traditional art skills with cutting-edge technology. From selecting the perfect AI-generated concept to meticulously retouching the image and preparing it for print, every step requires time, talent, and technical expertise.
Conclusion: An Artistic Journey
My method for creating AI images is a blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. It's a journey of refining, retouching, and pushing the boundaries of creativity. It’s a labor of love, where only the best survive, and where each image tells a unique story of its creation.
If you’re browsing my website, Planet Dada, know that each image is the product of hours of work, multiple tools, and a deep commitment to artistry. The prints I sell represent not just the future of AI, but the merging of decades of photographic experience with the exciting potential of new technologies.
