Background & Inspiration

How did you first discover Midjourney, and what drew you to AI-generated art?

I've had a long journey, starting with photography several years ago. Unfortunately, I learned in 2019 I had multiple myeloma, an immune cancer that attacked my bones and caused many fractures. I found I was no longer able to use my camera effectively, and needed some other outlet. Initially I found 3D art, but I never really felt it was my solution. Eventually I learned about Midjourney, and was on my way again. I was able to create the images I wanted from imagination and a desktop computer.

Who or what are your biggest artistic influences, both in traditional and AI art?

My father was a tremendous influence. He was an amazing watercolorist. I think from very early on I was inspired by artists like N. C. Wyeth and John Waterhouse, but also by storybook artists like Edmund Dulac and Arthur Rackham. I love the interplay of medieval influences with later styles like pre-raphaelite art. And there are current influences. In AI art, I have so many friends I follow on Instagram, it would be difficult to list them all. Instagram is a tremendously supportive environment.

How has your artistic journey evolved since incorporating Midjourney into your practice?

Things have evolved in huge ways. I always considered myself mainly an illustrator, with fairytale and storybook leanings. Recently I was asked to illustrate an edition of Alice in Wonderland, and that's on my desktop at the moment. But more than that, I think I've evolved to accept my strengths (and weaknesses) in a way that makes me a more aware artist. I learn more about who I am and what I have to say every day.

Creative Process

Can you walk us through your typical workflow when creating a piece with Midjourney?

Well, the workflow depends on the requirements. In my personal work, I like using very sparse prompts - often just a line from a song, or from a poem. There is a huge amount of serendipity in what comes out of those prompts. If you are willing to wait, there is always something worth waiting for. I have a few favored artists I use for reference, but I would never want to usurp someone's style. Afterward there is always a lot of post work in Photoshop.

How do you approach prompt crafting? Do you have any specific techniques or strategies?

A subject I love! As I said, when I'm working on my own material, less is more. I like using just phrases, evocative lines from poems or songs - minimalism. Once I get into a flow, it's often necessary to "tweak" the prompt, but I generally like to leave it as basic as possible. I usually include a few artist references, and some style guidelines (dark tones versus light, etc.).

Artistic Vision

How would you describe your unique artistic style when using Midjourney?

Medieval. That's it in a word. I like bringing even modern ideas back to the Medieval period. Did I live back then in another life? No idea. Maybe. It's always just been a huge appeal to me. I love the style of Renaissance and Medieval artists, and the more recent pre-Raphaelite artists. It all works for me.

What themes or concepts do you find yourself exploring most often in your AI-generated art?

Generally I'm a portrait artist, but I love incorporating wildlife and botanical features, usually through collaging in post work.

How do you balance your artistic vision with the unpredictability of AI-generated results?

Unpredictability is the bomb! That's where the most interesting things come up. In work that I do for others, it's an annoyance, granted. Recently I spent a week, literally, getting a single useful image for a book project. But in my own work, I always hope for those surprise events that make AI so worthwhile. I love those late-night images that are so special they keep me from getting back to sleep.

Technical Insights

What are your favorite Midjourney features or commands, and why?

I like using cref. It's very helpful when you're working on a book project, for example. But even in my own personal work, it's wonderful to find a face that will carry forward through numerous different pieces. I've explored using the stylization and personalization commands, and I'm still working on these, but I still have not come up with the best results, for me. It's a work in progress.

Can you share any tips or tricks you've discovered for achieving specific effects or styles?

I think really the best tip of all is just to be dogged about what you're doing. It often takes hours and hours to get what you're looking for. Have some faith in your vison, modify the prompt if it seems necessary, and keep plugging away. I tend to stay away from the Midjourney "explore" function - a lot of people like that, but there is not much there that seems helpful to me.

How do you approach post-processing or editing of your Midjourney-generated images?

A lot of what I do is post-processing in Photoshop - I think it's vital. Working with a Medieval style image, for example, color correction is a must. Things can just come out so muddy in Midjourney. I also like working with collaging in photoshop, and I'm fond of many (!) textural components and overlays that create an ambience.

Impact and Future

How has working with Midjourney impacted your overall artistic practice or career?

Midjourney is pretty much everything to me at this point. I'm not a traditional artist - I don't draw or paint. I can overpaint some aspects of my images, but it's just not my real strength. Photography is a possibility, but not very appealing right now. I'm so happy to have found this way to express myself artistically.

What excites you most about the future of AI-generated art?

I've worked with Midjourney from v 4 through v 6.1, and the changes in output are so dramatic! I can't wait to see what happens next! I do hope there will be more work on the cref feature that permits illustrators to carry a character through a storyline. But I'm sure that's coming. Apart from that, I'm just waiting to see what's in the pipeline. I'm sure it will be a pleasure to work with.

Do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions featuring your Midjourney work?

As I mentioned, I am working on a book project, but still can't talk much about it due to contractual obligation. I hope to illustrate more books. I'm totally open to exhibitions, but I live out in the sticks (!) and don't really have a huge artistic community nearby. Virtual exhibitions would be great. I scan various internet sites for open calls when I have the time.

How do you view the role of the artist in the age of AI-generated art?

I don't agree that AI is not "art." I think every time there has been a sea-change in the art world (photography, impressionism, abstract art) there have always been detractors. If we listened to them, there would never have been a Van Gogh. I think the artist who uses AI art - and *really* uses it, not just making something pretty and leaving it at that - is using a new technological tool that is here to stay. Let's celebrate that, and find a way to make it the most innovative tool we can.

What do you say to critics who argue that AI-generated art isn't "real" art?

Recently someone on Instagram commented about one of my pieces, “Ugh. AI is everywhere.” Actually, it is. It's here to stay. It's not different from most other technological advancements, such as photography. In the hands of someone who really wants to make art it can be a remarkable asset. We all know of people who just put together something pretty and call it their own. Real AI artists are not doing that. They work at what they do in the same way that other artists through the centuries have worked. Some of the most innovative things I've seen artistically in the last couple of years have been generative art - things that leave me breathless. People are doing amazing things.

How do you ensure your Midjourney creations maintain a personal touch or signature style?

That's a really important issue. To me, post-work is an important part of that - making sure that the work is your own in your own special way. I like to use a lot of collaging and texturing. Sometimes the piece really can just stand on its own, but I still like to tweak it a bit in my own style. It's not really mine until I've done something extra to it.

Collaboration and Community

Have you collaborated with other artists using Midjourney? If so, how was that experience?

I did that once! It was fun. I was working with an artist whose style has always intrigued me but is very different from mine. It was a pretty smooth experience, and I was happy with the outcome. I'm open to doing it again. It's a good way to grow.

How do you engage with the Midjourney community, and what value do you find in it?

I guess I engage with the Midjourney community mostly through Instagram. I think it's always beneficial to see what other people are doing, and I usually do some searches once a week or so.

What advice would you give to artists just starting out with Midjourney?

Take some online classes. Invest in the best Midjourney plan you can afford and spend a lot of time with the system. Find your own voice. Know what you want to do and how you want to do it.