Nov. 29, 2024
Málaga, Spain
Introduction
Olga Volosin is an artist based in Málaga, Spain, whose exploration of artificial intelligence through Midjourney has profoundly impacted her creative process. Initially drawn to AI art via a discovery on LinkedIn, Olga quickly integrated Midjourney into her workflow as a graphic designer, finding it an invaluable tool for transforming ideas into high-quality visuals with exceptional efficiency. Her artistic journey has been marked by an unwavering focus on innovation, minimalism, and a meticulous approach to detail, ensuring her creations are both elegant and free of imperfections.
Through her dedication to crafting unique Midjourney prompts, Olga has developed a distinctive style that blends simplicity with refined aesthetics. Her work spans themes of product photography, mockups, and experimental techniques, reflecting a deep commitment to both artistry and technical precision. In addition to her creative pursuits, she actively shares her expertise with the AI art community, offering resources and inspiration to help others navigate the evolving landscape of AI-generated art.
Interview
How did you first discover Midjourney, and what drew you to AI-generated art?
I stumbled upon Midjourney on LinkedIn, which was love at first sight! As I delved deeper into the tool, I became increasingly enamored with its capabilities. I was amazed by how seamlessly my ideas could be brought to life through Midjourney's AI-generated art. This has had a profound impact on my work as a graphic designer, allowing me to produce high-quality designs at an unprecedented speed and efficiency.
How has your artistic journey evolved since incorporating Midjourney into your practice?
Midjourney has transformed my workflow, freeing up time for me to focus on personal growth, pursue my own creative projects, and bring my innovative ideas to life.
Can you walk us through your typical workflow when creating a piece with Midjourney?
- Idea
- Search for references
- Creating a prompt
- Testing
- Testing
- And testing again
- Selecting 2-3 good options
- And a feeling of happiness)
How do you approach prompt crafting? Do you have any specific techniques or strategies?
While I typically follow the guidelines provided on the official Midjourney website, I also enjoy experimenting and pushing the boundaries by combining different styles and colors to create unique and innovative results.
What's the most challenging aspect of working with Midjourney, and how do you overcome it?
I've found that Midjourney is a thrilling adventure, where discovering something specific often leads to unexpected and fascinating new discoveries. Like individuals, Midjourney is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and I appreciate its unique character. As I learn and grow, Midjourney learns and adapts alongside me, and together we craft something truly beautiful and innovative.
Do you use any style reference codes? If So, which are your favorites?
I've accumulated a vast library of Midjourney prompts, which has become my go-to resource for creative inspiration. With my extensive collection, I rarely need to venture beyond my own curated set of prompts, as they provide me with a wealth of possibilities for my work.
How would you describe your unique artistic style when using Midjourney?
I strive to deliver high-quality work, even if it requires extra effort. I'm meticulous about ensuring that my creations are free from any imperfections or "artifacts". I approach my job with integrity, always aiming to produce honest and authentic results. To stay versatile and adaptable, I enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques. However, my true passion lies in minimalism, where simplicity and elegance come together to create something truly beautiful.
What themes or concepts do you find yourself exploring most often in your AI-generated art?
I delight in discovering exquisite and one-of-a-kind Midjourney prompts that inspire me. I'm also passionate about product photography and mockups, where I can bring my creative vision to life. Additionally, I dedicate a significant amount of time to testing and refining prompts, constantly seeking to improve my skills and push the boundaries of what's possible with Midjourney.
How do you balance your artistic vision with the unpredictability of AI-generated results?
I'm thrilled with the results Midjourney produces! Often, the AI-generated art exceeds my expectations, delivering outcomes that surpass my initial imagination. However, if I'm not entirely satisfied, I put on my detective hat and embark on a mission to find the perfect prompt, sref code, reference, or combination of elements that will yield the desired result.
What are your favorite Midjourney features or commands, and why?
I'm absolutely delighted by the ability to search for sref codes using the "-- sref random" feature - it's always a thrilling experience! I also appreciate how seamlessly Midjourney integrates with references, allowing me to fine-tune my prompts and achieve the desired outcome. Furthermore, I enjoy the suggestions provided by Midjourney for prompts and descriptions, which often spark new ideas and inspiration.
Can you share any tips or tricks you've discovered for achieving specific effects or styles?
I would recommend being patient and persistent, as success with Midjourney often requires time and experimentation. Don't be discouraged if things don't work out as expected initially - keep testing and refining your approach. Additionally, stay informed and engaged by following experienced users who share their knowledge and expertise. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to overcome challenges and achieve the desired results.
How do you approach post-processing or editing of your Midjourney-generated images?
I completely understand that the outcome depends on your final goal. If you're aiming for higher quality, you can certainly achieve that by combining Midjourney with other tools. Additionally, you can further refine and enhance the image using industry-standard software like Illustrator and Photoshop.
How has working with Midjourney impacted your overall artistic practice or career?
The impact of Midjourney on my work has been profound. My productivity has increased significantly, allowing me to bring my ideas to life more quickly and efficiently. I've been able to showcase my concepts in a tangible form, rather than just describing them. As a result, I've gained more subscribers who are interested in my work, and I've even received numerous job offers, which is a testament to the value that Midjourney has brought to my creative endeavors.
What excites you most about the future of AI-generated art?
I've always been in awe of talented individuals, and I firmly believe that when their skills are combined with the capabilities of artificial intelligence, the potential for groundbreaking projects and innovations is limitless. Midjourney, in my opinion, is a testament to this concept, as it is an instrument that has been shaped by a talented person who has harnessed the power of AI to create something truly remarkable.
Do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions featuring your Midjourney work?
Currently, I don't have any large-scale projects in the works, but I'm actively sharing my Midjourney ref code collections on Gumroad.com. I'm also planning to create and publish similar collections focused on writing prompts, which I'm excited to share with the community.
How do you view the role of the artist in the age of AI-generated art?
As I mentioned earlier, I have immense respect for artists, and I believe that their unique vision is a key aspect of their creative genius. When an artist combines their vision and talent with the capabilities of artificial intelligence, the result is truly unparalleled. The fusion of human creativity and AI's processing power has the potential to produce something truly revolutionary, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this intersection of art and technology.
What do you say to critics who argue that AI-generated art isn’t “real” art?
AI-generated art is a collaborative process that relies on human input and direction. The fact that AI-generated art requires a human request to produce anything underscores the crucial role that human creativity and vision play in the process. This highlights the importance of the talented individual behind the AI-generated art, whose unique idea and artistic vision are the driving forces behind the creation. In this sense, it's only fitting to refer to the output as art, as it is a manifestation of the human creative spirit.
How do you ensure your Midjourney creations maintain a personal touch or signature style?
Just as it was before the advent of Midjourney, uniqueness is the initial spark that sets the creative process in motion. Everything that follows is a variation, a copy, or an iteration, and it's only when we're able to tap into our own unique perspective and vision that we can truly create something original and innovative.
Have you collaborated with other artists using Midjourney? If so, how was that experience?
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Midjourney, and it's been a fascinating experience. This joint development has allowed me to work together with the AI, exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of creativity.
How do you engage with the Midjourney community, and what value do you find in it?
The Midjourney community has been incredibly helpful, especially for those just starting out in this field. It's a valuable resource that provides support, guidance, and inspiration, helping to ease the transition into the world of AI-generated art.
What advice would you give to artists just starting out with Midjourney?
Don’t be too hard on yourself if your early attempts don’t turn out as expected. It’s a process, and it takes time to develop your skills.