Author: idumbuya22

This the link to my final-ai-project. Thank you so much professor Luers for a meaningful and life changing class.

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/final-ai-project/

AI and Cultural Identity

My final project and research essay is on AI and Cultural Identity. My central creative question is “How can AI celebrate cultural uniqueness without overstepping?”

Cultural evolution through art speaks to every human no matter the time and culture, from the cave paintings of prehistoric eras to the folk melodies that have withstood the test of time, we now stand at a crossroad where AI is poised to transform these expressions for a digital future. Here, I intend to contemplate the historical tapestry of cultural art and discuss how AI is not only discovering and preserving but also reimagining these age-old traditions. My central creative question seeks to understand how AI celebrates cultural uniqueness without overstepping its boundaries.

Over the past few years, we have seen AI emerging as a pivotal and crucial partner in the choreography of cultural identity within the digital world. As a digital artist, my expedition through the realms of AI has revealed its profound capability to not only generate imagery but also to intricately weave the rich tapestry of cultural identity into the fabric of modern expression.  cultural identity being transformed by AI. AI’s role in redefining cultural representation is grounded in its ability to learn and mimic complex patterns – not just visual, but also linguistic and symbolic. It also delves into the biases faced by people of color when they are looking for images of people of color. I will talk about how I manipulate AI to get what I want or not.

My final art gallery will be recreating my childhood memories with my late grandfather. I will use AI image generating APP DALL-E to recreate these memories.

In a 300-500 word blog post, describe how you’d use AI tools to start a creative AI business. Given that everyone has access to these tools how would you add something unique?

Starting a creative AI business in today’s world, where AI tools are widely available, poses a unique challenge. There is a lot to gain with the available tools and the value-added services one can offer. Here’s how I would use AI tools to create a distinct edge in a creative AI business.

Niche Specialization

First, I would identify a specific area that is lacking or has the potential for growth. This could be anything from AI-generated educational content to culinary art.  My niche would be a strong brand identity that resonates with my targeted audience.

Customization and Personalization

Using AI, I would offer high levels of customized and personalized services that are not easily replicable. For example, an AI-powered platform could generate unique artwork based on individual customer’s tastes and preferences or write personalized stories or music. The more tailored the result, the more value it has to the customer.

Human-AI collaboration

I will add a unique touch by combining the strengths of AI with human creativity. For instance, while AI can generate initial designs or concepts, a team of human artists could refine and add intricate details to the works, combining strengths. This approach ensures that the final product carries that human touch that AI alone cannot replicate.

Community Engagement

Building a community around the creative AI offerings can foster loyalty and provide valuable feedback for continuous improvement. Interactive platforms where users can contribute ideas, participate in the creation process, or tweak AI outputs to their liking would create a sense of ownership and involvement.

Education and Resources

Learning more on how to improve and become amazing at the business, offering educational resources, workshops, or online courses on how to leverage AI in creative fields could position the business at an advantage.

Sustainability and ethical use of AI

Emphasizing sustainable and ethical use of AI in creative endeavors could attract customers who value responsible business practices. This might involve transparent data usage policies, promoting the ethical implications of AI in art, or using AI to highlight social issues. By following these points, I believe I can have a wonderful business plan and a successful business.

1. Executive Summary

Business idea – I will Import and sell unique African goods on the U.S. market through Amazon, focusing on items such as handmade crafts, textiles, and artisanal foods that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Mission Statement – To bridge continents through commerce by providing U.S. consumers with authentic, high-quality African products, thereby supporting sustainable development in African communities.

Product/Services – Sale of African crafts, textiles, and artisanal foods.

Target Market – Eco-conscious consumers, enthusiasts of global arts and crafts, and individuals seeking authentic and sustainably sourced products from Africa.

Financial Highlights – Anticipate reaching break-even within the first two years with a projected growth rate of 20% annually as brand recognition and market penetration increase.

2. Company Description

Business Operations – Importing selected goods from African countries with a focus on fair trade and sustainability.

Objectives – Establish a recognized brand within the U.S. market for African goods, ensure sustainable growth, and support African artisans.

Differentiators – Commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and direct support to African communities. Use of Amazon’s vast logistics network to efficiently manage inventory and distribution.

3. Market Analysis

Industry Overview – Growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethically sourced products, with a niche market for African goods in the U.S.

Market Size and Growth – Increasing demand for ethnic and cultural products in the U.S., especially among millennials and Gen Z who value sustainability.

Target Demographic – Consumers aged 25-45, predominantly females who are engaged in social and environmental issues.

4. Organization and Management

Business Structure – LLC to protect personal liability with potential to transition to a corporation as the business expands.

Ownership – Sole proprietorship initially, with plans to include partners and possible investors.

Management Team – Comprised of individuals with experience in e-commerce, import/export regulation, and African market dynamics.

5. Products or Services

Offerings – Handmade crafts like jewelry, baskets, and sculptures; textiles including fabrics and fashion items; artisanal foods like spices and teas.

Benefits – Unique, high-quality products with cultural significance; support for sustainability and fair trade.

Product Lifecycle – Regular introduction of new products based on market trends and customer feedback.

6. Marketing and Sales Strategy

Marketing Tactics – Use of social media for brand awareness, collaborations with influencers within niche markets, SEO optimization, and Amazon’s advertising tools.

Sales Tactics – Competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, easy returns, and regular promotions on Amazon.

7. Funding Request

Funding Needs – $100,000 to cover initial inventory, shipping, and marketing expenses.

Usage of Funds – 40% inventory, 30% marketing and promotions, 30% operational costs.

Future Financial Strategies – Reinvest profits for the first two years, potential future funding rounds for scaling operations.

8. Financial Projections

Income Statements – Project revenue growth from $200,000 in the first year to over $500,000 by year three.

Cash Flow Statements – Positive cash flow expected by the end of the second year.

Break-even Analysis – Expected to break even by the end of the second year through effective cost management and sales strategies.

9. Appendix

Supplementary Materials – Resumes of key management, legal import documents, contracts with African suppliers, detailed market research reports, and any third-party logistics agreements.

Skills and Technology Overview

Identified Needs – Effective use of generative AI for market analysis, customer behavior prediction, inventory management, and personalized marketing on Amazon.

Current Skills Assessment

 Technical – Basic understanding of AI and machine learning concepts, some experience with data analytics tools.

 Creative – Strong in content creation and digital marketing, limited experience in AI-driven content personalization.

Skills Development Needs

 Technical – Advanced AI and machine learning training, especially in using AI for predictive analytics and automation.

 Creative – Enhancing abilities in using AI tools for generating marketing content and customer interaction automation.

Learning and Development Plan

Training Methods

 Online Courses – Enroll in specific courses for AI and machine learning applications in business, such as Coursera’s “AI For Everyone” and “Machine Learning for Business Professionals”.

 Workshops – Attend workshops and webinars focused on the practical applications of AI in e-commerce and logistics.

Self-Study – Regularly update knowledge through reading latest research and case studies on AI in e-commerce.

Project-Based Learning – Implement small, manageable projects using AI to handle real-time market data analysis and customer feedback processing.

Budget

 Courses – Allocate approximately $2,000 for enrolling in comprehensive AI and machine learning courses.

 Workshops and Webinars – Set aside $500 for attending relevant workshops.

 Materials – Budget $300 for books and online resources.

Project Implementation – Reserve around $1,200 for software tools and platforms necessary for project-based learning, including subscriptions to AI platforms.

 Total Budget: $4,000

This budget covers all aspects of my learning and development plan, ensuring that my team and I are equipped to effectively utilize AI technologies to drive business success. Integrating these advanced skills will not only optimize internal processes but also enhance your competitive edge in the marketplace by enabling more tailored and responsive customer engagement.

The role of AI

The role of AI in my business of importing and selling African goods in the U.S. through Amazon can be significant and multifaceted, enhancing various aspects of operations, marketing, customer service, and strategic decision-making. Here’s how AI can be integrated into different areas of my business:

Market and Customer Insights, inventory and Supply Chain Management, marketing, and Customer Engagement. Generative AI can create personalized marketing content, such as product descriptions, blog posts, or social media content that resonates with specific audiences.

AI can power chatbots and virtual assistants to provide real-time customer support, handle common inquiries, and resolve simple issues without human intervention. This improves customer satisfaction by reducing wait times and is available 24/7, ensuring support is available outside of typical business hours.

AI will analyze operational data to analyze operational data to suggest efficiencies and cost-saving measures. AI will also handle risk management associated with market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and compliance with import regulations. By analyzing historical data and current market conditions, AI can provide forecasts and alerts that help mitigate potential risks before they become problematic.

Implementation Strategy

To effectively integrate AI into my business operations, I will need a phased approach:

1. Initial Assessment – Evaluate existing processes to identify areas where AI can be most beneficial.
2. Skill Development – As outlined in the Learning and Development Plan, I will train my team in AI and machine learning.
3. Technology Adoption – Start with off-the-shelf AI tools tailored for e-commerce and gradually develop or customize tools as needed for more specific applications.
4. Monitoring and Optimization – I will Continuously monitor AI implementations and optimize them based on performance data and changing business needs.

This is my game

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/city-game/

1. • We all know that AI is quickly taking over the world, putting companies who do not use it at a disadvantage. Can you provide examples of how AI has led to breakthroughs in your creative process or output?
   • Using AI can be sometimes challenging as it is not perfect. What are the most significant challenges you face when incorporating AI into your projects, and how do you address them?
   • We do not want AI to take total control of Art because this can put artists out of work. How does AI facilitate collaboration between artists and technologists within your team?

Just like Amy Goodchild, I believe that the definition of generative arts to be inclusive and not restrictive because arts seem to appear in everything we do. Art permeates our lives in a multitude of ways even in ways we have no intention to appear artsy. Art enriches our daily experiences, influences our thoughts and feelings, and contributes to our culture and identity. Some of the way we chance upon art in our daily lives are through cooking, home décor, street art, and video games. The techniques Goodchild points at in her blog are mind-boggling and here are some of the techniques that interests me.

Randomness – Randomness drives most of what we think of as “generative art”, says Goodchild.

According to my understanding, Randomness refers to the lack of pattern or predictability in events.

Pseudorandom technique is also quite intriguing as it explains that several algorithms are widely used for pseudorandom number generation. This is an element in many fields of computer science, most importantly as it helps strike a balance between the need for randomness and the need for determinism and efficiency. Whenever pseudorandom is utilized, there must be an intended motive behind it. According to Goodchild, even if we do not consider these theoretical ideas, pseudorandommness and procedural number generators like Perlin noise provide us with stress-free nonetheless potent avenues to produce effective and varied results.

Another interesting one is the Cellular automa. This caught my attention because it tends to imitate real-life cells which grow by multiplying and forming life on their own.

“This results in surprisingly complex patterns across the whole grid, which are also determined by the starting pattern”, says Goodchild.

The kind of game genre my group member, Tiffany, and I want to create is a narrative game. We want to use ChatGPT to generate captivating visuals and sound elements that will help bring our game to life. This is an interesting and fun game we want to collaborate on and an educative one to embark on. However, we will be the ones to create the dialogue and push the game toward the direction we want it to go. Since I do not play games a lot and have limited knowledge in this area, but I read books and sort of see a co-relation in how to create a narrative, exploratory game structure, we decided to go with the idea.With my background in DTC 355 and DTC 477, I am responsible for creating HTML5, CSS and the JavaScript. However, my team member also helps creates prompts for ChatGPT to produce this cohesive and engaging game. At this point, we are working with ChatGPT, but it is sometimes frustrating as it does not produce exactly what you ask it to. Therefore, I will code and the both of us will still design the game and write the dialogue. My team member and I are learning as we experiment with the AI because we know that the possibilities are limitless. This narrative game will take the shape of a game whereby the characters will interact by talking to each other. The player can have the choice of moving ahead to the next scenario if they want without stopping to interact. My team member and I intend to build on the game as we make more research.

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/world/

This is my world-building website.

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/generative1/

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/generative2/

https://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/generative3/

http://dtc-wsuv.org/idumbuya22/band

My story will be primarily focused on the mysterious Mansa Musa. History has it that he was the richest man during his time. His generosity with gold and other resources had helped place Africa on the World Map. I will concentrate on his majestic physique, his bravery, his generosity toward family and his subjects and his amorous side which failed to surface in history books. My story will be a historical grandeur, blending the past and present in a seamless narrative. My story will depict a tale of strength, wealth, resilience, and love.

The visual style of the shots is a masterful fusion of historical depth and surreal narrative conveyed through the medium of double exposure photography and 4k ultra-realism. Some of the images exude the stoic presence of a leader whose likeness is drawn from Mansa Musa, layered atop ethereal scenes of his followers. The first shots are hyper-realistic, boasting a 4K ultra calotype quality, where every detail is rendered with crisp precision. In the other images, the landscape melds with the figures to tell a story of strength and unity. Some of the images have the ghostly elegance of an ambrotype, whilst others have a warm mystique calotype depicting the timeless struggle and enduring nature of the Mansa Musa and his subjects. These visual styles combined with the voices of Mansa Musa, which I generated using my World builder GPT and Sound creating apps like ELEVENLABS and Suno.AI will help produce cultural music, mystical drums/sound effects. Thanks to all of these AI resources, I will create a narrative tale that pays homage to the resilience of human spirit across the ages, embedded in a rich cultural tapestry.

AI CINEMA

There is no argument that AI helps a lot of people cut the amount of work in half, however, there is a growing fear around the world and especially in Hollywood. The fear is grabbing the artistic world, the tech world, film industry and almost every industry imaginable right now. Photographers and artists are worried that AI steals their work thus taking their income away.

According to the reading “Will AI change Hollywood”, we learnt that AI took the place of people who did jobs like pre-production, post-production, scriptwriting, special effects, audience analysis and distribution. AI is being used in creative and progressive ways. This took jobs from real people, thus creating a big unemployment gap in Hollywood and became a huge inconvenience for actors both dead and alive.

Hollywood used AI helpers to create films, however, it is noticeable that such scripts and films lack the humanity that makes a great screenplay. We can agree that AI helps screenwriters get over writer’s block. However, we cannot deny the fact that AI has been a real threat to the Writers’ guild Association. In the reading, (“Will AI change Hollywood Forever?”) we learnt that the National Association of Voice Actors, an advocacy group, insists that it is not anti-technology or anti-AI but is calling for stronger parameter. It advises that it is progressively hard to know when and where manufactured voices are replacing humans in audio books, video games and other media.

The group’s president, Tim Friedlander, says: “The biggest concern is that we just don’t know what’s out there and there’s no way to track it and no way to find out if it’s being used.

Just like the fears expressed in the article, we don’t know how much of our information is out there and being used without our knowledge.

It is actually alarming seeing that the film industry is relying more and more on AI, thus putting actors out of jobs. This could negatively affect the economy due to unemployment. Nonetheless, AI is moving fast and taking opportunities away from the hands of the people who need it.The good thing is that Hollywood still needs Scriptwriters because you can tell that AI material needs tension and human touch.

“None of this material is particularly good. The script lacks tension and poetic grace. The shot list is uninspired. And the video is just plain weird looking,” said Holli Willis, Professor of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California.

AI is going to be here for a long time if not forever. We have to know how to use and get the most out of it. It will probably put a lot of people out of jobs but it will need that human grace and touch to come alive.

My inspiration for creating a futuristic world with breathtaking characters stems from the history of King Mansa Musa of Mali, the richest man to ever live on planet earth.

The setting and era is in the heart of a reimagined 16th century West Africa, the legacy of Mansa Musa’s opulence lives on, but with a twist that artfully blends the rich history of the region with a visionary future of human-AI interaction.

From agriculture to education, everything thrived during his reign as he sponsored education, the Timbuktu Library and mosques. His generosity placed Mali on the world map and till today, Mali is renown for her gold and Artisans.

The theme I stuck with is photo-realism. I wanted to come up with ultra-realistic high resolution images, shot using High Dynamic Range (HDR). I prompted my GPT to make these characters exude confidence and poise. I emphasized to the GPT to pay extra attention to the futuristic and technological advancements in this society. I also made sure the GPT recognize that in this world, the occupants had glowing dark skin.

I discovered that you have to be particularly specific with the GPT so as to achieve your desired results. Overall, this experience was a fun one and I intend to interact with my GPT so as to explore the countless possibilities with AI and hyper-realistic image creation.

Below is my link to the google slides presentations.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQv7VDsNTlulao5dcLT_-l_ODVRc6Ddhqdbtfj0YRiiWnp5pqXY2yEKAlgCMQDc6HbH75m0VRaoKcvl/pub?start=false&loop=true&delayms=3000

Era and Setting: In the heart of a reimagined 16th century West Africa, the legacy of King Mansa Musa’s opulence lives on, but with a twist that artfully blends the rich history of the region with a visionary future of human-AI interaction.

Environment: This fictional world I created, is deeply rooted in the cultural bedrock of the past, it offers a vivid tableau of bustling markets under Moorish-inspired architecture, where the echoes of ancestral wisdom harmonize with the hum of advanced technology.

Food and Culture: The cuisine is a mosaic of tradition and innovation. Locusts, a major protein source, and shea butter, pivotal in both cooking and skincare, hint at the resilience and adaptability of this society. Amidst the three-horned livestock (a delightful divergence from our world), the people trade using cowrie shells, preserving the ancient currency of their ancestors while engaging with holographic displays that flicker above the marketplace like modern-day tapestries woven with light.

Economy: Here, the economy thrives on a unique barter system that underscores the importance of community and personal interaction, a stark contrast to the impersonal transactions often associated with futuristic economies. It’s a world where gold doesn’t just signify wealth but weaves itself into the very fabric of daily life, from the clothing to the stunning architecture, reminding us of the region’s historical grandeur.

Religion and Education: Religion and education form the twin pillars of this society, with universities flaunting Moorish elegance and a populace fluent in Arabic and English. This land houses the famous TIMBUKTU. The daily prayers resonate with the same devotion as they did centuries ago, yet the golden attire of the people reflects a society where wealth is abundant, and knowledge revered.

In this world I created, AI doesn’t detract from religious practice; instead, it offers a conduit for deeper reflection and understanding, bridging the gap between faith and progress.

Technology: Technological advancements are most poignantly observed in human-AI interactions. Large screens facilitate communication beyond borders with simple hand gestures, symbolizing a world where technology empowers, rather than isolates. AI here isn’t just a tool but a partner in maintaining the delicate balance between progress and tradition. It’s a testament to a society that values the augmentation of human capability without losing sight of its heritage.

Uniqueness: This visionary world’s uniqueness lies in its harmonious juxtaposition of the old and the new. The constant abundance of harvests hints at a society that has mastered the art of sustainability, likely aided by AI that optimizes agricultural processes while respecting the natural environment. The result is a civilization where technology doesn’t eclipse tradition but rather enhances it, allowing for a flourishing of culture, education, and spirituality.

As I reflect on the future of human-AI relationships within this imaginative realm, it becomes apparent that such a synergy can foster a society that neither rejects its past nor blindly rushes into the future. Instead, it cherishes its history while embracing the possibilities that AI brings. This world serves as a canvas, inviting us to envision a future where technology and humanity are not at odds but in concert, crafting a melody that resonates with the harmony of a society that honors where it has been as it embarks on the journey to where it will go.

In creating such a world, I am reminded of the boundless potential that lies in the interplay of human creativity and artificial intelligence, a dance of possibilities that could very well inform our own trajectory in the years to come.