Shannon Guo

Blog Post: AI Business Plan

My AI business plan focusing on mixed media art education for children aged 7-10. I’ve tried to make it more structured and clear, with a focus on the essentials for such a curriculum. And emphasizing continual adjustment and improvement based on student feedback and learning progress.

Project Summary:

  • Philosophy: This program is designed to empower young artists by teaching them to creatively use traditional art techniques and a variety of materials. Through modular projects, each child can progress at their own pace, ensuring that learning is both deep and enjoyable.
  • Vision Statement: “Cultivating creativity and confidence in young artists through a flexible and engaging modular art curriculum.”
  • Skills and Techniques: The curriculum will focus on different art mediums including pencils, charcoal, crayons, oil pastel, pastel, and watercolors etc. Each module will introduce a specific medium or technique, allowing for gradual and comprehensive skill development.

Needs Assessment:
There is a clear need for art education programs that accommodate varying skill levels and entry points throughout the year. Modular projects cater to this need by allowing students to join and integrate smoothly at any time without disrupting their learning progression or the flow of the class.

Skills and Technology Overview:

  • Required Skills:
    Mastery of various traditional art techniques. Ability to guide students in exploring artistic expressions through different materials. Capability to adapt teaching methods to individual student needs and paces
  • Development Needs:
    Regular updates to module content to include diverse techniques and materials. Ongoing professional development for teachers to stay current with educational strategies

Learning and Development Plan:
The curriculum will consist of a series of modular projects, each designed to last one to two months. These projects will be self-contained with specific objectives and outcomes, focusing on different artistic techniques and media.

Application and Impact:
Students will use the skills developed in each module to create individual and collaborative artworks. This structured yet flexible approach will foster a strong foundation in art, enhance creativity, and build confidence. The adaptability of the curriculum makes art education accessible and enjoyable for all students, regardless of when they start.

Project Timeline:

  • Module Planning and Development (Month 1-2): Design initial modules and prepare resource kits.
  • Implementation of Initial Modules (Month 3-4): Launch the first series of modules, adjusting based on student feedback.
  • Ongoing Module Rotation and Development (Month 5 onwards): Continue introducing new modules, cycling through different techniques and materials. Periodically update and refine modules based on educational trends and student needs.

Budget:
Materials: $150 per student for initial art kits, plus $50 per student for each new module to cover replenishments and new materials.
Instructor Training: $200 per teacher monthly for workshops and training sessions. Module Development: $1,000 initially for creating detailed module guides and resources, with an ongoing budget of $300 every quarter for updates.

Evaluation and Reflection:
Success will be evaluated through student progress in each module, feedback from students and parents, and the adaptability of the curriculum in meeting diverse student needs. Reflections and adjustments will be made after each module to enhance the curriculum and address any identified gaps.

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AI Group Game

Group Game Link

My team has been repeatedly editing, discussing, and revising this project. We operate through cross-functional collaboration and mutual support. I appreciate the efforts of all my team members. My responsibilities included detailing the early game descriptions, modifying images, and coding the cover. I worked with Zelin Ma and Gissell Ortega-Villanueva.

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Blog Post: Project Idea and Essay Topic

Regarding the theme of my final project and research paper, I remain committed to envisioning a fashion illustration museum website, aligning with the initial plan I conceived at the semester’s start. Through a rough understanding of the requirements of the Multimodal Reflective Essay, I realized that the construction of a website is a mandatory requirement. Therefore, the direction of my research paper focuses on the content. My final artwork will delve into the technical aspects of image generation, with plans to incorporate a fashion-themed game, though its completion within the project timeline remains uncertain. During the class, I created a new GPT assistant to aid in my final project. Unlike my original assistant, which aided in developing the website by providing creative inputs and strategic AI tool usage, this new assistant focuses on game development.

In planning my thesis, I will explore integrating technology, art, and interactive elements within a fashion context. This involves unifying the project’s narrative across text, visual art, and gaming, ensuring website usability, and prompting reflections on fashion art. A challenge of mine is maintaining a consistent style across different mediums, connecting fashion illustrations with the game, and fostering user interaction. The use of AI tools has highlighted their potential and limitations in creating fashion illustrations, an area of both excitement and concern for me. Ethical considerations regarding AI’s use in my project involve navigating the balance between AI autonomy and my creative perceptions. My choices prioritize aesthetic judgment over AI outputs, ensuring my artistic integrity remains uncompromised.

In short, I want to make this project into a multi-dimensional experience, merging AI technology with fashion art. Moving forward, I will carefully refine my topic’s direction and detail the key content in my essay.

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Blog Post: Happy Finish

  1. In most of your projects, how long does it usually take to complete a project? How big a role does AI technology play in improving efficiency?
  2. I think the “V&A | Made in Code” project is a cool design. It allows people of different ages, genders and body types to experience the feeling of wearing Maria Grachvogel’s brand. My question is, what gives you the impetus to develop this kind of innovative technology? (For example, were there industry insights or consumer behavior trends that highlighted a gap or opportunity in the market for virtual try-on experiences? Or something else).
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Blog Post: Generative Art

In this article, I have learned a lot of knowledge about generative art, and there are many parts I am interested in. Amy Goodchild unfolds a broad spectrum of information, showcasing the multifaceted expressions of generative art. Whether it’s the interplay between randomness and rules or the fusion of art and technology, I have developed a great interest in generative art.

  1. Randomness, in particular, strikes me as immensely enjoyable, offering a rich vein of creative inspiration. This process resembles brain development, where our subjective consciousness might be “misunderstood,” yet it operates within certain boundaries. It’s this balance between control and spontaneity in randomness that captivates me.
  2. The concept of pseudorandomness is equally intriguing—utilizing an algorithm with “seeds” to generate outcomes. The capabilities of p5.js code, from drawing and animating to experimenting with randomness, were revelations to me. Discovering the pseudorandom number generator (prng) opened my eyes to blending control with unpredictability, letting artists navigate creativity amidst structured chaos. The idea that “When the algorithm is given the same seed, it produces the same results each time” is something I’m eager to explore further, hoping to verify Goodchild’s observations in practice.
  3. True Randomness sounds interesting too, simulating a natural phenomenon (like rain falling on a window), and hopefully I can try this technique in the future.

I appreciate that she quotes many creative concepts and examples of artists, and vividly analyzes the connection between generative art, traditional art and reality. It’s very educational. For example, she mentions how the Proposal in Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing interacts with humans, as if the relationship between an artist and a computer algorithm is so similar. Another example is Studio Moniker’s project, which connects many interesting thoughts. The image of uncertainty in a computer program is like the interaction between people in a game, and at that moment I seemed to feel that the code is not cold, they can follow instructions like humans can ignore it. Goodchild’s Simulated Ecosystems are also interesting. Those elements simulate the phenomena of reproduction and extinction in the biological chain, and are presented in a way that breaks the grid, making the generative art more meaningful.

Amy Goodchild’s discussion on the relationship between generative art and abstract art is also interesting. Her exploration of generative art is not just about how technology creates art, but also explores the philosophy of art and how much control the artist has over the final work. Generative art blurs the boundaries between artist, tool and observer, so generative art is not just a set of code, behind it is also under the control of the artist and generated with the help of digital tools.

Interestingly, my first encounter with generative art was over a decade ago, though it was merely a fleeting moment then. At the time, I wasn’t aware that the images I admired were known as generative art. This semester, the term ‘Generative Art’ rekindled that dormant memory, offering me a long-awaited introduction to the concept. Thank you Will for sharing in the AI class.

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Blog Post: Team Game

I don’t have much experience playing games, but I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn more about it. Through a brief thought, I’m interested in narrative games, exploratory games (world-building), and physics games. and I’ve identified a few game genres that pique my interest:

  1. Platformer Games. I think this kind of game usually doesn’t take too much time to play, it’s easy for users to experience the game content in a short period of time. So I think it’s a good choice.
  2. Platformer with Dynamic Environments. Similar to platformers but with environments that change or react to player actions. This can include platforms that move, levels that alter their layout, or environments that respond dynamically to player progress. I think this is a little more challenging than the first one, to spend a bit more time thinking about the environmental design.
  3. Escape Game with Environmental Puzzles. I like this type of game because I think creating an environment should be a fun process, and creating puzzles keeps the user’s attention. I’m curious whether we can integrate generative art elements into this genre, which would necessitate further exploration.
  4. Role-Playing and Simulation. This type of game focuses on taking on roles and performing activities within a simulated world. I chose it because I saw my daughter playing these kinds of games, with a real user playing, I think it would be a good choice. Players may develop characters, interact with other characters or environments, and follow storylines or missions. Simulation aspects can add depth, providing a more immersive experience. Of course, it depends on how much time our team has to control, and based on our time, we’ll decide based on how effectively we can implement our ideas within the set timeframe.

As for the role of design development, I’m interested in coding and confident in design. I can help the team with code editing, as long as I have a clear vision with our team and communicate how each of us wants the game to be structured and effective. I can also do the design part. I think I can make contributions to our team from picture composition and color theory, as well as character design. I will try to make every visual element, from the background to the character design, consistent with the theme of the game and enhance the player’s experience.

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Blog Post: AI and Coding

Coding will become easier in the future, lowering the barrier to learning to code. But I don’t think this means that coders will lose their jobs, because some of them will probably become more efficient and proficient in coding structures, focusing on more complex specialized areas of software development. Others may shift their focus to leveraging AI tools to enhance their productivity, rather than dedicating extensive time to mastering complex programming languages. Because AI can make the interface intuitive, their time learning code is diverted from thinking about innovation and solving problems. We humans are now aware of certain drawbacks of AI, such as its impact on human employment and information security. In the future, then, we will certainly monitor the safety and reliability of AI because of these concerns. In addition, workers in all fields, even without a programming background, can use AI to serve them and increase productivity. A few months ago, I followed the biographies of some Japanese cartoonists. It is said that it is common for professional cartoonists to stay up all night to meet deadlines. If cartoonists utilize AI assistance, it could significantly aid them in various aspects, such as developing character backstories and enhancing creativity. Such as assisting in developing detailed character backstories, personalities, and motivations. Humans and AI are likely to have more collaborative interactions in the future, with advantages for both sides. At least now I feel that AI has saved a lot of time for my design work, but I also don’t want to rely on AI and ignore my learning goals and creative passion. So in this process, I hope to know and understand more about what AI can do, and I can learn knowledge through AI. I hope that we humans can make better use of AI, rather than blindly abuse it. In this way, in the future, we will feel at ease and interact with AI, rather than being led by the nose of a more intelligent AI in the future.

The big thing about software, game, app, and web development is how AI will change the way these fields work. AI can now perform basic coding tasks and take advantage of computers to read faster and reduce programming errors. So these capabilities offer significant convenience for coders, saving time and allowing them to concentrate on more intricate tasks. Let developers focus on more complex and challenging code work. Developers can now shift their focus to more visual and complex aspects of coding, rather than investing excessive time in basic coding tasks. In addition, user experience has become a key research direction, that is, paying more attention to the process of human-computer interaction. Communication between software, game, app, and web development has also become smoother, with AI acting as a multi-channel bridge to help developers get familiar with workflows and use skills faster.

Initially, my understanding of AI’s impact on future industries was vague. Through reading relevant information, I gradually deepened my understanding of AI, and I realized that AI will have a great impact on the change of future jobs. For example, roles focused on basic coding may become less prevalent, while demand for advanced coding positions is likely to rise. It seems that the ubiquity of AI in the future will be as realistic as everyone has at least one mobile phone today. We have realized that sensitive issues such as ethics and bias in AI are bound to persist both now and in the future, so some people may find jobs in areas such as improving quality and reliability, reducing bugs, and improving the user experience.

The advocacy for lifelong learning as a means of self-cultivation and continual progress is well recognized. When I understand the multifaceted impact of the development of AI on human progress, I once again realize the necessity of lifelong learning. So my plan for the future is to embrace AI as it comes, learn to understand it, use it, help improve my understanding, and expand my knowledge. I feel that AI will unlock learning opportunities that were previously difficult to access. Its appearance reminds me that we humans are like another chance to see the world on the shoulders of giants. I want to make good use of the learning convenience and opportunities that AI brings us to create new things. Maybe this overview may seem broad, but I really hope that we can all move in a good direction.

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Blog Post: Video Sequence

I plan to transform the scenes from my visual#2 into a dynamic one-minute short film. The story will begin by showcasing the qualities of the fictional world, such as, highlighting the convergence of intelligence and wealth from creatures across the universe, its advanced architecture, and sentient flora. Then, I will introduce the protagonist, Lysara, detailing her physical characteristics. Following this, a scene will depict her work, where she elucidates the complexity of the universe to visitors on the observation deck. As the narrative unfolds, Lysara meets Elise, an Earthling who has been mysteriously transported to here. Lysara reveals to Elise the intellectual wealth of the planet, showcasing the integration of time, space, and culture. Tailoring her explanation to engage with Elise’s background as a designer, Lysara highlights how Elise’s expertise could promote intercultural dialogue and foster connections across the cosmos. Inspired by these insights, Elise chooses to stay, embarking on a journey of transformation and achieving success in this new realm. The story will reflect the efforts of advanced workers on a fictional world, have profoundly influenced many, establishing her as a worthy guardian of cosmic balance and a facilitator of interworld connections.

Regarding the visual style of my fictional world, I want to represent a high-concept, futuristic visual style blending surrealism and organic aesthetics. For example, the architecture will feature smooth lines, and the transportation system will be portrayed as sustainable and interconnected. The plants will provide illumination and interact with the inhabitants. In depicting Lysara’s appearance, I plan to use close-up shots to capture her essence vividly. I will employ wide-angle shots to show Lysara’s work and encompass the environment and tighter, compact shots to focus on her interactions with visitors, maintaining a brisk pace. During the conversations between Lysara and Elise, I will use closer shots to convey Elise’s curiosity effectively. I will also use a montage style to portray her transformation. For sound, I envision using the soft hum of machinery and the rustling of sentient plants to reflect the world’s biological diversity and technological sophistication. I will use subtle sound effects to highlight the activation of the temporal gate and nuanced shifts in Lysara’s expressions. About music, I am considering a blend of electronic and certain instrument elements to evoke a futuristic ambiance.

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In-class Exercise: New Album Promotional Slideshow

Gissell Ortega-Villanueva & Shannon Guo

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Blog Post: A Fictional World

These three artworks are so interesting, I wish I could create a series of whimsical illustrations like the Codex Seraphinianus. I admire Luigi Serafini’s perseverance in making this book and the extraordinary ideas he shows without the help of artificial intelligence. I’m also impressed by The Visual Dome. Dome seems to master the capabilities and logical language of AI, combining artistic aesthetics, his design thinking, and AI technology proficiency in visual creation. Additionally, I am in awe of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s boundless imagination in his films.

I plan to draw inspiration from utopias and real life to build a fictional world where culture and technology merge seamlessly. An unconventional perspective, as described by Jodorowsky’s Dune. I will articulate my vision to the AI and have it generate visual renderings that align with my ideas and aesthetics. For text, I intend to write short storylines and use AI to expand these scenes’ descriptions, akin to how Serafini created narratives in unknown languages. I aim for my stories to be both visually and textually compelling, encouraging readers to explore this world. I may also use AI to create a map to further develop the story.

My first step is to research and gather inspiration. In addition to learning from the three works mentioned above, I will explore more materials to broaden my horizons. Next, I’ll define my vision for the virtual world, specifying the content and themes I aim to create. I’ll then use AI to generate both text and visual imagery. This step, I will test repeatedly in AI until I achieve the visual effect I want. The theme I want to study may be a future utopian world in which nature, technology, and alien species are intertwined, a symbiotic relationship and a conflict-free society. I also like the mysterious world where strange creatures and humans coexist.

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Blog Post: AI Cinema

I think the AI Cinema does bring some opportunities for the film industry. AI provides efficient workflows, increases special effects, and provides new tools for creativity. Both articles mention script writing that AI can analyze existing scripts and create new ones in a short amount of time. At this point, AI does bring great convenience to the work of professionals. AI helps reduce production costs. For example, David Smith mentioned that AI saves production money by providing special effects in the film frame. Not only that, AI optimizes distribution strategies for audience preferences. For the film industry, this not only helps filmmakers grasp the creative direction and save time but also brings more optimized business opportunities for the film market.

AI also introduces several unavoidable risks. Regarding employment, I echo Justine Bateman’s concerns from “How AI Took Center Stage In The Hollywood Writers’ Strike” about the potential for unskilled individuals to masquerade as talented professionals, complicating talent identification for businesses. Additionally, there’s the risk of AI replacing numerous jobs in the film industry, leading to significant job loss. Regulatory challenges also arise as AI may indiscriminately amalgamate data sources without the ability to trace or safeguard the original materials. For example, the use of individuals’ images and voices by AI to create misleading political documentaries could have severe societal and global consequences. This situation could also demotivate writers, who fear their hard work might be appropriated and exploited by AI unconditionally, and even ultimately replaced.

With the rapid development of AI technology, its influence on the film industry and employment within it is set to increase. The potential misuse of one’s image is a concern for filmmakers. Recognizing this early, clarifying the regulatory regime and protecting the integrity of the creative industries may be the homework that the film industry has to do. The efficiency and accessibility of AI is an excellent means for independent artists who don’t have enough money. Therefore, AI for Hollywood entertainment and independent artists will provide their innovative efficiency, but also a challenge. Keeping an eye on resource management and adherence to ethics is essential.

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Writing Exercise: Fictional AI World

Intro
The fictional world I originally wanted to build was a place with gates that allow travel through time and space, enabling people to visit any location or era they desire. People can go anywhere they want at any time through these doors, and they can also go to different periods to learn about the past and the future. I was inspired by Anywhere Door, a prop from the manga Doraemon. How wonderful it would be if Anywhere Door really existed. With this hypothesis, a question immediately came to my mind, why do people feel like time passes faster as they get older? People curious about the world, and as people grow older, we may reflect on the good things we have experienced in the past or change certain regrets. For example, people who live in different places want to spend more time with their families. Along this line of thought, I began the perfect fantasy of my fictional world.


Era and Landscape
I set this fictional AI world in a future era where technology and magic are intertwined. This world has a unique possibility that challenges the traditional boundaries between the possible and the impossible. It is a utopian transit planet designed to facilitate travel for travelers from all over the universe. The travelers who come here can go wherever they want and whenever they want. This planet is not just a transit station, but a melting pot of culture, technology, and magic from every corner of the universe.

Environment
Bathed in soft, ethereal light, the planet showcases futuristic architecture, with buildings made from starlight-reflective materials, their shapes fluid and dynamic. Sentient flora and advanced machinery harmonize, creating a symphony of natural and technological beauty. The climate is meticulously tailored to accommodate diverse life forms, ensuring comfort across varied ecosystems.

Food and Cultural
The planet thrives on diversity, catering to the nutritional preferences of its myriad inhabitants with sentient flora and self-renewing resources. Food preparation merges human culinary practices with those of alien cultures, ensuring harmony. Artistic expression is paramount, blending human and alien aesthetics in sculptures, holographic narratives, and music, facilitating multi-species communication.

Economy
Eschewing traditional material wealth, the economy values knowledge, experiences, and soulful richness, supported by a sustainable system of renewable resources. Advanced technology and magic work in tandem, ensuring the planet’s role as a central hub without resource depletion. Exchange transcends conventional trade, favoring knowledge and experiences, within an egalitarian framework of participation.

Religion and Education
The planet embraces a non-sectarian spiritual outlook, respecting nature and the cosmos. Education prioritizes lifelong learning and the exploration of technology and magic, offering courses in intercultural communication, alien languages, and ethical technological use. Mentorship programs led by human and alien experts guide learners through the universe’s complexities, fostering intelligence, empathy, and peaceful coexistence principles.

Technology
Advanced machinery coexists with magic, reflecting in the architecture that mirrors the cosmos’s beauty and in weather regulation systems that cater to all species. AI and machine learning enhance communication, while time and geographical gates—technological sculptures with deep allegorical meanings—offer gateways to any era or location, guided by alien companions versed in cosmic lore.

Conclusion and Uniqueness
This fictional world has a special kind of ecosystem, with sentient plants and self-regenerating planetary resources. The boundaries of technology and magic blend seamlessly, and the coexistence and cooperation between humans, aliens, and artificial intelligence are all highlights of this world. Advanced machinery and sentient plants co-exist with the inhabitants, indicating the deep integration of technology with the natural and social fabric of this world. The level of AI is not only advanced but intrinsically connected to the daily lives of humans and aliens, who improve the quality of life without disrupting the planet’s natural processes.

The unique combination of technology and magic creates a space where futuristic architecture, alien beauty, and magical convenience coexist, providing residents and visitors with experiences that challenge conventional realities. The planet offers a utopian connection to interstellar travelers, making it a cultural melting pot that showcases colorful artistic expressions that blend human creativity with alien perspectives. It is a vibrant community where knowledge, experience, and artistic endeavor are valued more than traditional wealth. Governance in this world is the result of the joint efforts of human and alien representatives, focusing on wisdom, empathy, and harmony. There is no conflict or discrimination between species, and they value unity. The planet features futuristic architecture and a tailor-made climate that shapes the best living conditions for many species.

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In-class Exercise: Fictional Music Band

The fictional band that my group discussed was composed of four members, and the band focused on the inner dialogue of the movie theme song or the end song, expressing it with emotion. The music style is close to simple electronic arrangements and lyrical style, hoping to get some inspiration from the singer Aurora’s musical style. After we settled on the main style, we each did our own editing process. As GPT presents the visual theme through our prompts, it is skewed towards ethereal, minimalist and pastel colors and natural elements. I wanted to give the visuals some more sharp color contrast. To this end, I will refer to the singer Aurora with some characteristics of dance, electronic, pop music style to GPT made specific tips. As a result, final album visual looks like this:

Album Cover: “Reverie of the Quietude” by Echoes of Silence

Band members: Evelyn Harpe, Nora Field, Amelia Gray, and Lila Rhodes.
Evelyn Harpe is the vocalist and synthesizer player of “Echoes of Silence.” In these images, Evelyn is depicted with shoulder-length, silver-dyed hair, dressed in iridescent flowing clothes, and performing behind a futuristic synthesizer. The stage setting, with its dimmed lights, highlights the mystical and ethereal vibe that matches the aesthetic of their electronic music, capturing Evelyn’s deep connection with the music as she performs under the spotlight.


Album description:
The visual theme for “Reverie of the Quietude” marries the ethereal, minimalist, and pastel tones with bursts of sharp color contrasts, symbolizing the sudden flashes of insight, emotion, and connection that punctuate our quietest moments. The cover art captures a serene, dreamlike landscape bathed in soft, pastel hues, where a sudden streak of vibrant neon cuts through, representing the vivid, often unexpected, emotions that music evokes within us. This juxtaposition mirrors the blend of styles in the music—ethereal and soothing, with moments of intense, danceable beats and electronic energy.

For “Reverie of the Quietude” by Echoes of Silence, the album unfolds as an enchanting journey into the tranquil depths of our innermost thoughts and feelings, all while being punctuated by vivid, emotional explosions that mimic life’s unpredictability. It’s as if the band has woven a tapestry of sound that captures the quiet beauty of introspective moments, contrasted with the vibrant intensity of our deepest passions and desires.

Album Backstory:
“Reverie of the Quietude” serves as a sonic exploration of the spaces between words and the profound silence that speaks volumes. Echoes of Silence invites listeners into a world where the whisper of the digital age meets the timeless echoes of human emotion. Drawing inspiration from the mystical and emotive style of Aurora, the band crafts a unique soundscape that bridges the serene with the electric, the minimalist with the complex. This album is a reflection on the modern condition, where technology and soul intertwine, creating moments of quiet introspection amid the cacophony of the digital world.

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Blog Post: What is AI doing to Art?

After reading Lois Rosson’s article, I appreciated the parallel between photography and AI in art, recognizing both as expansions of visual culture rather than disruptions. At first, I was skeptical about AI in the visual arts. Because my contact with traditional art feels more real, valuing the pure process from concept to completion. However, exploring AI shifted my perspective, acknowledging its role in the evolution of social development. The convenience, efficiency, and novel capabilities of AI provide a modern toolkit for creativity, though I share the concern of many about the devaluing of originality and art. The replicability and authenticity of AI art remain a concern. For me, AI is a tool, not a substitute, and I will try to integrate AI into art in a balanced way, ensuring that it complements rather than diminishes the value of our human creativity.

From the perspective of artists and creators, I think we should use human beings to try to create new creative thinking modes to accept AI, rather than insulate it. Artists already have the ability to create traditional art, and adding one more skill will make new works of art more unique and culturally communicative, thus expanding the boundaries of artistic expression. With widespread awareness of AI’s potential ethical and originality challenges, using AI as a tool for innovation can address these concerns. This does not prevent people from accepting that the advent of AI will somehow change the true inner meaning of art. We are witnessing the development of artificial intelligence in the gradual way art is perceived and created, and this is not to compromise artists, nor is it to compromise artists’ values. But artists need to be aware of this first and have a responsibility to understand AI, to use it as a supplement rather than a substitute. Stay awake and see what AI can do on the basis of not weakening our human expression and understanding. Try AI as a new medium instead of losing sanity and relying on it completely.

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Writing Exercise: short fiction, poem, and other

This blog post may not be readable, I will present three writing versions in this post.

My initial idea was to create a story that blends fiction and reality, mixing and matching writing skills as the story unfolds. I aimed to establish an illusory story framework through which I could metaphorically explore human nature and the complexities of real life. With this goal in mind, I began by generating random ideas about mundane aspects of life and some that could not possibly exist. From these ideas, I sketched out a rough outline of the story: The main characters are Mia, a student, and a comic book hero. One day, they magically switch roles—Mia becomes a comic book character and rewrites the final story of the comic, while the hero of the comic becomes Mia and must adapt to her environment.

As they face unique challenges, they discover the transformative power of empathy and the profound impact of their actions on both worlds.

After completing the initial story, I experimented with different writing techniques (Cut-Up Technique, Exquisite Corpse, and N+7) in four rounds of revisions. The final result was a 5-paragraph poem that condensed a short fiction into a poetic format, blending elements of the magical and the mundane. The inclusion of strange words in the poem allowed for greater imaginative exploration.


Poem: Whirlwind Subsides, New Horizons 

In the mitten of a clairvoyance squall,
Mia stands, a wildflower in bloom.
Buildings twist, the sky a canvas,
A city unseen, a whispered room.

Mr. Hubble’s Boutique, a skateboard away,
Nestled between dreams and the day.
Books whisper of worlds, in silent chatter,
A skip from the scorecard, where stories matter.

Island 17, parchment in hand,
An instrument of fate, not just sand.
Mysterious margins call to the brave,
“Change the story,” they crave.

A bustling clairvoyance, alive and keen,
Where creatures float, and buildings lean.
Mia’s shadow gestures, a guide so slight,
Towards adventures bold, into the night.

The weave of existence, a mosaic unfurled,
From actions small, and bravery won.
In Mr. Hubble’s realm, where tales are spun,
Within us all, lies a hero, undone.


Short fiction:
The Hero Within

Mia’s afternoons were never complete without a visit to Mr. Hubble’s Bookstore, a comic book store nestled a stone’s throw from her elementary school. The store, with its promise of countless adventures, beckoned to her insatiable curiosity. One particular afternoon, guided by an unseen force, Mia’s fingers brushed against the spine of a comic book that seemed to pulsate with life.

“This one’s special,” Mr. Hubble remarked, catching Mia’s attention. “It’s almost like it chooses its reader.”

Drawn to a world of vivid illustrations, Mia found an unexpected connection with the comic’s valiant protagonist. But it was a cryptic inscription on issue 17 that ensnared her completely: “To those who dare to dream and cross the line between worlds.”

With the utterance of those words, reality swirled into a kaleidoscope of colors, and Mia was transported into the heart of the comic book city. Gazing at her reflection in a store window, she no longer saw the schoolgirl but the hero, clad in a sleek outfit, a note in her pocket echoing the call to adventure.

Meanwhile, a peculiar morning greeted the comic’s male lead, now navigating life in Mia’s world. School, with its mundane routines, offered him a new battlefield. He faced bullies with wisdom, and fostered unity with empathy, his heroic essence infusing Mia’s everyday world with subtle yet profound changes.

In the comic world, Mia wielded her knowledge of the narrative as her power, striving to alter the story for peace. Her resolve sparked a mirror effect, inspiring acts of kindness and cooperation among her schoolmates, as if the two worlds were connected by the very essence of her actions.

The climax of Mia’s journey pitted her against the ultimate villain, where her strategy of understanding and unity prevailed, breaking the enchantment and returning her to Mr. Hubble’s Bookstore. The comic book’s pages now bore witness to her adventure, the hero restored to his realm, but changed.

Mia’s world, too, felt different. The bookstore, once a gateway to fantasy, now stood as a testament to the impact of her journey. Stories, she realized, were more than escapism; they were blueprints for reality, capable of inspiring change and fostering connections across any divide.

 

By the way, when I finally re-edited the story in Exercices de Style, the GPT provided a writing style telegram that I’ve never seen before. I think it’s interesting, it might be useful in my future work.

Experimental Style: Telegrams

Mia to Mr. Hubble
Discovered comics vibrating with life. Pulled into its world. Became the hero. Adventure awaits.

Mr. Hubble to Mia
Comics chosen wisely. Remember, stories shape us. Your journey begins now. Good luck.

Comic Hero to Mia
New world, school life challenging. Using wisdom for good. Your world is intriguing, full of lessons.

Mia to Comic Hero
Navigating comic city. Using narrative knowledge. Aiming for peace. Our worlds intertwined.

Mia to Reality
Final battle against the villain. Strategy of unity prevails. Spell broken. Returned to the bookstore.

Mr. Hubble to Mia
Welcome back, hero. Your story is now part of the comic. Realms changed by your journey.

Mia to World
Stories are bridges. Between fantasy and reality. Change is possible. Inspired by imagination.

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Blog Post: Mark Amerika

Mark Amerika’s digital space has given me insight into the multifaceted world of digital art. His diverse works demonstrate the potential of digital art. I admire his efforts on the path of digital experimental art. His work reflects an engagement with technology and its role in shaping artistic expression and perception. In his creative process, the fusion of artificial intelligence presents a kind of blurring of the lines between technology, fiction, and reality.

In his book “My Life as an Artificial Creative Intelligence, ” Amerika describes his innovative use of artificial intelligence text generators to study both human and non-human creative processes. This use represents a groundbreaking exploration in the realm of digital creativity. This approach represents a new narrative structure and artistic expression. I think this corresponds to the current evolution of human adaptation to the AI era, which is cutting-edge and probably controversial at the time of publication. But it also portends a future in which creativity is seen as a joint effort between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

Amerika sees GPT as a partner in the creative process, not just as a tool. This partnership allows for the exploration of new narrative structures and artistic expressions that might not be possible with human creativity alone. It is a symbiotic relationship, with both the artist and AI contributing to the development of the artwork, resulting in innovative and unknown forms of expression.

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Research Statement: RunwayAI 

In brainstorming the fashion illustration museum website, I embarked on a journey not bound by preconceived styles or concepts. My aim was to create a meaningful series of illustrations, and through initial interactions with GPT, I identified a broad project category. To implement this challenge, I decided to use the newly built GPT RunwayAI to help me achieve it during this time. In addition to generating a series of images, it may also be presented as a web page. When it comes to delving into the potential of fashion illustration, it’s a canvas for evolving exploration, a dynamic interplay between my creative impulses and the technological prowess of AI. In this statement, I will spell out my vision, approach, and the integral role I hope RunwayAI will play in shaping this effort. 

Creative Exploration
While I haven’t settled on a fixed thematic style, my personal preferences guide the process. I plan to engage in detailed dialogues and fine-tuning with RunwayAI throughout our interactions. As a dynamic partner in this exploration, it will help me provide creative insights and inspiration on the styles and themes of fashion illustration. 

A Dynamic Collaborator
In my project exploration, RunwayAI will act as a facilitator, a collaborator, a source of diverse feedback, and a catalyst for creative ideas. When I set out to create fashion illustrations, RunwayAI would advise, generate concepts, and provide technical guidance. In this process, RunwayAI does not dictate the creative direction; rather, it supports my exploration and realization of an artistic vision.

Structured Planning
Despite the open-ended nature of the creative process, structured planning remains pivotal. RunwayAI will assist in outlining a phased approach to the project. This includes identifying and scheduling key stages such as conceptual development, style experimentation, illustration production, website development, and even user testing. This structured yet flexible planning ensures cohesive project evolution, adapting to emerging creative directions.

From Abstract Ideas to Concrete Realizations
The process of my projects from concept to creation can be non-linear, and RunwayAI will help bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible outputs. It will assist with everything from the generation of conceptual mood boards and style sketches to the development of detailed illustrations and web design elements. RunwayAI’s capability to generate and refine designs, aligning with my feedback and preferences, is crucial in realizing the project’s aesthetic and functional objectives.

Integrating AI Tools with Artistic Sensibility
Recognizing the strengths and limitations of AI tools is key to their effective integration. RunwayAI will not only provide the technological backbone for design generation but also guide the selection and application of various AI tools. It will provide insights into harnessing these tools for creative enhancement, while I will ensure the final artistic output embodies emotional depth and personal expression.

Adaptation and User Engagement
The final vision for the website is a space that is not static but continuously evolving. RunwayAI will aid in creating a platform that adapts to user interactions, feedback, and emerging fashion trends. This adaptive approach ensures that the website remains a dynamic, responsive entity in the ever-shifting realms of fashion and art.

Conclusion
In summary, this art research statement encapsulates my journey into the unknown realms of fashion illustration, with RunwayAI as my guide and ally. This project is a testament to the synergy between human creativity and artificial intelligence, a fusion where ideas are not confined by existing styles but are free to evolve. Through this collaborative process, I aim to create a fashion illustration museum website that is not only a showcase of diverse artistic expressions but also a beacon of innovation in the integration of AI and art. In this journey, my role blends discovery with creation, steering the project through its evolutionary course to reveal a unique, dynamic, and engaging digital art experience.

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Blog Post: Tale of Omega Team

I think there could be two missing elements in the Omega team’s doomsday scenario. At the end of the story, I didn’t see any organization or institution to challenge the Omega team. As readers, we know from the beginning of this story that Omegas were covering up the truth. I’ve been waiting to see what kind of issue Prometheus might have, resulting in irreparable consequences, but no such scenario has come to pass, so Omegas may lack some resistance to explain the truth of its great power. Another missing aspect is Omegas’ failure of a proper response to global cultural complexity. For example, Tegmark mentioned in “The First Billions,” that Omegas has launched dozens of new series, targeting all the world’s language markets. The characters in the story match different language channels and character gestures according to different users. My question is, if it’s the same movie, and people from different countries watch the show but see different character actions, then the audience may not feel the significance of different cultural exchanges. Omegas presents a team with global reach, but also leaves some potential complexities to be explained.

The Omega team’s success appears to have proceeded smoothly and with a degree of luck. The problem is that technological progress always carries some risk. For example, cybersecurity, the unintended consequences of AI, and possibly changes in AI technology caused by human factors. From the perspective of long-term technological development, the ultimate goal of the Omega team is changeable. From making money to gaining world power and influence, Omegas seems to ignore the technological risks. If Prometheus were to gain uncontrollable power, how would the Omega team address such a situation? In terms of the complexity of different cultures and values, the Omega team adopts relatively unified management methods and influence methods on a global scale. The issue is rooted in the need for comprehensive research into the cultural and environmental nuances of different regions. For example, this includes examining the varying levels of cultural acceptance of AI across different regions and understanding the implications of rapid technological advancement.

Tegmark’s article explores the potential consequences of advanced AI under the control of a few people. Omegas uses a powerful self-renewing iteration of artificial intelligence Prometheus to exert full influence and control over the world economy, improve the lives of 50% of people on earth, and revolutionize education, which looks like a utopian ideal society in the future. But it also brings to light the possibility of dystopia. For example, the power of Omegas is in the hands of a few people whose moral boundaries seem distorted and narrow. If people worldwide realize they are being designed and manipulated by AI, that seems to run counter to utopian ideals.

To avoid undesirable outcomes in the future, we need consider something. AI requires human participation, and none of us want AI control humans. AI should undergo continuous human monitoring, employ positive self-ethical constraints, and maintain transparency. We also have to proactively prevent unintended consequences and malicious AI use through long-term planning and raising awareness. In terms of cultural diversity, AI technology also needs to solve specific problems for different cultures, not as simple as changing language and gestures. This is a good story that reveals the problems that may be faced in the age of AI, and there are many future puzzles waiting to be thought about and solved.

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Hi

Hi, my name is Shannon Guo, I’m a DTC student interested in code and ux design. I hope to learn more about AI because I want to see what it can do to help my learning and how I can use it to help my design work. I love visual art and I like to think about the relationship between space and people. Fashion, architecture, printing, music, dance, and film, these diverse fields inspire my creative endeavors and provide a well-rounded design perspective for my major studies. 

I’ve heard AI for a long time, but I didn’t know everything about it until my web design project practice last semester. I realized that AI tools could make my design work more efficient. I’ve been refusing to engage with AI for fear that it will diminish the ability to think as a human being, but there seems to be some misunderstanding when I approach it. So that’s another reason why I wanted to get to know it better.

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