Andy Bolton

The Artist Spotlight is your inside look into the influences, collaborations and prompts that drive the NightCafe community.

We catch up with some of our most original creators to find what inspires them, who their favorite creators are, and how they use image generator algorithms as part of their work.

NC: WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR WORK?

A prevalent theme in much of my work revolves around mental health. I am deeply committed to raising awareness and dismantling the stigma associated with this topic.

Mental health has played a substantial role in my life through various experiences, and it continues to be an ongoing challenge for countless individuals.

I believe that fostering a sense of solidarity and reminding people that they are not isolated in their struggles can provide immense support.

NC: MOST UNDERRATED ARTIST ON NIGHTCAFE?

To be candid, I usually don't spend much time exploring the "explore" tab or delving into the works of other artists.

Nonetheless, on the occasions that I do, I find myself thoroughly impressed by the remarkable creations produced by the community.

Having said that, I recently came across the profile of McSpoons, and I must say their collection showcases some exquisitely crafted stylistic illustrations that deserve more recognition.

NC: PROMPT THAT MOST SURPRISED YOU?

The sheer potential of generative AI and the artistic possibilities it offers never cease to amaze me.

One particular prompt that caught me off guard came from my earlier creative endeavours, stemming from a prompt found from the hashtag "#open-prompt-gang".

The prompt that left me in awe was:

"(( a close portrait of an amazingly beautifully authentic Gandalf the white with detailed eyes + expressive face )) :: Beautiful painting with highly detailed face :: Intricate + hypermaximalist :: Matt Mahurin + Dan Winters + Erik Almas :: Martin Schoeller :: 8k :: Zbrush :: Unreal 5 Engine :: CryEngine :: FinalRender :: VRay."

The outcomes that emerged from this prompt when used with Stable Diffusion 1.5 were astounding.

It was at that moment that I found myself captivated and completely drawn into the world of generative art. Since then, I've been creating images on a daily basis.

NC: ANY TIPS FOR PROMPT WRITING?

Begin with Simplicity: To get started, it's wise to begin with straightforward prompts. Understand the basics of how different prompts influence the AI's responses. This foundation will serve as your starting point for more intricate prompts.

Learn and Grow: Gradually progress by learning how different elements within prompts impact the AI-generated output. As you gain insights into the nuances, you can refine your prompts for more specific and intriguing results.

Seek Inspiration: The #open-prompt-gang is an excellent resource for garnering inspiration and guidance on prompt writing. Explore the community's prompts to glean ideas and concepts that can elevate your own prompts.

Budget-Friendly Options: If you're mindful of credits, consider utilizing Stable Diffusion versions 1.4, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.1. These versions offer free generations of single images, making them a budget-friendly starting point.

Evolution and Expansion: As you become more adept at prompt writing, don't hesitate to evolve and expand your prompts. Experiment with various styles, themes, and structures to uncover unique and compelling outcomes.

Remember, prompt writing is a skill that develops over time. By starting with simplicity, embracing learning opportunities, seeking inspiration, and utilizing budget-conscious options, you can progressively enhance your ability to craft prompts that yield captivating AI-generated content.

NC: WHAT LED YOU TO USING NIGHTCAFE?

The world of AI has captivated me for quite some time, and as I began encountering an increasing number of generative AI images, my fascination only grew stronger.

Earlier this year, my interest was sparked to a new level, leading me on a quest to find a platform that offered an accessible entry point into this realm. This search brought me to the discovery of both ClipDrop and NightCafé.

NightCafé has some standout features - the availability of daily free credits and the engaging daily challenges.

I've continued to participate in these challenges, and they provide an excellent opportunity for me to consistently engage with generative AI art.

NightCafé's approach is especially welcoming for beginners like me, and the platform's vibrant community adds to its charm.

Overall, NightCafé has proven to be an ideal starting point for my journey into the world of generative AI art.