Conni

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?

I have always been interested in mythology, fantasy fiction, storytelling, and how perspective influences personal experiences.

I love using AI to access that “otherworld”. It opens a door.

Shamanism, animism, paganism, and Deep Ecology influence how I try to perceive my reality, and on any given day I may write prompts based in mysticism, tarot, fiction, legends, astronomy, music, history, or my own inner landscape.

I often use stills as a starting image for AI generated music videos that I later process in video software for music videos, and the lyrics or subject of instrumental music will form the basis of those prompts. 

NC: MOST UNDERRATED ARTIST ON NIGHTCAFE?

 I think anyone working to develop a personal unique style is often overlooked in Daily Challenges.

I enjoy Ron Czerwien’s unique style, and Jihad Shadeed has an unusual personal style I have noticed in the Facebook group.

NC: PROMPT THAT MOST SURPRISED YOU?

I had to go back and look to see if anything stood out as “the most”, as AI surprises me daily.

Sometimes it’s hilarious. I think it has a really quirky sense of humor. Sometimes I have laughed  to tears. Other times it takes my breath away at how accurate it can be, and then take my initial idea to another realm. Sometimes it can read my mind, other times, no connection!

I once prompted only the words “astral travel” with a style. It was absolutely beautiful. Most surprising today was I was prompting for a firefighter for the Daily Challenge. My brother is a Fire Captain. The first image looked so much like him it was eerie. Even his dog was in the picture! I didn’t use that one, though, it’s a personal  treasure.

NC: ANY TIPS FOR PROMPT WRITING?

Imagine you’re explaining to someone who is translating your words absolutely literally.

When you have an idea or concept in your mind, trying to describe it accurately in words can be pretty challenging.

Look up definitions and styles, fine art and photography techniques, and incorporate those into prompts.

If you like an artist, try describing their techniques and style instead of using their name, and see what develops!

NC: WHAT LED YOU TO USING NIGHTCAFE?

I tried a few AI art generators because as a digital and graphic artist I wanted to  experience it firsthand.

There was so much controversy, I wanted to to investigate for myself. I enjoyed the Daily Challenges and kept at it because it was a fun learning process.

It’s a fabulous tool.