AICC March 2024 Featured Artist Elisabetta Alicino

Introduction

In the pulsating heart of the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community revolution is underway. Here, amidst the whirlwind of innovation and transformation, women are trailblazers, architects of the future, and catalysts for change.

At AICC, we're breaking barriers, challenging norms, and propelling the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of AI and creativity. At the forefront of this movement, are these incredible women who refuse to be confined by limitations, dare to dream big, and fearlessly carve out their space in this dynamic landscape.

As we celebrate Women's History Month in March 2024 and honor International Women's Day 2025 on March 8, 2024, we uplift our voices of empowerment and heartfelt admiration for these remarkable women within our community. They're not just making waves; they're leading a movement of progress, innovation, and empowerment, harnessing their skills and passion to drive meaningful change and inspire others.

Meet Elisabetta Alicino: Italian Creative Director, Designer, and AI Enthusiast

Meet Elisabetta Alicino , the powerhouse behind Brand Genesi, based in Rome, Italy. As a Creative Director, Designer, and Strategist, Elisabetta leads the charge in shaping brand narratives and visual identities that captivate and inspire.

At Brand Genesi, Elisabetta reflects her passion for all things related to branding, design, creativity, and the intersection of AI and human ingenuity—dubbed Gen-AI. As a creative individual, Elisabetta has emerged as a beacon of empowerment, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in the creative industry.

Through her work and advocacy, Elisabetta embodies the spirit of empowerment activism, championing the voices of those often overlooked and breaking down barriers to creativity and expression. Let's delve into her creative journey and explore the sources of her inspiration as she reshapes the landscape of branding and design with innovation and expertise.

Would you mind introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your background? What led you to pursue a career in AI-driven creativity?

I am Elisabetta Alicino , an Italian creative director, designer & founder of Brand Genesi. I became fascinated with AI a few years ago, mainly by the idea of a sentient, creative machine. Then I discovered that AI and I could also collaborate. I could create something powered up by AI.

How do your values and beliefs influence your approach to art, particularly within the context of being a female artist in the AI community?

My values and beliefs are centered on innovation, authenticity, and continuous learning, which guide my artistic approach within the AI community, ensuring I maintain a human-centric perspective in a tech-driven space.

Empowerment, representation, and visibility for women are something very dear to me, and that is true also with my approach to the AI-driven creativity scene.

As a female artist, how do you perceive the importance of representation and visibility in AI-driven creativity, especially during International Women's Day and Women's History Month?

I often speak about these issues, I host live on my Linkedin, for example, and during events like International Women's Day 2025 , it's essential to highlight female achievements, provide role models, and challenge the status quo.

Can you share a specific experience or mentorship opportunity that has shaped your artistic journey as a woman in the AI community?

I don’t know if I can call it a mentorship, but what significantly shaped my journey as a pioneer in generative AI, was the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community . It taught me the importance of confrontation, sharing, and growing together and especially introduced me to ethics, bias, and representation within AI.

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How do you believe female artists contribute uniquely to the landscape of AI-driven creativity?

Female artists bring unique perspectives and emotional intelligence to AI creativity, often fostering more inclusive and diverse outputs, essential for innovation and progress. I also believe, that being touched by bias so often, we also bring ethics and a broader eye to the overall AI conversation.

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Exploring Elisabetta's dynamic creative process

Walk us through your typical creative process, from ideation to final artwork. How do you integrate AI technology into each stage of your creative production?

It depends, I try not to cage my “process” too much, but mainly, it starts with a visual idea that I conceive in my mind and then I begin talking to the machine from the simplest element. For example, if I think about embroidered jellyfish floating in the city of Rome, I start by first focusing on the main subject – the jellyfish – once I master that I start to envision all the possible options. That is similar to what I do in our studio Brand Genesi for our clients, the difference is that I do prime projects starting from the Client’s brand.

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How do you navigate challenges and setbacks in your creative process, especially when facing gender-related biases or stereotypes within the AI community?

First of all, it takes an informed artist to be able to use the AI.

What I mean is that if I was not aware of biases (both within the AI and in the real world) I could not navigate in support and advocating for equal representation. Then, being informed and continually studying, I ensure that my voice is heard and valued with what I create. Also, it is important to know that the supporting network of artists is crucial.

For instance, with every update of Midjourney or the unveiling of a new Gen-AI platform, I diligently assess the current state of the art. Have they addressed any previous issues? Are there any signs of biases being reinforced? I then collaborate and share my findings with fellow AI artists.

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Could you share a specific project where collaboration played a significant role in your creative process? How did diverse perspectives enhance the outcome?

I collaborate on a steady base with 2 incredible women Mariella Borghi and Annamaria Anelli within AIDEA, an educational platform to help companies introduce AI in their brand process, and that is a challenge since Mariella is a marketing and AI expert, and Annamaria a Language and writing expert, so it is always a challenge for me to bring exact visuals on the table and for them it is a challenge to see my pov as a creative professional and artist.

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How do you ensure ethical considerations are integrated into your creative production pipeline, particularly concerning bias, privacy, and representation?

It is a priority for me. I do pay great attention to all that I generate. For example: by default, most of the gen-AI produce images of young sensual women, and you see everywhere now. Not that the generation of a young sensual woman is wrong per se. It is if it is out of context.

I don’t, or to better say, I generate the same amount of all genres images, avoiding the continuous?objectification of women, and – especially in our studio works – I make sure all that we produce is inclusive, also with ethnicity.

Considering the theme of Women's History Month, how do you honor the contributions of women artists who have paved the way for future generations in AI-driven creativity?

I am planning to share and give visibility on my social channels to women’s work. I look forward to that.

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Elisabetta's Empowering Creativity

How do you define creativity, and how do you see your role as a female artist contributing to the innovative landscape of AI-driven art?

Creativity is probably the most important word in my life, I feel like an alchemist, transforming ideas into tangible experiences, and as a female artist in AI, I strive to push boundaries and redefine what's possible. Representation to me is key.

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Can you share a specific piece of artwork that reflects your aspirations and vision for the future of AI-driven creativity, particularly in empowering women in the field?

I have avoided a project like this since I always feel like I miss something or leave out someone. Nevertheless, there is not a project, both artistic and for our studio, that is not inclusive. All are. And that is my way of reinforcing the presence.

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As a female artist, how do you use your art to challenge stereotypes or amplify underrepresented voices within the AI community?

Ensuring representation is provided, avoiding objectification, and, sometimes, speaking loudly.

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Reflecting on Women's History Month, which female artists, historical or contemporary, have inspired your creative journey, and how do they influence your artistic aspirations?

Georgia O'Keeffe is definitely an artist that I loved since childhood, and I think somehow, she influences what I produce. I do cherish greatly the works of Artemisia Gentilischi an amazing woman in the Italian Renaissance with an amazing story that I suggest everyone should research and of course, Hilma af Klint. Also, I am very inspired by the younger generation of African female artists, especially within the fashion field.

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Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of female representation and leadership within the AI-driven creative industry?

I dream of a near future with many more women in STEAM. That would be a starting point for an inclusive leadership. The “woman” issue is crucial today more than ever before. We need our voice to be heard and our leadership “style” to be applied to technology, which is, we know, an all-man kingdom. My hopes for the future are high. I do believe in the future and the younger generations.

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Fostering diversity, inclusion, and ethical collaborations

How do you ensure your collaborations within the AI community uphold principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion?

I might repeat myself, but it is a priority for me. I will also host a live session on Linkedin about it.

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Can you share strategies you employ to address biases and promote a more inclusive environment in your collaborative projects within the AI community?

I do run a creative studio, and I’ve established a 3-point rules check that we run, before delivering any project.

1. Is it diverse?

2. Does it include all genres, with images and words?

3. Is it shameful towards bodies or ageism?

Within the community, I do speak a lot about these issues. Especially about objectification, or misrepresentation. And, of course, every chance I have when I am on a public speech, I do speak my mind about it. “Repetita iuvant” the latins use to say.

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In what ways do you advocate for ethical AI practices and responsible use of technology within the creative collaborations you engage in?

In representation, first and foremost. Because I am a designer and produce mainly visuals I know the power of images. We see with our brains, not our eyes.

Concerning the works of other artists, I try not to stylize the generations I produce after living artists' styles, I feel it’s unethical.

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Reflecting on International Women's Day 2025 , how do you see collaborations between female artists contributing to broader discussions on gender equality and representation in AI?

I think that is the most powerful channel we have. Collaborations between female artists during International Women's Day 2025 foster a dialogue on gender equality, amplifying greatly the discussion within the AI realm.

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As a female artist, how do you navigate ethical dilemmas and considerations unique to AI-driven creativity, particularly concerning issues of authorship, ownership, and transparency?

Ethical dilemmas are navigated by prioritizing integrity and advocating for responsible AI use that respects authorship and ownership.

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Insights and Support in AI-Driven Creativity

What advice would you offer to aspiring female artists who are considering entering the field of AI-driven creativity?

My advice is to embrace curiosity, seek mentorship, and engage with the AI community with openness and authenticity but fearlessly, and then, try. Go!

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How do you support and mentor emerging female artists within the AI community, and what resources do you recommend for their professional development?

Supporting emerging artists, for me means sharing resources, providing guidance, and offering platforms for exposure and development. I try to do that on my social channels.

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Reflecting on your journey, what lessons have you learned that you wish you had known when you first entered the AI creative industry?

To start. To try. To be fearless. A key lesson is also the importance of ethical AI use, which I wish had been more emphasized when I began my AI journey.

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How can established female artists within the AI community contribute to the onboarding and mentorship of new members, particularly women?

By being kind, and proactively mentoring, sharing their experiences, and opening doors for new female artists. In a word: to care. For real.

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What steps do you believe the AI community can take to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for female artists, both established and emerging?

Probably creating mentorship programs, showcasing diverse works, providing equitable opportunities for growth and exposure, and speaking out a lot.

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Envisioning Women's Leadership in AI-Driven Creativity

How do you envision the future of AI-driven creativity evolving, especially concerning the participation and leadership of women in the field?

I see a diverse landscape where women and men both lead and innovate, shaping an industry that celebrates all voices.

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As a female artist, what role do you see yourself playing in shaping the future direction of AI-driven art and technology?

I hope to be a catalyst for change, using my platforms to inspire, educate, and advocate for women in AI art.

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What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations of female artists within the AI community?

I hope my legacy will be one of creativity and empowerment, where future generations of female artists see no limits to their potential within AI creativity.

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How can the AI community proactively address gender disparities and biases to create a more equitable future for all artists?

I think open dialogue, no blaming or shaming none, inclusive policies, equal representation in all AI creative endeavors.

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Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the continued advancement and recognition of female artists within the AI-driven creative industry?

My hope is for continued creative progress, in leading the AI movement from deep within, which means not only prompting images but also counting on a decision-making level where AI is created.?

Follow Elisabetta Alicino 's captivating journey and gain valuable insights into AI-driven creativity on her social media platforms:

AICC Gallery: https://aicc.pixieset.com/elisabettaalicino/

Elisabetta Alicino LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/elisabettalicino/

Elisabetta Alicino portfolio: https://elisabettaalicino.com/

Brand Genesi: https://brandgenesi.com/

AI-Dea: https://ai-dea.it/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eli.alicino

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitartgallery/

Medium: https://medium.com/@twitteliali

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twitteliali

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