AI/CC March 2025 Featured Artist Antonella Szitas

Introduction

As AI continues to revolutionize creative expression, it provides new tools for storytelling, design, and innovation, transforming how we approach artistry. At AI/CC, we celebrate the visionaries shaping the future of AI-powered creativity.

March is a month of female empowerment, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and creativity of women in all fields. As the official Women’s History Month, it highlights the contributions of women throughout history, and on March 8th, International Women’s Day, we recognize those leading the way forward.

This month, we are proud to feature Antonella Szitas as our AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community Artist of the Month. A visionary at the intersection of AI, marketing, and visual creation, Antonella’s work embodies innovation, artistry, and the transformative power of technology. Her AI-driven projects push creative boundaries, demonstrating how artificial intelligence serves as both a medium and a collaborator in storytelling and design.

Join us in celebrating Antonella's groundbreaking contributions as we explore the limitless potential of AI in redefining artistic expression and the vital role of women in the evolution of digital art.

About Antonella

Antonella Szitas is an AI creator based in Paris, at the crossroads of marketing and visual creation. With over 20 years of experience, she has collaborated with iconic brands such as LU and Milka, as well as internationally renowned companies that do not merely sell products but shape entire universes. This immersion has forged a vision where emotion and engagement are not empty words but essential drivers of success.

Since 2019, digital has become her preferred playground, a space where she merges strategy, creativity, and innovation. Passionate about visual experiences, she navigates between brand identities, web interface design, and photography. In 2023, the discovery of artificial intelligence marks a decisive turning point in her practice, where technology transcends its role as a tool to become a full-fledged creative partner.

An active member of creative communities in Artificial Intelligence, she also leads personal projects exploring imagery in all its forms. Her creations have been published in notable references in the field, such as PROMPT Magazine #9, LHC, and IN DATA VERITAS (March 2024), reflecting a quest where AI becomes a field of experimentation, a place of expression, and a space for reinvention.

Can you tell us about you and your journey as an artist? How did you begin working with AI?

My artistic journey is rooted in a continuous exploration of visual storytelling, starting with photography and design. These disciplines laid the foundation for my creative process, providing me with a space to experiment with how aesthetics can convey powerful narratives and evoke deep emotions. In 2023, my interest in artificial intelligence deepened when I discovered the possibilities these technologies offered to enrich my artistic practice. The integration of these innovative tools opened up an entirely new world for me, allowing me to explore creative expressions in ways I had never imagined before.

What began as an experiment quickly transformed into a profoundly transformative practice. AI, far from being just a tool, has become an essential extension of my creative process. It has allowed me to explore new paths of expression, translating complex emotions and abstract ideas into visual narratives that resonate not only with my thoughts but also with those of others.

What drew you to the intersection of technology and art?

What draws me to the intersection of technology and art is the way AI can transform abstract ideas into concrete visuals. Technology enables me to bring complex concepts to life and explore artistic forms previously out of reach. AI does not merely serve as an assistive tool; it enriches my creative palette, adding a new dimension to each artistic project. By incorporating technology into my process, I see the artist not as a solitary creator but as an orchestrator of ideas, guiding the machine in a collaborative creative dialogue where I provide direction and interpretation. I firmly believe that technology doesn't replace the artist, it enhances them.

Who are your major artistic influences, both traditional and digital?

My artistic reflections are nourished by diverse artistic and cultural movements, as well as by iconic figures in art, photography, and fashion. Frida Kahlo’s emotional boldness and vibrant palette inspire me to explore deeply personal themes while integrating broader social dimensions. In fashion, designers like Iris van Herpen and Alexander McQueen are key references. Their visionary ability to merge cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship aligns with my pursuit of balancing innovation and artisanal techniques.

In photography, Tim Walker’s surreal and poetic worlds inspire my love for immersive visual storytelling, while Nick Knight's avant-garde aesthetic and pioneering use of digital tools motivate me to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Finally, my work is deeply rooted in an exploration of nature, drawing from the minimalist and contemplative approach of Ellsworth Kelly, who captured the essence of organic forms. These influences collectively shape my vision, enabling me to navigate the intersection of tradition and innovation while exploring themes that resonate both emotionally and conceptually.

How has your cultural background or personal experiences shaped your work?

My cultural background has always been marked by a wealth of perspectives and stories. Growing up in a diverse environment has shaped me to cultivate a more inclusive worldview, prompting me to explore universal themes of resilience and transformation. Each piece I create is a mirror of these experiences—a way to share profound human emotions such as hope, memory, and the search for meaning. Art, for me, becomes a medium to connect individual stories to collective experiences, breaking down cultural boundaries to touch the very essence of what binds us all.

Can you describe a turning point in your career where AI became central to your art?

A defining moment in my career was when I first used generative AI tools. Having a background in digital marketing, I was already familiar with the power of technology to shape consumer experiences. However, encountering AI tools was a revelation that took my creative practice to a new level. AI, generating visuals from simple words, opened up infinite possibilities and allowed me to express abstract ideas and emotions in ways that had previously seemed out of reach.

The experience not only expanded my creative potential but also shifted how I conceptualize and refine my projects, much like how digital marketing tools evolve the ways we engage with audiences. For me AI became more than just a tool, it became an active partner in my creative process, enabling a dialogue between the artist and machine. The partnership between creativity and technology has redefined the boundaries of my work, allowing me to co-create in ways I had never envisioned.

How do you integrate AI into your creative process from concept to completion?

My creative process begins with a concept, emotion, or idea that I want to express, often drawn from personal reflections or observations of the world around me. Once I have this initial vision, I turn to AI to generate visuals based on these foundational ideas. The process is inherently iterative: I begin by experimenting with different visual interpretations, letting the AI explore multiple directions. I test, adjust, and refine the results, constantly interacting with the outputs to perfect each iteration.

What makes the process particularly exciting is the way AI helps me view my concepts from diverse angles, adding layers of nuance and variation. It becomes a dynamic back-and-forth, with AI serving as both a tool and an active collaborator, helping me shape the final piece in ways that feel authentic to my original vision, yet expanded by new perspectives.

What tools, techniques, or AI models do you use, and how do you select them?

I primarily use generative tools like Midjourney and DALL-E Open Ai , each offering distinct strengths that complement my creative process. MidJourney is my go-to for its ability to generate highly detailed and surreal visuals, often bringing a dreamlike quality that aligns perfectly with my artistic vision. Its versatility allows me to push the limits of my creations, experimenting with textures and compositions in innovative and unique ways.

While I occasionally turn to DALL-E for generating original ideas or exploring conceptual work, MidJourney remains the cornerstone of my process when visual quality and intricate details are essential. Each project requires careful consideration to determine which model will best serve the creative goal I wish to achieve, whether pushing for new textures or innovative compositions.

How much control do you delegate to the AI versus your input?

AI is a valuable collaborator in my creative process, but I always retain full control over the direction of the work. I view AI as a tool that can generate ideas and provide me with fresh perspectives, but the final artistic direction is firmly in my hands. While AI can produce multiple visual concepts from my prompts, it’s my input that shapes the outcome. The images generated by AI are not the final product but a starting point. I engage in a continuous process of refinement, adjusting the visuals until they align with my original concept and artistic intent.

This iterative approach allows me to explore a range of possibilities, fine-tuning every detail to match my vision. AI is not here to replace the artist, rather, it enhances and extends the creative process, offering opportunities to experiment and push boundaries. The ultimate creative decisions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to evolve an idea—are mine to make.

Could you describe a typical day in your studio when working on an AI-driven project?

A typical day starts with immersing myself in my sources of inspiration: reading, observing nature, or engaging in conversations with other creators. These moments of reflection and connection help me establish a clear emotional or conceptual starting point. Once I have a sense of the direction I want to take, I dive into experimenting with AI prompts. I spend several hours testing different variations and iterations of visual concepts, refining the AI's output based on the emotion or story I want to convey.

During this process, I pay close attention to how each generated image resonates with my vision. It’s an ongoing exploration where I analyze what the AI brings to the table—its ability to surprise me with unexpected results, but also how I can guide it back to my creative goals. As the visuals evolve, I step back regularly to reflect on their place in the larger narrative I am trying to express.

Throughout the day, there’s a constant back-and-forth between intuition and technology. I continuously refine my approach, adjusting prompts or revisiting earlier versions, making sure that every piece aligns with my core message while embracing the AI's ability to offer new and often unexpected perspectives. Ultimately, each work becomes a collaboration—human intuition guiding AI innovation, and vice versa.

How do you overcome creative blocks when working with AI?

Creative blocks are part of the creative journey, and I’ve learned to manage them by stepping back and allowing myself some space. When I feel stuck, I engage with a variety of stimuli—be it through music, reading, or even discussing ideas with fellow artists. These activities help me shift my perspective and spark new ideas.

Sometimes, a walk or a change of environment is all I need to let my mind reset. When I return to my work, I might approach it from a different angle. Working with AI adds an interesting layer to this process. Often, I’ll play with different prompts or try out new models, letting the AI push me in unexpected directions. Sometimes it’s the AI’s surprises that lead to breakthroughs, and at other times, simply refining the input helps me break free from the block.

What key themes or ideas do you explore in your AI-generated art?

The key themes in my work revolve around the relationship between humanity and nature, as well as universal human emotions such as hope, nostalgia, and transformation. My creations often incorporate natural motifs, such as flowers, which are central to my artistic expression. Each project is an opportunity to dive deeper into these themes, allowing the viewer to connect with the work in a way that evokes their own personal reflections and emotional responses.

Are there any societal, ethical, or philosophical questions that your work addresses?

My work raises fundamental questions about the role of AI in artistic creation and its impact on creativity and authenticity. To what extent can the machine be considered a true "co-creator"? What responsibilities do artists have when using AI to shape new forms of expression? Beyond these ethical considerations, my work also reflects on how AI democratizes art by making creative tools more accessible, while simultaneously raising concerns about its impact on professional artists and authenticity. This reflection invites us to rethink the boundaries of creativity and humanity in an increasingly technological world, questioning not only the means of creation but also the evolving role of the artist in this new landscape.

How do you incorporate emotions or abstract concepts into your AI pieces?

Emotions and abstract concepts are at the heart of my artistic approach. To convey an emotion, I carefully select specific visual elements, such as colors, textures, or compositions, that evoke particular feelings in the viewer. For example, the use of warm tones and soft shapes can elicit feelings of comfort and hope, while cool colors and sharp lines may convey solitude or conflict.

For more abstract concepts like change or evolution, I rely on visual metaphors: the growth of a plant, and the degradation of a structure, that invite the viewer to interpret each piece through their own experiences. These choices create a dynamic interplay between the artwork and its audience, allowing for personal, emotional connections to form, no matter how abstract or conceptual the themes may be.

How has the public and critics’ reception of your work evolved with the use of AI?

The reception of my work has evolved in fascinating ways with the integration of AI. Initially, the idea of using technology to create art seemed bewildering to some, but over time, both the public and critics began to appreciate the innovation that AI brings to artistic practice. This blend of tradition and technology has not only sparked curiosity but has also opened up deep discussions about the future of art.

What I have found particularly rewarding is the way AI facilitates a dialogue between art and society: the tool becomes a means of reflection, a catalyst for engaging in conversations about how we create and perceive the world. The audience, often intrigued by how the works are generated, eagerly participates in this exploration, making each exhibition even more meaningful.

?

What is the most memorable reaction you’ve received to one of your AI-generated pieces?

One of the most memorable responses I received was from a viewer who shared how a particular piece, depicting a soothing scene in nature, reminded them of a personal healing experience. This kind of deeply emotional reaction demonstrates art's power to touch the soul, whether created by a human hand or a machine. It’s in these moments that I realize that AI is not just a tool for creation, but an extension of the artist that allows viewers to reconnect with their deepest emotions. This human connection, even through works generated by a machine, is the true magic of art.

How do you engage with audiences who may be unfamiliar with AI art?

For those who are not yet familiar with AI-generated art, I enjoy organizing interactive sessions where I share the creative process in real-time. By explaining how the tools work and demonstrating how AI can be used creatively, I help the audience understand that machine-generated art is not merely an algorithmic reproduction. This approach demystifies the process and encourages deeper reflection on AI's role in artistic creation. These exchanges help make digital art more accessible and spark interest in this new form of expression.

How do you see AI shaping the future of art and creativity?

I see AI as a fundamental catalyst for the future of art. It does more than expand creative possibilities; it redefines what we understand by art. AI enables creation in a multidimensional space, where the artist can push the boundaries of imagination without being constrained by traditional methods.

Future artists will likely use AI as a natural extension of their creative process, allowing each individual to explore new, more personalized, and interactive art forms. It is fascinating to witness how machines can offer new perspectives and expand our understanding of visual and narrative creation. But more importantly, AI challenges us to rethink what the artist is: no longer an entity working alone, but a collaborator with the machine to produce works that transcend what human capabilities alone can achieve.

Are there any specific advancements in AI you’re excited to explore in your future works?

One of the most exciting developments in the field of AI that particularly interests me is the emergence of generative video, a domain that is completely transforming visual storytelling. Tools like OpenAI ’s Sora, which allow for the generation of precise videos from simple text descriptions, are opening up a whole new creative realm.

In 2025, these technologies are expected to continue improving, offering increasingly advanced possibilities for the creation of interactive and immersive visual narratives. This will not only redefine the role of the artist but also lead to the creation of more dynamic works where video, animation, and interactivity merge, resulting in revolutionary artistic experiences.

How do you stay informed about AI developments and integrate new tools into your creative process?

I stay informed about the latest AI advancements by following specialized publications, watching online tutorials, and engaging with other digital artists. Additionally, I don't hesitate to attend conferences to learn about new tools that can enhance my practice. When new AI tools or models emerge, I take the time to test them and see how they can integrate into my creative process. Innovation in the field of AI is evolving rapidly, and it's essential not to remain fixed on a single technology. By constantly experimenting with new tools, I ensure that my work remains at the forefront of this technological revolution.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to start working with AI?

My advice would be to not be afraid to dive into the unknown and experiment without reservation. AI is a powerful tool, but it requires an open and curious approach. One of the greatest advantages of AI is its ability to accelerate the creative process and open up new avenues of expression. However, it is essential to remember that AI should not replace the artist, but enrich them. The very essence of art lies in human vision, and AI can be a means to deepen this vision, making it more complex and nuanced. Experimentation, perseverance, and curiosity will be your best allies in this exciting adventure.

Explore Antonella Szitas’ AI-Driven Creativity

Thank you, Antonella Szitas , for sharing your visionary artistry and expertise with the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community! Your unique fusion of AI, marketing, and visual creation continues to redefine creative possibilities. We are honored to feature your work and celebrate your contributions to AI-powered artistry.

Follow Antonella Szitas’ creative journey and discover more of her groundbreaking projects through the links below:

AICC Gallery Antonella Szitas – Coming soon!

Linkedin: Antonella Szitas

Instagram: Antonella Szitas

Press: Studio LHC