Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology: Meet Ben Roffelsen, AI/CC's March 2023 Featured Creator

Introduction

Introducing the March 2023 Featured Creator for AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community Creative Community, Ben Roffelsen , an AI artist, explorer, and storyteller. Ben's love for photography, art, music, and technology has led him to explore various creative fields, from painting murals to working with AI generative art. His creative process involves starting with a concept that resonates with him and reflecting on his emotions to create authentic and impactful work.

Ben draws inspiration from notable figures like Moebius, the Dutch masters, and Carl Sagan, among others. He believes in nurturing his artistic side, even outside of his professional life, to continue growing as a person. As someone with primarily Dutch cultural roots, Ben's liberal approach to the arts and the Dutch approach to painting have influenced his style and technique. Ben's commitment to creating work that reflects his values and beliefs makes him a remarkable member of the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community Creative Community.

AI/CC Creative Community March 2023 Featured Creator

Welcome to the AI/CC Creative Community March 2023 Featured Creator interview, where we are thrilled to introduce Ben Roffelsen , a senior performance analyst at TELUS and a Masterful AI artist, explorer, and storyteller. Ben's diverse interests in photography, AI art, music, and technology have led him to push the boundaries of creative expression constantly. As he shares in this interview, he believes that technology can be a powerful enabler for artists to connect with others globally.

From his extensive background in creative arts and design, Ben's creative process involves a delicate balance of ideation, reflection, and distillation of thoughts and emotions into a cohesive concept. He finds inspiration from many sources, including iconic figures whose work has deeply influenced his approach. For Ben, his creative endeavors reflect his personal interests and passions, allowing him to connect with his inner self and continue honing his artistic skills.

Ben generously shares his insights into his background, creative process, and inspirations throughout the interview. He also delves into the challenges of balancing the desire to be innovative and experimental in his work with the need to appeal to a broader audience or market. By doing so, he provides valuable advice for artists seeking meaningful work while reaching a wider audience.

Learning more about Ben reveals how his cultural background, personal values, and beliefs inform and enrich his creative work. Whether through photography, AI art, or music, Ben's work is a testament to the power of creativity to connect people across cultures and backgrounds.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we delve into the mind and artistic process of Ben Roffelsen , a genuinely inspiring and talented creator pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and art.

Background and value insights

Please tell us about your background and how you started in the creative field?

I have an extensive background in the creative arts and design. It all began when I started painting murals, portraits, and cartoons for a local paper long ago. From there, I spent years working at a sign makers shop, designing graphics, and creating designs for use on various mediums such as signage, vehicles, boats, and fleet trucks. Later, I worked at an architectural and web design firm where I focused on building websites and creating pre-visualization of houses and office complexes.

After that, I became a freelance architectural modeler, working on various office and government buildings. During this time, I also pursued my passion for photography for several years. I have worked in the marketing industry for over 15 years, from the agency to the client side. My primary focus is on the Adobe Campaign system, where I manage end-to-end delivery of email and, in the future, MMS and SMS communications.

?

What is your creative process like, and how has it evolved over time?

Before embarking on any new creative endeavor, it's crucial to consider whether the idea is exciting and personally relevant. At the core of any successful project is a solid brief or idea that resonates with the creator. Without a deep sense of investment in the project, it will likely fall flat.?

As an artist, I always spend much time ideating and reflecting on my projects, trying to distill my thoughts and emotions into a cohesive concept. Ultimately, the most important thing for me is to create work that reflects my values and beliefs and communicates something meaningful to the viewer. By starting with a gut feeling or emotion that I want to convey, I can stay true to my vision and create authentic and impactful work.

?

Who are some of your biggest influences and inspirations, both within your field and outside of it?

My creative inspirations come from various sources, including notable figures whose work has deeply influenced me. For illustration, the works of Moebius have been particularly impactful in shaping my style and approach. I also draw inspiration from the Dutch masters and Andrew Wyeth regarding painting. When it comes to fantasy illustration, I look up to the works of Alan Lee. The photography of the Magnum Photographers has always been an inspiration all around. Another significant source of inspiration is the late Carl Sagan, whose ideas and insights have profoundly impacted my worldview and creative process.

?

How do you balance the need to be innovative and experimental in your work with the need to appeal to a broader audience or market?

While my current job is not in a creative field, I believe nurturing my artistic side is essential as a form of personal expression and growth. My creative endeavors reflect my interests and passions at a particular moment, allowing me to explore new ideas and techniques outside of the constraints of my professional life. Whether it's painting, writing, or photography, these pursuits provide me with an outlet to connect with my inner self and continue developing my artistic abilities.

?

Can you share a project or piece of work that you're particularly proud of and what makes it stand out to you?

Exhibiting my photography in a gallery for the first time was an incredible feeling of accomplishment that I will always cherish. However, I know there is always room for improvement, and I strive to continue pushing myself toward projects that make me even prouder. I'm excited about the future, and I invite you to check back in with me over the next year to see where my creative journey takes me.

?

How do you stay motivated and inspired when facing creative blocks or challenges?

To stay motivated, I constantly seek new sources of inspiration and challenges to keep my interest piqued. Embracing new opportunities is key to personal growth and development, so I always seek new things to try. Despite initial hesitation, I eventually decided to explore the world of AI, even though it initially seemed daunting. Overcoming that challenge has been an enriching experience that has expanded my horizons and opened new avenues for my creativity.

Please share a little bit about your cultural background and how it has influenced your work.

As someone with primarily Dutch cultural roots, I have inherited a liberal approach to the arts that has informed my creative perspective. Growing up in Canada has further expanded my worldview and allowed me to appreciate diverse forms of artistic expression. Among the various influences on my art, the Dutch approach to painting has likely had the most significant impact on my style and technique. I am particularly drawn to the use of light to create mood and composition, as exemplified by renowned Dutch artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt, who continue to inspire me today.

How do you incorporate your personal values and beliefs into your creative work, and why is this important to you?

My core values surround justice and truth, which I highly regard. As an artist, I strive to infuse emotional truth into my work, regardless of the medium I am working in. By doing so, I aim to convey a sense of authenticity and depth that resonates with the viewer on a visceral level. Whether painting, writing, or composing music, my goal is to create meaningful art that speaks to the human experience.

Creative Process and Production Pipeline?

How do you incorporate emergent technologies into your creative process, and what specific tools or software do you use?

I'm constantly seeking new tools and techniques to help me bring my ideas to life. Lately, I've relied heavily on AI tools such as Midjourney to augment my creative process and breathe new life into my concepts. I'm particularly interested in exploring Stable diffusion and Deforum, which I believe will allow me to break further into animation and bring a new level of dynamism to my work. I'm also excited to delve deeper into Blender, a versatile software that offers endless possibilities for artists and designers. Recently, I've been experimenting with Kaiber for animation, which has been a fun and rewarding tool. Of course, I also rely on more traditional software like Procreate, Photoshop, and Capcut for video editing.?

?

What unique challenges do you face when using emergent technologies in your work, and how do you overcome them?

Until version 5 of Midjourney, getting the fullest expression possible from human subjects was challenging as their hands were either deformed or hidden. So much expression is lost without hands. I would use either Dall-e or photoshop or a combination to help fix them, but I always found that lacking a bit, but thankfully most of that is rectified in the new version.?

?

How do you balance emergent technologies with traditional creative methods, such as sketching or painting?

Currently, I've used sketches to try and coax some poses and ideas using image-to-image AI generation to mix results. So mainly, for now, I focus primarily on text-to-image.

?

Can you describe a project where you used emergent technologies to create something that wouldn't have been possible otherwise?

All of them! The creative potential of AI is truly unprecedented, offering possibilities that simply are only achievable through this means. With its ability to process massive amounts of data and rapidly iterate on complex algorithms, AI has the power to generate truly unique and innovative works of art. Whether it's creating digital paintings, composing music, or even designing buildings, the applications of AI in the creative sphere are vast and continually evolving. While there will always be a place for traditional forms of artistic expression, there's no denying that AI has opened up new horizons for creators and pushed the boundaries of what's possible.

?

How do you see emergent technologies evolving in the next few years, and how will they impact your creative process?

The pace of progress in AI is genuinely remarkable, and we'll continue to see incredible advancements in the coming months and years. One area where this progress is particularly exciting is in the realm of filmmaking, where entrepreneurs and small teams can create short films and even feature-length productions using AI technology alone. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and generate highly realistic graphics and effects, AI quickly transforms the film industry and opens new opportunities for creators. Additionally, the potential for AI to aid in the writing process and inspire new forms of artistic expression is truly phenomenal.?

?

What advice would you give someone who wants to incorporate emergent technologies into their creative work but needs to know where to start??

So go ahead, try everything, and see where your explorations take you. Load up Discord, find a community like AI/CC, and take it all in. Experiment with Midjourney and the slew of some other text-to-image gens out there. By staying curious and embracing experimentation, you can tap into your full creative potential and continue to grow and evolve as an artist.

Creativity, Art, and Aspiration

What motivates you to create?

For me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing an idea to life and watching others connect with it in their own unique ways. This sense of connection and shared emotion continues to inspire me to create day after day.

?

What does creativity mean to you?

At its core, creativity is about finding meaningful ways to express the truths that are inside of you. Whether you're a painter, a musician, or a writer, creating is about tapping into your deepest emotions and experiences and translating them into something tangible and impactful. When you approach your work with honesty and authenticity, you can create something that feels fulfilling and true to yourself. So, if you're looking to harness your creativity, remember that it's all about finding your voice and expressing it in a way that feels honest and fulfilling to you.

?

How do you define success as a creative/artist?

Success in art is often defined by one's ability to stay true to their own unique vision and voice while finding ways to connect with a broader audience. It's not enough to simply create work that speaks to your own personal truths - the real challenge lies in finding ways to translate those truths into something that resonates with others.

?

Who are your biggest artistic influences? Could you share a few of them with us?

Moebius, H.R. Giger, Wyeth, Vermeer, Robert Frank and all of the photographers of the Magnum Photos group, Tangerine Dream, Scores of film composers, David Lean, Ridley Scott, Denis Villeneuve, and the list goes on. So many influences!

?

Which trends inspire your current work?

When it comes to following trends, I'm not entirely sure I'm one to fall in line with the latest craze. While I certainly appreciate new ideas and innovative approaches to art, I tend to be more focused on creating work that is meaningful and true to my own vision rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends or fads. That being said, staying open-minded and curious about what's happening in the broader creative landscape is essential, as it can often inspire and inform my work in unexpected ways. Ultimately, I believe that as long as I stay true to my voice and follow my creative impulses, I'll be able to create work that is both personally fulfilling and resonant with others.

?

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

Art has always been a source of therapy and meditation for me. Whenever I find the time to sketch or create, it's like entering a peaceful and calming space where I can be present at the moment and let my mind unwind. Whether it's a quick sketch or a more complex piece, creating is always a source of comfort and joy for me, and I'm grateful for how technology has allowed me to continue pursuing this passion. However, with the demands of daily life, it can be challenging to have the time and energy to engage in traditional artistic practices. That's where digital prompts and tools have been a lifesaver - they allow me to tap into that therapeutic mindset and create something meaningful, even when I'm short on time.

?

How do you develop your creative skills?

Developing my skills as an artist is all about practice and maintaining an open mind. I'm also dedicated to the ongoing process of honing my craft through regular practice, taking the time to perfect my technique and refine my artistic voice with each new piece that I create.

?

Describe the best piece of art you've created?

There isn't a specific piece of work that I consider to be my best, as each new iteration of my work is the best I have done up until that point.

?

How do you define creativity, and how do you approach it in your AI-generated art?

Creativity can be defined as the ability to generate novel and original ideas or to combine existing ideas in unique and interesting ways that resonate with the artist's vision. In my approach to AI-generated art, I begin with a clear idea of what I want to express and consider the most effective and straightforward methods to achieve that objective. I use an iterative process to refine the output and adjust based on the results I get. It's essential to visually striking work that visually striking work that is critical of each generation—my ultimate goalMy ultimate goalcessful outcomes. Typically, out of a series of ten, only a few will meet the desired standard. Therefore, honesty and self-reflection are critical in the process.

Where do you find inspiration? The world around me. My family. My friends and colleagues.?

Professionally, what's your goal? My ultimate aspiration is to collaborate with other creatives or work independently to produce thought-provoking art and narratives.

What is your dream project?

To strive to create a work that is visually striking and tells a compelling story. The ultimate goal for me is to create a wholly unique and thought-provoking world with its own rules, history, and culture. It's about creating a universe that draws people in and makes them want to learn more, explore, and discover this new world's intricacies.

Name three artists you'd like to be compared to.

I don't feel comfortable being compared to other artists, as each artist has a unique style and approach to their work. While seeing and learning from other artists' work can be inspiring, I think it's important to focus on developing my style and vision rather than trying to conform to or emulate someone else's work. Ultimately, my goal is to create art that is true to myself and that resonates with others, regardless of how it may compare to the creation of other artists.

?

What wouldn't you do without it? A pencil and sketchbook are essential tools for my creative process, and I cannot imagine creating without them.

?

What superpower would you have and why??To pause time! There's never enough of it!

Creative Ethics and Collaboration

How do you ensure that using emergent technologies doesn't compromise the integrity of your creative vision or message?

To curate like mad. Never release anything that bugs you. I have so many generations I will not share because I don't feel they measure up.

?

How do you approach collaboration with other creatives when using emerging technologies, and what are some of the benefits and challenges of working in a team??

I believe that collaboration is a powerful tool for creativity. By bringing together different perspectives and skill sets, collaboration can lead to innovative and impactful creations. When collaborating, I value open and honest communication to ensure that all ideas are respected and everyone's vision is aligned. I also believe in establishing a clear framework and expectations for the project and working together to achieve a common goal.

How can emergent technologies help address issues of diversity and inclusivity in the creative industries?

Emerging technologies have opened opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the creative industries. With various software and tools like MidJourney, more people have access to platforms that can bring their ideas to life. This is helping to level the playing field and promoting inclusivity in an industry that has historically been exclusive.

Can you discuss any ethical considerations that arise when creating art using AI technology and how you address them?

Drawing inspiration from a particular style can be a good starting point, but adapting and making it your own is essential. Copying other artists' work without permission is unethical and won't help you develop your unique voice. I have a collection of prompts from other artists that I find inspiring, but I constantly analyze what makes them successful and then build my own techniques. Using one straight up is ethically wrong.

Advice for Onboarding New Members

What would be the best way to begin a journey with Generative AI?

Join a group like AI/CC! To explore the potential of AI-generated art, it's essential to be curious and ask questions. One way to start is by experimenting with different free text-to-image generators and experimenting with different styles and ideas. Doing this lets, you discover what fits your personal style and creative goals and find new ways to express your ideas through technology. So, keep an open mind and embrace the possibilities that AI can bring to your creative work.

?

What advice would you give someone just starting out in your field or pursuing a career in a creative industry?

It's essential to create for yourself first and foremost. Keep sight of the spark that drives you and keeps you going. If you find the pressures of combining your art with business too overwhelming, putting it on the back burner is okay. Don't let anything spoil your love for creating. Protecting your passion and creativity and prioritizing your artistic vision before anything else is crucial.

Future Insights

How do you see your work and creative field evolving in the next few years, and what impact do you hope to have?

As an enthusiast of emergent technologies, I am excited to see the rapid progress and innovation that has been happening lately. Every week, new breakthroughs and developments push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. However, it's important to note that these changes also require us to be adaptable and nimble in our approach. The potential for creativity and innovation is limitless. With the right mindset and approach, we can stay ahead of the curve and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

?

How do you see AI technology impacting the future of art, and what role do you think AI-generated art will play in the art world?

The emergence of AI technology and AI-generated art is a game-changer for the art industry. With its endless possibilities, even traditional fine artists can benefit from the inspiration and reference it provides. However, as the use of AI in art continues to grow, we must be vigilant about the ethical implications of its use. It's essential to remain mindful of our creator responsibility and ensure that we do not cross any ethical boundaries in pursuing artistic innovation.

?

Can you share a specific example of how emergent technologies have helped you to push the boundaries of what's possible in your creative work?

I see my creative journey as profoundly personal, especially since the pandemic hit, and I had to adapt to working from home while caring for my little girl. With limited time, I have found solace in using AI-generated art tools such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Kaiber. These tools have allowed me to create high-quality art in a fraction of the time it would have taken me otherwise, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

?

How do you stay current with the latest developments in AI technology, and how do you see those developments influencing your future work?

I stay updated with the latest developments in the field by actively engaging with the community of AI and creatives, such as AI/CC. Being a part of a like-minded group of creators provides me with a wealth of information and inspiration and allows me to stay connected to the most recent advancements in the industry. In addition to that, I follow several YouTube channels dedicated to emergent technologies to keep up with the latest trends and innovations.

Lastly, can you share your first and last AI creation with us?

The AI/CC Creative Community

Welcome to the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community Creative Community - a global network of creative individuals who share a love for generative AI art and design. We are a self-funded and self-organized community that provides insights, training, and resources to democratize the creative process and explore where AI generative design intersects technology in live and digital experiences.

Our community comprises hyper-creative minds, tinkerers, and innovators passionate about using the power of emergent generative tools to build new realities and make the creative experience accessible to all. Art and technology are converging to create new tools and workflows that allow us to create and iterate in previously impossible ways.

At AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community , we recognize the importance of research and development in advancing the field of generative AI, and we are constantly experimenting with new techniques and trends to build knowledge and skills. We focus on insights, onboarding, and training to help members develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this exciting field. We prioritize learning and consider the ethical and societal implications of our work and creative practices. We also believe in the democratization of the creative process and work to make the creative experience accessible to all.

As a member of the AI/CC :: Artificial Intelligence Creative Community Creative Community, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other creative explorers, innovators, and neurodivergent minds worldwide. We are a community of like-minded individuals passionate about using AI to create new and innovative art and design. Join us and support the advancement of generative AI art and design.

Together, we can explore the possibilities of AI and create a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape. Visit our website at www.aicc.io to learn more about our mission and become a part of our innovative global collective at Discord. Generate the Future www.aicc.io.