Irene Smirnova: Sean Interview

Sean: I am interviewing Irene Smirnova, a digital artist and writer. Irene, please introduce yourself.

Irene: I have been working as digital and traditional artist for more than 25 years, contributed to over 50 major films and tv shows. Last year I started Color Space studio, working on my own art projects, books and short animated film.

Sean: What drew you to using AI?

Irene: Curiosity, I like to try new tools to create art. It is a wonderful and innovative way to explore.?

Sean: What kinds of AI tools have you used?

Irene: Adobe Photoshop for image selection. Substance for tillable texture map generation. Compositing tools for roto prep, and tracking. I always keep an eye on what becomes available.?

Sean: What about this next generation of AI tools?

Irene: Image and text generating AI are the next thing. I use them differently. I call this process “conversations with AI”. I have started to use Midjourney in my creative process. It generates images that I use for reference. They inspire great images and stories.

Sean: What has been the most exciting part of using AI so far?

Irene: Surprise is the most exciting part. Astonishing images of characters and environments that are almost impossible to imagine. Funny and ridiculous images that enlighten my day.

Sean: What are the benefits in using AI in your creative process?

Irene: It provides references to the impossible and unreal. It is a fast way to generate references and concepts. Midjourney for example, generates four images per "conversational" prompt. Each are unique but connected.

Sean: What warnings would you give to artists that are new to using AI?

Irene: There is a danger that AI will make artists lazy and dependent. It will not always be original and unique. Additionally, there is a difference in how AI perceives proportions, composition, and details. The result could be less realistic art.

Sean: Can you provide a hypothetical example?

Irene: A lack of imagination emerges from being hypnotized by the “box”, a tool that produces the content you consume. The artistic vision becomes narrower and dependent. The artist becomes too “lazy” to create their own art.

Sean: How do you think future generations will look at AI art and creativity?

Irene: My Gen Z daughter and her fiends make fun of me sometimes because I use AI. We will have tons of AI art tools assisting every day. Many time consuming tasks will be fully automated. It will become natural.

Sean: What about this fully automated AI art?

Irene: It will become its own new art movement with its own audience. AI will create opportunities to evolve, to become smarter, to use more of our senses. New generations will embrace this and benefit tremendously.

Sean: Do you advice for this generation's aspiring creatives?

Irene: Never stop learning. Teach yourself how to draw. AI will make mistakes that will make you laugh and brighten your day. Be curious and inventive. AI is not your competition or substitute. It is the extension of reality that is there for you to explore. Take this opportunity to level up.