After countless failed visual AI prompts, I’m returning to my hands-on drawing practice

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's decision to abandon AI-generated art and return to traditional drawing with a pencil and paper. It highlights the author's frustration with the limitations and imperfections of AI-generated art, and the importance of human creativity and the tactile experience of drawing.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Abandoning AI-generated art

1. What led the author to abandon AI-generated art?

• The author felt that AI-generated art lacked the human touch and personal expression that comes with traditional drawing.
• The author was frustrated with the unpredictable and often unsatisfactory results of AI-generated art, which did not align with their vision.
• The author found the process of prompting and refining AI models to be time-consuming, costly, and draining, both physically and mentally.

2. What are the author's reasons for returning to traditional drawing?

• The author believes that drawing is fundamental to human creativity and expression, and that it allows them to convey their thoughts and feelings in a way that AI cannot.
• The author values the tactile experience of using a pencil, paper, and other drawing materials, and the sense of ritual and connection that comes with the process.
• The author is concerned about the potential for AI-generated art to be detected and rejected as non-original content, which could negatively impact their creative career.

[02] The art of traditional drawing

1. What are the key techniques and approaches the author uses in their traditional drawing process?

• The author starts with a 4-quadrant grid to establish the composition and dimensions of the artwork.
• The author often draws freehand, without reference to a model or still-life setup, allowing their imagination to guide the process.
• The author appreciates the imperfections and variations in pencil strokes, which contribute to the character and uniqueness of the drawing.

2. How does the author view the importance of drawing for artists and children?

• The author believes that drawing is an invaluable skill for artists, and that it should be a regular practice to develop and refine one's artistic abilities.
• The author sees drawing as a crucial creative outlet for children, allowing them to experiment, express themselves, and develop their imagination.
• The author finds joy and motivation in seeing the drawings of other artists, and in witnessing the process of a drawing coming to life.