Chapter 1: A Nostalgic Dive into the Past

In 1995, I embarked on my artistic journey, eager to make my mark at art school. However, reality struck hard when I realized that, despite the encouragement from friends and family, my artistic skills were far from exceptional. The end of my first year brought a harsh critique during portfolio reviews, where instructors expressed their disapproval of my sketches. I left feeling defeated and soon transitioned to working at a camera store.

Eventually, I returned to art despite the gatekeepers' judgments. Reflecting on my past creations, I recognized that my 90s artwork was, in fact, quite subpar. Recently, while organizing my space, I unearthed some of my old sketchbooks and decided to see if AI could enhance them. I was intrigued to discover whether the AI would elevate my art or alter its original concept entirely.

AI platforms can generate images from basic text prompts, but they also allow users to input existing images as a foundation. I scanned my old drawings and fed them into the AI systems, leading to some fascinating outcomes.

The first piece was titled "Rock Man with Monster." I once believed this sketch was a true masterpiece, showcasing impressive shading and detail. While my stone figure may not adhere to anatomical accuracy, it was intended to be made of stone.

Original Drawing

AI Transformation

The AI interpreted the monster as a pet python rather than a foe, which was unexpected. The right side of the image remains a mystery.

Section 1.1: Revisiting "Be Cool"

My second artwork, "Be Cool," stemmed from a fleeting fascination with smoking. I still find cigarettes aesthetically pleasing in art, but I’m grateful I never adopted the habit due to health risks. This piece produced two distinct variations from AI: one reminiscent of a character from Pulp Fiction, and another an abstract scribble that I find oddly appealing.

Original Artwork

Midjourney Output

DreamStudio Output

Interestingly, DALL·E flagged my drawing as potentially sensitive content, presumably due to the cigarette.

Subsection 1.1.1: Exploring "Angel"

This piece, which I simply called "Angel," required a censorship bar due to the AI's strict guidelines regarding nudity.

Original Artwork (Censored)

DALL-E Output

The DALL·E version resembled a quick life drawing, while I found Midjourney's interpretation much more appealing.

Section 1.2: The Fear Factor in "Scary Clown Reflection"

Who doesn’t have a lingering fear of clowns? I created this sketch during the 90s, clearly reflecting my state of mind at the time.

Original Artwork

DreamStudio Output

I appreciated how closely DALL·E captured the essence of my original drawing, though DreamStudio took a more abstract route.

Chapter 2: Reflections and Revelations

I revisited my self-portrait, a piece inspired by a long-gone era when social media and AI were nonexistent. Instead, we relied on self-timers for photos and then drew from them. My original photo depicted me at my parents' kitchen table, looking rather like Bud Bundy.

Original Artwork

DALL-E Output

DALL·E produced a sketchbook-style rendition, but Midjourney's version intrigued me even more as it presented a unique twist.

In my exploration of these old pieces, I found unexpected results and a renewed sense of creativity. The AI interpretation process was a fun experiment, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Do you think I outshine these AI-generated artworks? Let me know!