Drawing Machine (artificial)

Generative AI and LLMs have have been described as both dangerous technologies that endanger the human species, as well as powerful agents that can help us unlock our creativity and democratize image-making. While it's unclear if this is simply overinflated hype meant to drive an economic bubble*, or an accurate description of dramatic futures on the horizon, it's difficult to ignore the nascent potential of AI tools in the visual arts. In this project we will experiment with a series of AI tools, and see how they may reshape our creative approach.

Sora 2 generated clip of Sam Altman stealing GPUs at Target

This project will take the shape of an experiment. After testing a series of Artifical Intelligence softwares for creative production, you will select one (or more) AI software(s) to help make a new (updated) Drawing Machine. It's up to you if you'd like to continue pursuing your current topic, or select an entirely different topic, for this project.

Death Imitates Language (Autobreeder), Harm van den Dorpel

After testing and selecting an AI tool to work with, you will develop a hypothesis (concept) for how it may interact with your drawing machine. We'll see how we imagine AI to enable our workflows, and how that compares to reality (and what new possibilities emerge as a result).

Faith, Ryan Kuo

It's up to you what new form your Drawing Machine takes. It could again manifest physically – as a set of stamps, pencils, 3d printed prosthetic you wear while drawing. To a more advanced software – a chatbot, variable font, visual mixer, etc. Or anything in-betwen. Your project can be radically reformed, or simply extend the visuals in unexpected ways.

Mascot Micrographia, by Sangah Shin of Formless Twins

However, your project should test and engage with AI in a way that is new to you, enabling you to do something you couldn't have done alone. What new creative possibilities are unlocked by AI and LLMs? What are the boundaries between authorship? How can we make the subject of working with AI a project in and of itself?

'It's going to be really bad': Fears over AI bubble bursting grow in Silicon Valley, Lily Jamali, BBC

Deliverables

  • Presentation on AI Creative Tools
  • Processed based drawing method using Artificial Intelligence

Overview

Step 0: Due Nov 11
AI Research

Choose an AI software from this list to research, and test it's capabilities for visual outcomes. Be prepared to share your visual tests, a short description of the software, and 2-3 bullet points about the software with your classmates.

Step 1: Due Nov 18
Experiment Design (concept)

Taking your manual drawing machine as a starting point (or selecting an entirely new concept), reflect on what new possibilities creative AI tools can enable using the same idea. For instance, rather than outputting a 2d character design, can your drawing machine make a 3d rendering instead? How can you expand on some ideas in P5.js with the help of generative AI? What does adding AI generated animation to the work do? How can you combine AI with your concept for an unexpected outcome?

Frame your concept as an experiment, which you will run in the coming weeks. Prepare two concepts (experiments) and share them with the class in a short slideshow including sample imagery you have created using AI software.

Step 2: Due Nov 25
Sketches

Bring in the first result of your experiments – we can think of these at the "sketches" of your concept. Try to show a wide array of outcomes from both of your two experiments, and be able to describe what inputs led to what outputs in your designs.

Select one of your concepts and continue developing it.

Step 3: Due Dec 2
Rough Draft

Make progress on your design and bring in an 85% complete version of your project.

Step 4: Due Dec 9
Final Presentation

Final presentation of your "Artificial" Drawing Machine

References

Theoretical Rendering of a Mechanical Turk

Due Dec 9 (5 weeks)
Topics: AI for Visual Outcomes, Experimentation, Authorship, Collaboration

Schedule

Week 9 – Nov 11
Step 0: AI Research

Week 10 – Nov 18
Step 1: Concept

Week 3 – Nov 25
Step 2 Due: Sketches

Week 5 – Dec 2
Step 3 Due: Rough draft

Week 9 – Dec 9
Step 5 Due: Final project