CF, also known as @sem2ga on X, is a true virtuoso of Leonardo.Ai. His mastery of the tool enables him to depict a wide range of subjects, from imposing futuristic scenes to naval ships (and spaceships—both retro-looking and modern), but where he most often excels is in dazzling us with elegant and stunning depictions of the feminine. It must be said that the colors in CF’s art are consistently stunning, setting various vibrant moods for each finished piece. I am honored and grateful to have him join us for this interview.
Let’s discover him together.
Minerva
Without getting too personal, can you tell us a bit about yourself?:
At the age of 46, I find myself reflecting on a life that has been profoundly shaped by the sea. With a rich maritime background that spans several decades, I have witnessed the transformative power of the ocean in both my personal and professional life.
Growing up in a coastal town, my fascination with the sea began at an early age. The boundless horizon and the rhythmic sound of the waves seemed to call out to me, promising adventure and discovery. This intrinsic connection to the maritime world led me to pursue a career that allowed me to be as close to the water as possible.
In essence, being a 46-year-old man with a maritime background is not merely a fact of my existence; it is the core of my identity. It shapes my perspective, informs my choices, and influences my aspirations. As I navigate the waters of life, I carry with me the lessons learned at sea, always ready to embark on the next adventure that lies beyond the horizon.
Could you please tell us which country you live in?:
Currently, I reside in the UAE; however, the nature of my job requires extensive travel around the Gulf.
What led you to begin working with AI imagery?:
I recognised an opportunity in AI that allowed me to harness my drawing skills, which I have utilised as a means of relaxation after enduring lengthy days filled with operational activities.
What AI tools do you use?:
Leonardo is undoubtedly a favorite among the burgeoning suite of digital tools and platforms available today, as you may have noticed. However, it stands in esteemed company, alongside other remarkable platforms such as Chat GPT, Suno.ai, Kaiber, D-ID Studio, RunwayML, Remix, Magnific AI, Envato Elements, Topaz AI, Pika Labs, Epidemic Sound, HeyGen, Remini, CapCut, and Captions, to highlight just a few. The proliferation of these innovative tools and platforms is both exciting and overwhelming, with many more continuing to emerge and evolve. Sometimes, I find myself wishing for a 27-hour day to explore and experiment with all of them.
What inspires you?:
I draw inspiration from various sources.
Starting with my daily activities, it's fascinating how routine occurrences spark creativity. The simple act of observing people in a park, for instance, can inspire characters for a story, or the rhythm of raindrops against the window can set the pace for a poem. It's in these everyday moments that I find unexpected moments of inspiration.
Books are my windows to different worlds, each page a stepping stone into another person's imagination. They offer a vast landscape of emotions, ideas, and experiences far beyond my immediate reality. Whether it's a classic novel, a contemporary piece, or a non-fiction exploration, books fuel my imagination, challenging me to think deeply and empathetically.
Social media, often criticized for its superficiality, is nonetheless a treasure trove of inspiration. Through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, I gain insight into the latest trends, connect with diverse communities, and expose myself to a variety of viewpoints. It's a modern-day muse, reflecting the complexities of human experience in the digital age.
Finally, television shows are far more than just a source of entertainment for me. They are narratives that combine visuals, music, and dialogue, weaving intricate stories that reflect societal norms, question moral values, and explore the human condition. From drama to comedy, historical to sci-fi, TV shows offer a plethora of themes and ideas to draw upon.
In conclusion, my reservoir of inspiration is replenished by the myriad experiences embedded in my daily life, the literary journeys I undertake, the dynamic exchanges on social media, and the rich storytelling found in television. Each source, with its unique offerings, enhances my creativity and continues to shape my viewpoint on the world.
Survived the Storm
(One of @revelinai’s favorite images by CF)
In which other medium, if any, do you practice art?:
Whenever time permits, I focus primarily on absorbing information that could be beneficial for my future projects or the imagery I create with AI.
Would you consider AI-generated art true art?:
If we revisit and define art as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, creating works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power, then AI can be considered a tool through which artwork is created. Given that there is a human element involved in collecting tokens, prompting, selecting styles, and in the freedom of choice of AI applications for this purpose, I suppose.
Please share one or a few of your favorite images with us.:
I’ll share one.
CF’s favorite image - Empress of the Golden Feathers
Do you title your AI-generated art? If you do, what inspires you to come up with these titles?:
I do, and it’s my life experience, mostly.
When do you tend to be the most productive, and do you work in long sessions or short bursts?:
It's my hobby, so I do it as and when the time allows. If the timeframe permits, I may spend hours creating, filtering, changing, tweaking, and experimenting with prompts, applying different styles. If it's a project I'm working on, it can take days, weeks, or sometimes even months. Pursuing any hobby activates different areas of one's brain, which promotes creative thinking and problem-solving skills. What I'm trying to say is, if this is anyone's hobby, then you become a productivity powerhouse.
Troops boarding the transport ship
What type of prompts do you prefer: text or AI-generated descriptions through fed images?:
I believe that texts provide an opportunity for creativity and allow for experimentation with various prompt layouts.
When prompting with text, do you write simple text-based prompts or complex ones?:
This significantly depends on the nature of your project: complex textures in images may necessitate intricate prompts.
Do you think text-based prompts should be shared within the AI art community?:
This may work.
What is the most unconventional method you have used to create an image?:
I strive not to disappoint anyone, but I must admit I'm very traditional in this aspect: idea - prompt - image. This sequence remains largely the same for me, even when involving motion. Depending on the strength of the motion, I find myself rolling the randomizer until the results satisfy my expectations.
How many images you have generated using AI technology?:
I wasn’t exactly sure, so let's do the math: In March, I had 60,000 tokens in Leonardo.ai. Given that one generation requires 27 tokens, and I used up all my tokens within the month, this equates to roughly 2,000 images. However, not all the tokens were allocated for image creation; some were spent on motion, refining, upscaling, and editing tasks. I've subscribed to the 'Maestro' plan, which allocates 60,000 tokens monthly. I switched to this plan in November after realizing that the previous 'Artisan' plan didn't supply enough tokens for all my projects. Since November, I've generated approximately 10,000 images using this subscription. Factoring in a few thousand more images from previous months and other applications, I estimate that I've created around 15,000 images up to now.
QT an expression/ feeling in art
Please share your X (Twitter) handle with us.:
Tell us a bit about your X handle and X username.:
Had this username long before I joined Twitter.
How many X followers do you currently have?:
3389
How many X accounts do you currently follow?:
4284
How long have you been on X (Twitter)?:
Since April, 2022
Natural beauty
Is there any other online platform where we can view all of your previous work apart from X?:
Never tried any before X.
In this world of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are you currently selling your digital art on any platform? If so, which platform are you using?:
No. Being scammed on Twitter, I had honestly no idea how this worked and stopped it. But I’m sure there are many platforms which you may want to use or explore.
Are you selling tangible AI-generated artwork, such as high-quality prints like Giclée prints?:
To be honest, I had never considered that. If there were a demand or request, then yes, I'd think it necessary.
Could you suggest some AI artists you like that we could follow?:
A wide array of talented artists surfaces every day, and through actively engaging on platform X, I've had the pleasure of connecting with many of them. I encourage you to explore my Follow list and consider connecting with these individuals as well. Rest assured, not all accounts are bots; in my experience, there's a wealth of genuine creativity and talent to be discovered.
Is there anything else you would like to add or share with the AI community?:
Sharing information with the AI community can be a rewarding experience, contributing to the collective knowledge and advancement of the field. Whether you're a researcher, developer, enthusiast, or someone who's just dipping their toes into the world of artificial intelligence, several areas of information are valuable to this vibrant community: Research Findings, Datasets and Resources, Open-Source Projects, Experiences and Case Studies, Tutorials and Guides, Emerging Technologies, Personal Projects, Feedback and Reviews, Job and Collaboration Opportunities.
Each contribution, no matter the size, helps in building a richer, more diverse, and innovative AI community. By sharing your knowledge, experiences, and resources, you not only aid in the advancement of the field but also stand to gain new insights, feedback, and connections that could further your own work in AI.
QT with your rainy day art
More fantastic imagery from CF
Follow him @sem2ga
