Karl Johnson’s interview

The Karl Johnson Interview

A conversation with AI Artist Karl Johnson, aka @1789Johnson on X

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED ON DECEMBER 3, 2024

ALL IMAGES BY KARL JOHNSON ARE GENERATED USING MIDJOURNEY AND GROK UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

In the ever-expanding world of AI artistry, Karl Johnson brings a distinct voice that seamlessly blends the realms of fantasy and science fiction. A relatively recent discovery for me, Karl’s work immediately resonated because of our shared fascination with knights, dragons, foreboding castles—and beautiful women too!

But there’s something unmistakably unique about his style—a touch of Alaska. Growing up in rural Alaska, Karl developed a deep appreciation for winter landscapes, farmland, and the quiet beauty of snow-covered settings. This connection is evident in his art, where his love for snow and the serenity of winter is palpable. His imagery often juxtaposes towering mechs against picturesque, romantic landscapes, creating surreal and otherworldly scenes. Whether it’s a colossal robot trudging through a snowy field or a lone figure (perhaps clutching a steaming mug of coffee) amid a frozen expanse, Karl masterfully captures the ethereal beauty of isolation.

Karl’s style is a testament to traditional painting techniques. His characters, often beautiful women, are rendered with intricate detail—the texture of hair, the folds of clothing, and the shimmer of jewelry evoke a lifelike quality that draws viewers in. His use of light and shadow, with a strong emphasis on chiaroscuro, adds depth and drama to his work, reminiscent of Renaissance and Baroque art. Visible brushstrokes lend a tactile, impressionistic feel to his pieces, making the technique itself a vital part of the artwork’s charm.

His color palette is another defining feature, balancing naturalistic tones for his characters with heightened, dramatic hues for the backgrounds or sci-fi elements like robots. This interplay between the realistic and the fantastical enhances the immersive quality of his work, transporting viewers to realms that feel both familiar and extraordinary.

Karl’s art could be categorized under "Fantasy Realism" or "Contemporary Fantasy Art," where realistic techniques meet imaginative themes. His futuristic, sci-fi-infused landscapes, with their dystopian or post-apocalyptic undertones, further highlight his ability to create visual narratives that juxtapose the known and the unknown. His fantasy art is more than just stunning visuals—it’s a window into worlds where beauty, mystery, and imagination collide. It’s an honor to feature him in this interview.

Let’s discover Karl Johnson together.

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Without getting too personal, can you tell us a bit about yourself?:

My name is Karl. I'm a student, training in the medical field.

Could you please tell us which country you live in?:

I live in the USA, Portland, Oregon.

What led you to begin working with AI imagery?:

I have had various health issues that left me bedridden for extended periods of time. AI art has been a great outlet at times when few other options were available.

What AI tools do you use?:

ChatGPT, Midjourney and Grok. But always trying new things.

What inspires you?:

I draw from a variety of sources. I grew up in rural Alaska, and the open landscapes are a major component. I also like a variety of fantasy and sci-fi universes. Witcher, Cyberpunk, and Warhammer fantasy, and 40K especially.

The Dragon Prince

(One of @revelinai’s favorite images by Karl Johnson)

In which other medium, if any, do you practice art?:

I write a lot. Mostly poetry or short fiction. Nothing I would ever publish.

Would you consider AI-generated art true art?:

Definitely. Like most things, it's a set of tools, and you get out of it what you put into it. Personally, I treat it almost like reading tea leaves, or divination. You're trying to access what the AI wants to tell you. "The Machine Spirit" wants to be heard, for the 40K fans out there.

Please share one or a few of your favorite images with us.:

Here are several images that I really like:

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Do you title your AI-generated art? If you do, what inspires you to come up with these titles?:

Some times. It really depends on the individual piece, and my mood at the time.

When do you tend to be the most productive, and do you work in long sessions or short bursts?:

I have insomnia, so I tend to do most of my work at night. Usually, it's for a few hours in a setting.

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What type of prompts do you prefer: text or AI-generated descriptions through fed images?:

I prefer text. Just a personal preference, both methods work well.

When prompting with text, do you write simple text-based prompts or complex ones?:

I tend toward simple descriptions. I feel like it gives the AI more room to play, and try different things.

Do you think text-based prompts should be shared within the AI art community?:

Absolutely. It is beautiful to see all the various possibilities from the same starting point.

What is the most unconventional method you have used to create an image?:

Interesting. I don't know if it’s unconventional, but I often will take a photograph of a person or place, have ChatGPT make them into a fantasy character or place, make a poem or story around them, then turn that story into a Midjourney prompt.

How many images you have generated using AI technology?:

Thousands.

Please share your X (Twitter) handle with us.:

@1789Johnson

Tell us a bit about your X handle and X username.:

Honestly, it was just a random number and my last name. I wish there was more to it.

How many X followers do you currently have?:

900 as of this writing. It fluctuates a bit, but now over 1,200!

How many X accounts do you currently follow?:

I think around 1,200.

How long have you been on X (Twitter)?:

Around 10 years, but only really started posting in the last year.

QT Battle Nun

Artistic Challenge - Helmet

Is there any other online platform where we can view all of your previous work apart from X?:

I am on Instagram.

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?:

Not currently, but I am open to selling art if anyone is interested. I don't know much about setting that up to be honest.

Are you selling tangible AI-generated artwork, such as high-quality prints like Giclée prints?:

I have a redbubble Store but it's been a long time since I've added new art.

Could you suggest some AI artists you like that we could follow?:

Absolutely!