AI Usage

My Journey with AI

For many years, I believed that my ability to create art had been lost forever. As someone who grew up writing and illustrating, I dreamed of a future filled with visual novels and web comics. But in 2017, that dream was abruptly shattered. While working on a demanding art commission, my hand gave out. Despite trying everything—rest, braces, creams—nothing could restore my ability to hold a pen. My art career was over, and with it, a piece of my identity.

In the aftermath, I shifted my focus entirely to tarot and astrology. It was a natural transition, as I had been balancing art, tarot readings, and astrology for years. Tarot became my new creative outlet, but one great regret lingered: I had never illustrated my own tarot deck.

Then, in the summer of 2023, everything changed. I discovered Midjourney's Niji 5 model, and for the first time in years, I felt hope. I could create again, not with my hands, but with my imagination and the power of AI. Over six months, I crafted my first tarot deck, and by the spring of 2024, I had updated all 40 pip cards and a few Major Arcana. My tarot deck is more than just a set of images; it's a living, breathing creation that embodies my passion and resilience.

How I Use AI in My Work

AI has become an integral part of my daily creative process, enhancing both my productivity and mental well-being. Here's how I incorporate AI into my work:

  • Brainstorming and Organization: I use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for my blog, refine my designs, and transform my disorganized notes into coherent plans. This tool has been invaluable in helping me stay on track and keep my creativity flowing, even when my thoughts feel like a tangled web.

  • Art and Design: All the images on my website, including my tarot cards, are created with a combination of Midjourney and the artistic touch of my spouse, who does paint-overs to perfect the final details. This collaborative process allows me to bring my visions to life in ways I never thought possible after my injury.

A New Era of Creativity

My experience with AI is a testament to the power of these tools to revolutionize creativity, especially for those of us with disabilities. While there is much debate about the role of AI in art, I firmly believe that these ever-evolving tools are ushering in a new Industrial Revolution—one where everyone, regardless of physical limitations, can participate and reclaim what was once thought lost.

Don’t let the current AI displeasure discourage you. If anything, AI has given me a second chance to create, and I hope it can do the same for you. My tarot deck, born out of this new technology, is a reminder that art can take many forms, and that passion and perseverance can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.