Conlaodh

I've commented several times about my concerns with AI generated art. There's no getting over the fact that it can create beautiful work, and it's getting better all the time. However, while many argue that Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, etc., are simply tools that can be incorporated into the workflow for exiting artists, I'm still skeptical about that. I've struggled to see a way of using AI to work in tandem with the tools I usually use.

But Photoshop may have changed the game for me with its new Generative Fill feature. Now I can see a way to use its AI functions as a seamless part of my workflow.

The two images above are an example of that. The bottom image shows my original "Black Forest" render (with the clay render included on the side). I originally created that image in portrait mode.

The top image shows how Photoshop's Generative Fill allows me to seamlessly create a landscape version of the same render, simply by using the "crop" feature to extend the canvas horizontally, and then have Generative Fill fill in the scene. And voila - a landscape version, that looks (to my eye) exactly right, in just a few seconds.

What I like about this is that it feels like an AI tool that really works for me, not competing with me. So maybe - just slightly, mind you - I'm starting to turn to the dark side. At least where Photoshop is concerned.

It's only 10 days to the launch of my debut novel! (Well, okay, technically eleven days, but ten sounds pretty cool.)

I'm looking for readers/reviewers who would be interested in getting an advance PDF copy of the novel and provide an honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. If interested, send me a note with your email - or, better yet, sign up on my author website - Science fiction author | Lee McCall author

I'd love to send you a PDF version and have you post your reviews! Open from now to May 31st.

I haven't been very active at all here on DA for the last while. One of the reasons is that I've been trying to finish a novel that I started three years ago. And I'm happy to say that it's (mostly) done!

I've had a few beta readers go through it, and have a few revisions yet to make before it goes to an editor. I'm still trying to decide whether I should attempt traditional publishing or self-publish.

It's my first novel, and I learned a lot through the process. Over the next while, I'll be uploading some character artwork and, if I can make the time, some teaser scenes. It's a YA sci-fi novel with a unique premise, and I've had a lot of fun - and frustration - writing it. I'll be updating more as it gets closer to publication.