Meet Jo!
Meet Jo Phillips (IG: @byjo.ai), a graphic designer and creative business owner from the UK who uses AI art to inspire action and tell meaningful stories. Her work blends bold colors, surreal imagery, and emotional depth, often reflecting her love for nature and animals. Jo’s journey into AI art began as a way to heal and express herself, and it has since grown into a platform for raising awareness about causes she cares deeply about, from conservation to social change.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
Hello. I am Jo. I live in a sleepy village on the Essex marshes in the UK. I am a professionally qualified graphic designer with over 35 years of experience working within the art and design industry and the founder of a business offering bespoke web and graphic design services. Throughout my career, I have held positions as an art editor for prestigious London publishing houses such as B.B.C, Haymarket, and the inaugural Big Issue magazine.
I am a great believer in working together and inspiring action through creativity. In addition to my professional work, I actively participate in and lead campaigns, championing causes for the conservation and welfare of animals - through the development of impactful events, educational graphics, awareness videos, and social media content that have gained significant media attention.
I briefly encountered AI a few years ago, but my activism work consumed my time, so I never pursued it further. In August 2023, a devastating event occurred - the passing of Tokitae, a captive orca who, for almost a decade, I had campaigned daily for - my colleague sent me a Dall-E meme to cheer me up. I was fascinated by it and began using Dall-E to create graphics, seeking some much-needed light relief, which led me to use it to make a difference, one meme at a time, to support various causes and campaigns.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and if you had the opportunity to collaborate with any artist, who would it be, and why?
I could list a million things, but as I sit and type, immediate thoughts come to mind that have shaped my artistic life: growing up with my nose in books, writing, drawing and playing in nature, with a special admiration for trees and, of course, all animals, my family, partner and dear feline companions, my beloved Bil and Tokitae, mindful photography, love of the arts and the moving lyrics of Nick Cave.
I was profoundly moved and inspired by a powerful animal rights speech by Philip Wollen that makes perfect sense to me. It begins with: “King Lear, late at night on the cliffs, asks the blind Earl of Gloucester, “How do you see the world?”
And the blind man Gloucester replies, “I see it feelingly”.
Shouldn’t we all?
Inspiration lies in the most ordinary things if we pause to observe, fully immerse ourselves in our surroundings and truly feel. The world overflows with opportunities for artistic interpretation; how we perceive it shapes our singular lived experience of reality.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
While my artistic roots remain firmly planted in traditional design, AI has allowed me to push the boundaries of my imagination. My creative process starts with an initial prompt in Midjourney. I extensively experiment with chaos parameter strengths, add textures from my creative arsenal, weave in my neon shades, and never settle for the first outcome. I often find images to explore by alternating between Niji and V6. Older versions tend to lack polish but can produce fascinating visuals and imperfections, which I like to embrace.
I haven't encountered any creative blocks; my brain is awash! I have countless memorable dreams and ideas which have the potential to foster personal growth, self-expression, and healing.
Creating AI images can be addictive, and I am finding a balance since I already spend much of my day working on a screen. It is not the same, for example, as photography, which allows me to venture into the elements where I love to study the small things.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Here I am back with Tokitae; she is a profound inspiration to me and why I discovered the AI community and started creating. In a nutshell, I co-led a global campaign to liberate Tokitae (Lolita) - an orca imprisoned at the Miami Seaquarium for over 50 years for profit and entertainment. Tragically, she passed away; my heart shattered. I had terrible burnout, and it badly affected my health. AI has helped my grief journey immensely, a way to express my emotions and illustrate personal experiences - a practice I find both empowering and deeply cathartic. I have dedicated my yearly 365 challenge to her, and I aim to transform grief into creative expression by compiling a personal book of my creations.
Who would have thought I would begin the year with a little meme and, within a year, have my work exhibited internationally, from the Oculus at the World Trade Center in NYC to Miami Art Week?! So, thank you, AI and all who have supported me with all my heart.
What role do you think AI art can play in highlighting social issues?
AI is a versatile and impactful medium for addressing social issues, and my work has covered several related topics. I am researching the most effective ways to use AI to raise awareness and inspire meaningful change by eliciting emotional reactions, conveying important messages, and exploring the relationships between humans, non-human animals, and our shared human experience. However, this work must serve its intended purpose effectively and responsibly. There are valid ethical concerns and risks of misuse that creators must be mindful of.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women and non-binary folks who are interested in pursuing AI art?
Embrace the community and join online challenges with like-minded people who encourage all abilities and allow creativity to flourish. This practice will help you learn and refine your techniques.
Use your unique life experiences as inspiration for your creations. Reflect on what message you want to share.
Cultivate your curiosity. Dare to experiment and break away from conventional styles. Keep expanding your knowledge and engage with the world around you.
Remember your original purpose, and never hesitate to take a break when needed.
Avoid feeling pressured; never be a slave to the algorithm! Don’t get caught up in follower counts—they can detract from your work and drain your energy.
Stay focused, keep creating and always be your authentic self - that is when your unique talents will truly shine.
Enjoy every moment of your creative journey.
For more of Jo’s incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @byjo.ai