Meet Shannon!
Introducing Shannon (IG: @momhugssss), Southern California's own 'Niji Queen,' who has been a graphic designer for over two decades and a creative business owner. Shannon’s AI art is a reverent nod to the retro pin-up aesthetic. Her portraits, especially of young women, carry a rebellious elegance, with eyes that tell stories and shadows that whisper secrets. In this interview, Shannon unveils her creative journey, intertwining the nostalgia of her childhood art influences with the innovative flair of AI. Despite occasional creative blocks, her philosophy is one of fluidity and resilience, often bridging the gap between AI and traditional artistry.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
I have been a professional graphic designer for over 20 years. In the beginning as I learned the programs I did a lot of creative exploration. I would spend a lot of time in Illustrator and Photoshop (and a nostalgic nod to the software that started it all, CorelDraw) in my free time as well as for work, but eventually, they lost their sparkle and became just tools of my trade and how I paid my bills.
I’ve dabbled in a myriad of creative hobbies over the years, my husband could give you an amusing account of some but there have been so many I am positive neither of us remembers them all... but, in the summer of 2022 I found myself intrigued by Dall-E and Stable Diffusion. Then I found Midjourney, and that was a "stick a fork in me, I am done" experience.
My all-in obsession with text to image creation makes a lot of sense when I consider how much I love written words and self expression. AI art is the perfect blend of what I love, what I am good at and my incessant ADHD drive to create at a rate that previously was not possible. I have a short attention span, it's a curse and a gift and I believe it's a contributing factor in why I am so in love with this technology.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
I grew up in the 80s in Southern California, and I believe that alone has profoundly shaped my worldview—for better or for worse. Two of my favorite artists are Sandro Botticelli and Mark Ryden.
I'm deeply fascinated by the interplay of contrasts and the juxtaposition of soft femininity with bold grit. It was only recently, thanks to some new friends I've made in the Instagram AI Art Community, that I realized I had a 'style.' Reflecting on it, I think my style echoes the aesthetic of retro pin-up glamour infused with the reality of the perfectly imperfect human condition; it's a blend of elegance and rebellious spirit.
I have a particular affinity for faces, focusing especially on eyes, and I often incorporate dramatic lighting to create intense shadows, adding layers of depth and intensity. Lately, I find myself influenced by the art styles of my childhood, and I'm on a quest to honor them and incorporate elements of them into my own work.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
My primary tools of choice are Midjourney for text-to-image generation and ChatGPT for idea refinement and narrative expansion. Rather than starting with a clear, defined vision, my process involves a collaborative dance between my concept and the AI, iterating until the result captures the essence I'm chasing.
AI serves as my primary medium for personal creative exploration. While traditional digital design tools have their place in my professional life, AI offers a refreshing and unique canvas for me. There's a thrilling unpredictability when working with parameters like Chaos and Weird in Midjourney; these add unexpected twists to the final output, challenging my preconceived notions and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Funny enough is that the time I spend in AI has significantly improved my overall creativity and I approach my professional life with a deeper level of creativity which is just so exciting for me.
I do encounter creative blocks with AI but the approach to overcoming these blocks remains consistent, regardless of whether I'm working with AI or traditional mediums. My creative ethos revolves around flowing with the current, not against it. In times of stagnation, I return to traditional methods, integrating basic illustrations and AI-driven visuals. The human element remains central, whether I'm working with AI or not. It's a holistic journey for me, one of immersion, exploration, feelings and trust in the process. Maybe a little love for the technology as well if I am honest.
Can you share a specific moment that transformed your perspective on AI art?
I recently joined a few fellow AI artists in an art share. We decided on a Halloween theme and I will admit I was a bit nervous about it. I have some skulls and vampire pieces in my collection but none of them really felt like they had that 'gallery-worthy' vibe. So, I spent a few weeks experimenting and eventually had that ah-hah moment and started to see halloween vibes that held true to my usual creative aesthetic and I was equal parts surprised and excited. I ended up printing two designs and hoped at least one would resonate with my fellow artists that would be receiving them.
This entire experience was quite transformative for my creativity. Initially, I questioned whether I could merge my style with the theme, but it became clear it was just my usual self-doubt making me worry more than I should. In the end, I was pleased with what I ended up with and felt confident sharing those final two selected pieces.
How do you balance your work in AI art with other professional or personal pursuits?
Balancing my time for creative exploration with AI and my other roles is, well, a challenge. I won't sugarcoat it—I'm utterly captivated by AI. But being a mother, wife, and business owner means there's always something vying for my attention. Most days, the only "me time" I get is when the rest of my world is tucked into bed. That translates to less sleep for me, but there's this incredible pull from the world of AI that makes those late-night sessions worth it. I might be running on fumes sometimes, but the boost it gives to my creativity is totally unparalleled. I've been diving into AI daily for the past year, and while I hope I'll find a more balanced rhythm soon, it seems those late nights might just be my new normal.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Working with AI in art has been a remarkable journey for my mental and emotional well-being. On one hand, it's deeply therapeutic. The explorative nature of AI means that every session is an opportunity for discovery. It's a space where I can let go, experiment, and see where the AI and I can take an idea. This collaborative dance, of sorts, with the AI becomes a form of creative meditation, where I lose track of time and immerse myself fully in the process.
On the flip side, it has its challenges. The urge to delve into AI regularly, combined with my responsibilities as a mother, wife, and business owner, sometimes leads to sleep deprivation. There's this internal tug-of-war between wanting to spend more time exploring AI and the reality of my daily commitments. So while the creative process is cathartic, finding a balance can be a bit stressful.
In essence, AI artistry for me is a blend of therapy and passion, with a hint of adrenaline from the challenges it brings. It's invigorating, inspiring, and sometimes, a touch overwhelming, but it's undeniably a core part of my creative identity now.
In your opinion, how does AI redefine the concept of creativity and artistic agency, and how do you see it impacting the future of art?
In my view, AI doesn't replace human creativity but rather extends and enhances it. Drawing an analogy, if I want to get from point A to point B, there are many modes of transportation. AI is akin to both the car and the horse. In some scenarios, like with the car, I set the destination, and AI helps me get there efficiently. In others, it's more like riding a horse, where the AI brings its own set of knowledge and perceptions to the table, and together, we journey toward our destination.
AI has undoubtedly opened up novel dimensions in art, acting as an art form in itself. Its capability to be as varied and unique as the individual using it makes it an invaluable tool and partner. We're still in the early stages of the 'wild west' of synthography, and there's an air of anticipation to see how this town (or field) grows and evolves.
Looking to the future, I see AI embedding itself deeper into the fabric of the creative world. Even those skeptical about AI may eventually find an avenue that draws them in. The potential is vast, and given how much progress has been made in such a short span, predicting where we'll be in even five years is challenging.
Personally, I'm on a journey of exploration with AI. I'm committed to its daily use and am curious about how it'll fit into my professional realm in the long run. Regardless of the specifics, I'm excited about the potential and certain that the future of AI and art will be nothing short of amazing.
What role do you think AI art can play in highlighting social issues?
Absolutely, art has always been a powerful medium to highlight and address social issues, serving as both a reflection of society and an influencer of change. This includes AI art. For me, art becomes a channel through which I emphasize themes close to my heart, such as human rights, acceptance, kindness, and elevating marginalized communities.
I see AI art as an enabler in this space. It democratizes the art-making process. Traditional art often requires years of training or particular skills, potentially excluding those without access to education or specific talents. But AI art can bridge that gap. Whether it's individuals who may not have conventional art skills or those with mobility and cognitive challenges, AI brings art within reach. This inclusivity amplifies voices that might have been unheard in the past. By providing a platform for a broader spectrum of creators, AI art can present diverse perspectives on social issues, making the discourse richer and more encompassing and I am hopeful for that future.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
I will go with Sandro Botticelli or Mark Ryden. Both are my favorites but very different, there are different things I love about both. For Botticelli I absolutely love how he painted hands, they're just so delicate and gentle. Ryden's big eyes and whimsical lowbrow pop surrealism style just do something to my soul.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women who are interested in pursuing AI art?
Do what makes you happy, if it's AI art then just get in there and start tinkering, the AI community as a whole is incredibly welcoming and kind, everyone is just creating what makes them happy and welcome others with open arms. You'll find a wonderful community in addition to self expression through AI art and you'll never look back.
For more of Shannon’s incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @momhugssss