State of AI (Patreon)

Given the current state of AI, I have decided to integrate it into my workflow after experimenting with Stable Diffusion for character design and drawing in the last month (before I only used it for background/environment). While I understand that there may be some backlash, I feel that SD is too valuable a tool for me to pass up. 

My goal is not to become the greatest artist but to create good work only. Developing a game is already a challenging process, and I don't want to handicap myself. With the release of Adobe Firefly, Microsoft Copilot X, and Chat GPT, I believe that using AI for professional work is inevitable. 

The first image I have produced using SD is this one. My workflow involves sketching and applying basic cel-shading for the pose, figure's proportions, composition, and color theme. Then, I let the AI rendering take over. Finally, I use Photoshop for photo manipulation and paint over the image to enhance the details and improve accuracy in the design. It's like 50/50 with the AI help. 

I hope you'd understand my decision, thank you so much.