Embracing AI Art for Inktober

1. Introduction: Embracing AI Art for Inktober

I have finally gotten into a rhythm of writing again. Today, I decided to write 200-300 words without compromising the focus or framework of the topic, keeping the writing purposeful and clear. I chose a subject that not only interests me but might also intrigue a reader who’s unfamiliar with it. For this post, I wanted to share something relevant to my art journey—AI artwork. I’ve written about specific artists and pieces of work before, but today I’m diving into something more technical: my use of AI art for Inktober 2024. And I’m doing this because it’s important to explain how my approach this year contrasts with what I did in 2021.

2. The Monster List: A Personalized Inktober Challenge

If you’ve read my previous Inktober blog posts, you’ll know that I’ve always taken a hands-on approach. In 2021, I spent hours preparing, stocking up on supplies, and choosing my materials carefully—micron pens, grayscale Faber Castell pens, and wide Bristol paper. But this year, I wasn’t going to have enough time to draw meaningful work daily. As the month approached, I decided I’d use AI art instead, but I still wanted to make it personal and connected to my interests.

So, I created my own "Monster List" with themes that inspired me. It included things like Wizards, Wendigos, and Demon Dolls. I wanted to capture spooky and eerie vibes while giving myself the freedom to experiment. The idea was to move away from the traditional Inktober prompts and make something that truly resonated with me.

3. Previous Blog Post: Inktober 2021 Reflection

In my 2021 blog post, I outlined my process for preparing for Inktober. I talked about getting the right tools—sketchbooks, pens, and markers—and about how I enjoyed working with traditional materials. I focused on the tactile experience of using a pen to ink my drawings and the joy of creating each piece by hand. I also wrote about my favorite materials, like the sepia sketchbook and Bristol paper, which gave my work depth and texture.

Looking back on that post now, it’s clear how much effort went into the physical preparation. But this year, I was dealing with time constraints, so I had to pivot. Instead of traditional tools, I embraced the challenge of creating AI-generated artwork, taking a much more digital approach to Inktober.

4. Challenges with AI Art: Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

I began my AI art journey with high hopes, but the first day didn’t go as planned. I started by asking the AI for the prompt list and began creating the first piece, “Hike.” Only later did I realize that the word "Hike" wasn’t part of the official list. On top of that, drawing on the iPad wasn’t as seamless as I anticipated. I found myself bogged down by analysis paralysis—too many options, too many styles, colors, and brushes to choose from.

Eventually, I found my way by focusing on black-and-white art with bold contour lines, the style I’m most comfortable with. I started refining my process, realizing that I needed specific guidelines to create consistent, personal artwork. After learning more about AI prompts, I created a refined version of the prompt list—something I called the “Monster List” featuring Wizards, Wendigos, and more—and I began producing art I was truly excited about.

5. Looking Ahead: Continuing the AI Art Journey

This experience with AI for Inktober has been both frustrating and rewarding. It taught me a lot about creating distinct, personalized artwork through AI, and I’m excited to continue refining my skills. I learned how to write specific prompts, use AI tools like MidJourney and ChatGPT, and how to apply my artistic vision in a digital format. As for the future, I’m looking forward to seeing where AI art can take me. You can check out my work on Instagram and TikTok, and I’m already excited about the next chapter in this journey.

Additional Notes and References:

The original 2021 Blog Post: (September 29, 2021):

Art Blog

How I prepare for Inktober 2021

Inktober 2021 is coming up very soon and this is something that I find has a lot of creative aspects to it. My favorite showcase of Inktober is from the artist @LethalChris on youtube. He uses a sepia sketchbook with color and more.

  What I have to use is mostly Micron pens and no sketchbook except for one that has been water damaged. I will prepare for Inktober by buying a thumbnail sketch book and a wire bound 14 x 17” sketchbook or a couple Bristol 11” x 17” because it looks better against the black ink. Having done Inktober last year, my favorite sketches turned out to be those on wide bristol paper because of the dynamic shapes that were large. Another of my favorites was an ink in my sepia sketchbook.

  After I get my notebooks I have to restock on Micron Brush Pen, a black copic marker, a pack of Staedtler, and a pack of grayscale Faber Castell Pens as well as a regular pen set. That way I can have extra black ink and will eventually go to grayscale or washes or watercolor.

  If I do not get these items as I want to but only to have a certain palette that is similar to the one I had last year, then I will go digital and think about a drawing tablet, and work with programs such as Illustrator.  

Monstober List::

1. Wizard
2. Dragon/ Horse
3. Scare crow/ pumpkin head
4. Puppet, demon Doll, or action hero
5. Joker, Jester, Circus theme
6. Wendigo
7. Witch