Exploring AI’s role in graphic communications

The role of AI in industry is changing and evolving each day, raising questions about creativity and originality. Carl Blue, associate professor of graphics communications at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, recently created an exhibit showcasing the versatility of AI when it comes to graphic communications.

Originally, he decided to organize this exhibit series to show students how AI can be used as a tool in their future careers. His first showcase featured how different AI interfaces interpret different prompts. For example, when creating art for this exhibit, Blue’s theme was “shaman”. He would input the same prompt to generate a shaman in several different AI platforms and compare the similarities and differences. He found that each platform he used had a different interpretation of the prompt, including shaman from medieval Europe and some with more fantastical elements.

In this exhibit, Prompts, A.I. Show 2.0, Blue’s work centered on the theme, “The value of an idea lies not in its originality but in its execution.” Blue says that this comes from his belief

“Artists work in different mediums, but it’s really about the idea. You have to see it, know it’s there, and figure out how to bring it to life,” explains Blue. “Some say there’s nothing truly original anymore—that it’s all innovation of an ideal. For me, originality is in execution, how someone develops an idea, shapes it and makes it as uniquely theirs.”

For this exhibit’s displays, Blue used his own original art pieces, including photographs and paintings, to begin the process. With OpenAI, he altered each of his pieces, using a consistent theme to ensure each had a woodcut-style look with textures. After generating his new art pieces, he then printed them with inkjet technology.

“It was important for me to start with something of my own,” says Blue. “AI isn’t replacing creativity. I wanted to show how you can take an idea, transform it and make it into something new.”

The AI Art Showcase will continue running until the end of March. With this exhibit and the first, Blue has noticed that students have become more comfortable and interested in AI. At first students were a little apprehensive about AI because many were worried about the effect on their future careers. Blue says that this exhibit showed students and other viewers that AI is another tool in the process of creating art and can be used to the benefit of artists.

“We’ve always worked with technology in graphic communications and as artists. AI is just a new technological innovation and something we have to figure out how to best use. Just like any tool, it’s about understanding how it fits into the creative process and using it to enhance what we already do.”

About the Department of Graphic Communications

The Department of Graphic Communications at the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business prepares students for professional careers in printing, publishing, packaging graphics, digital media, content creation and the greater communication industry. The curriculum used takes a holistic approach moving students from creative concept to actualization, including two internships that provide exceptional real-world experience and career preparation. Coursework is heavily oriented around laboratory performance, which stresses the development of problem-solving skills in a broad cross-section of graphic mediums. With a keen understanding of the industry and a network of passionate alumni, the program has a unique grasp of the professional world. This broad and balanced education leads to in-demand careers across a wide variety of fields.