I would argue that any fascist is deeply insecure. Would there really be a mentally healthy, self assured and balanced person who wanted to go down the fascist route? I don't think so for one moment.

thank you!

Makes me groan to think of it.

WEEEEE!!! How exciting! Thank you! I've got a new post on there (that I've not sent out as a newsletter as I normally would) for anyone joining to find (it's not particularly exciting though, more a welcome and the plan for 2026 😀

I can see the mad magazine inspo in there!

Also have to add that the camera lucida was not a secret for hundreds of years, it was only created in the early 1800s.

If I had got hold of Ai in my teens and have just started using it without thinking, I'd never be able to paint like I can now with decades under my belt. It's not talent, it's practice and passion. The human mistakes & strengths are what make the style recognisable and interesting.

2/2 and it has stolen MY art, my husbands art and some of my friends if you type their names into google now, all you get is Ai rip offs of their work, not their true work! It's hugely problematic. Us makers have to stick together. I want to see handmade art, not Ai slop.

It's not the same thing though, artists & illustrators still use reference, sometimes traced (in the case of a lot of photo realists), but they are STILL painting the painting with their own hand. They're still mixing the palette and taking the photo. Ai is theft, it would'nt exist without it & 1/2

So why not do it yourself? Every Ai generation is strip mining water and energy from the poor areas where these companies have built their huge server farms. I am not anti Ai - EXCEPT when it is for ANYTHING creative, writing, art, music, video. I get the temptation for the short cut but, no.

Yeah, big time, it's made everything feel a bit yuck

Loving the picture, but I won't be looking at Ai generated stuff (even if it is with your art). it's a hill I will die on with regard to art (and the theft that was/is necessary to make it work).
You absolutely should continue with your kids book, but don't use Ai!

Well Plognark, I am deeply honoured! Thank you 😀

I def use crocs/alligators as a bit of inspo sometimes yes, but not 'exact' as it were. They have such amazing faces/expressions crocs, even though terrifyingly efficient killers! I am SO glad you get a dreamy quality, I love hearing stuff like this, makes my day! X

Yep, punt that guy into the stratosphere

Fucking hell. I'd heard that he'd written something, but this is just pure insanity. How is it that he says something that would get ANY other president (anywhere!) the boot, not just once a day, but several times! AAAARGH! RIP Rob 💔