This week, WIP is putting the spotlight on Ronda Miller, the creative mind behind the Instagram account @slashphotographai. With a background that spans communication, consulting and a deep dive into the world of AI-generated art, Ronda’s journey is as unique as her artwork.

Hailing from Zurich, Ronda, 29, has always been on a quest to do something creative for a living. Although art school remained a distant dream due to budget constraints, she navigated her way into communication jobs. Starting as a consultant, she soon found herself diving into concepts and creating both at work and in her personal time. Her artistic journey took a significant turn almost a year ago during a Midjourney workshop at her office. What started as a fun experiment soon became a full-blown passion, and before she knew it, she was prompting around the clock, falling in love with the process.

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When initiating a new artwork, what is your preliminary step? Could you walk us through your creative process?

Oh, it totally depends! I work at an advertising agency, and when I'm on the clock, I have to play detective. I dive into the clients' existing photography, scour their brand guidelines, and basically try to become a human chameleon to match their style with my own work. It's like trying to blend into a crowd without looking like the awkward cousin. But when it comes to my personal art - that's when the real party starts! I throw caution to the wind, toss out the rulebook, and just dive headfirst into a sea of creativity. I prompt and prompt and prompt, until something magical emerges. I don't believe in setting limitations. It's just me, my wild imagination, and Midjourney, no boundaries, just pure, unadulterated artistic chaos… And when I do have a vision? That's when I get super detailed. We're talking down to the nitty-gritty: the type of camera, the perfect angle, the color grading, the lighting setup - everything.

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Since your initial exploration with Midjourney, how has your approach to AI-generated art evolved? Are there any new tools or techniques you've adopted recently? 

Tough question! Honestly, I'm all about diving in and learning on the fly. I'm not big on tips and tricks, even though I know I should be. There's so much to learn and try, but really, I just go for it - click things, experiment, and figure it out as I go. I know diving into theoretical stuff could improve my work, but for me, it's all about having fun and learning through doing, not about being perfect. Does that make sense?

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You mentioned your passion for analog photography. How does this influence your AI-generated work, and do you find that your interest in traditional photography informs your AI art in unique ways? 

Working in advertising has made me lean towards realistic AI art. I love diving into fantasy worlds too, but there's something fascinating about creating images that look real with AI - making the intangible tangible. 

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Are you a photographer, or have you learned about photography from working closely with photographers on shoots for advertising campaigns? 

I'm not a photographer (I'm not really good at it, haha), but I deeply appreciate the craft. Midjourney lets me create art and evoke emotions on a screen, which I absolutely love. Plus, it's amazing that anyone can do it; you don't need a creative background to be creative. It's open to everyone, and that's what makes it so wonderful.

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How do you balance the commercial demands of advertising with your artistic vision when using AI? Can you provide an example of a project where you successfully merged these two aspects?

Balancing commercial demands with artistic vision in advertising is both challenging and rewarding. For a recent campaign, we had to create security tools (helmet, mask, etc.). To add my artistic touch, I incorporated subtle surreal elements, like unique reflections and shadow effects. This approach allowed me to meet the client's needs while making the visuals stand out artistically. It was a perfect blend of creativity and commercial purpose. 

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You’ve highlighted the challenges of educating clients about AI. What strategies have you found effective in helping clients understand the complexity and potential of AI-generated imagery?

I challenge them to give it a whirl themselves! I show them how it works and let them create, so they can see how tricky it can be - especially when the ideas aren't their own. We once had a workshop where we told people what to prompt, and surprise, surprise... it's not that easy with restrictions! It definitely gave them a taste of the complexity.

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What are some specific challenges you've faced with AI-generated imagery, and how have you overcome them? Can you share a story about a particularly difficult project and how you managed to achieve the desired result? 

Mostly, it's the image errors. It's fine on my private account, but when working for clients, Photoshop is a lifesaver. The quality of the images can be an issue too. We once had a "social media campaign" brief that the client loved so much they wanted to use it for a billboard. Seeing those images blown up was a nightmare - errors everywhere! Cleaning them up was a real pain in the ass. Honestly, a photoshoot would've been quicker. Plus, we worried the quality wouldn't hold up at that scale. It worked out in the end, but there was a lot of sweat and tears!

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You mentioned that AI-generated images lack the depth of sentiment found in traditional photography. Are there specific techniques you use to try and imbue your AI-generated work with more emotional resonance? 

People and faces are my passion. Emotions, for me, are deeply rooted in expressions, which is why I love creating images of people. There's something profoundly moving about capturing the subtleties of a smile, a tear, or a gaze. I also strive to infuse my work with a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia has this magical ability to evoke powerful emotions and transport us to another time. It's not just about creating images; it's about stirring memories and feelings that connect us all.

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Given your interest in photography, especially analog, how do you approach the concept of texture and materiality in your AI-generated works? Are there specific techniques you use to simulate these tactile qualities? 

I'm not a photography expert, but I'm diving into it! I'm fascinated by the techniques and how they can enhance my prompts, so I'm learning as I go.

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AI has been critiqued for not showing racial diversity, yet the figures in your work are quite diverse, reflecting racial and age diversity. How do you ensure this representation in your art? 

Good question… As a person of color myself, diversity and representation hold a special significance in my art. I'm committed to ensuring that my work reflects the beautiful diversity of the world we live in. When crafting my pieces, I intentionally include figures from different racial backgrounds, sexualities and age groups. 

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Your work often features close-ups of skin and an intimacy that is quite striking. What techniques do you use to achieve this level of detail and emotional connection in your AI-generated images? 

Whether it's through careful selection of prompts or meticulous attention to lighting and composition, I strive to evoke a sense of closeness and vulnerability in my images. By infusing my art with authenticity and depth, I aim to create a space where viewers can connect with the raw beauty of human emotion.

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What ethical considerations do you think are important when using AI in art and advertising? How do you address these in your own work? 

Ethical considerations are paramount when harnessing AI for art and advertising. As a creator, I believe it's crucial to uphold principles of respect, transparency, and responsibility. In my own work, I prioritize consent and privacy, ensuring that any data used in the creation process is obtained ethically and with full awareness. I also advocate for fairness and representation, actively striving to mitigate biases and promote diversity in my creations. By approaching AI with a conscientious mindset, I aim to harness its potential for positive impact while navigating the ethical complexities that come with its usage.

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As AI continues to advance particularly with the advent of generative AI algorithms like Midjourney, some draw parallels between its spread and the rise of photography during the early 1800s. What is your view on the ongoing development of AI and its acceptance as a mainstream technology?

I get it - people are afraid, and that's valid. But instead of viewing AI as a threat, see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to delve into uncharted territories and expand our understanding. Remember, we hold the power; AI relies on our input and guidance. So, rather than fearing its existence, let's embrace the chance to shape its future alongside our own. We can exist without AI, AI can’t exist without us.

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What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just beginning to explore AI as an artistic tool? 

Just dive in and create - don't overthink it! It may sound simple, but it truly is. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Discover your unique style through experimentation; you don't need to have it all figured out from the get-go. Your style will naturally develop and transform as you continue on your creative journey - that's the magic of it all.

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