I've been thinking about this a lot lately.
AI is everywhere at the moment, and as an artist, it's something I've definitely thought about.
But for Ivy & Plume, I don't want to use AI to create my artwork.
And honestly, it's not because I think every use of AI is terrible or that nobody should use it.
It's just that making art is the whole point for me.
I actually like doing it the slow way
I like sitting down with my paints.
I like sketching something out and deciding I don't like it.
I like painting something slightly wonky and thinking, actually... I quite like that.
I like seeing the little bits of paint and water do things I didn't expect.
That's the fun part.
If I typed a description into a computer and had a finished illustration appear a few seconds later, I'd miss all of that.
And I don't want to miss it.
I want my artwork to actually be mine
When you buy an Ivy & Plume card or print, I want to be able to say:
“I painted that.”
Not “I generated that.”
My illustrations start with me, a pencil, some paper and usually a cup of coffee nearby.
I might then scan the artwork and use digital tools to clean it up, arrange it or turn it into a card or print — but the actual illustration comes from my own hand.
That's important to me.
Perfect isn't really what I'm looking for
One of the things I love about old paintings, vintage objects and antique pieces is that they're not perfect.
You can see that they've been used.
You can see the little imperfections.
They have character.
I want my artwork to have a little bit of that same feeling.
I don't want everything I make to look like it came out of a machine.
I want it to feel like someone actually sat down and made it.
I want to make beautiful little things that feel personal.
Cards that you actually want to give someone.
Artwork that makes you smile when you walk past it.
Illustrations inspired by pretty places, vintage interiors, flowers, cakes, travel and all the little things I happen to love.
And yes, making everything by hand takes longer.
But I think that's okay.
Because the fact that someone took the time to make to make something is part of what makes it special.
So, for now at least, I'm very happy with my paintbrush, my paper and all the little imperfections that come with them.
I'll leave the robots to the robots.