22 March 2025


 Ethical AI-Assisted Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Stunning Visuals

For those who have never practised hand drawing or feel their drawing skills are weak but have a deep love for art, I have an easy and ethical solution: an AI-driven approach combined with a structured prompt-writing formula.

Understanding Art Before Creating It

Before diving into AI-generated artwork, you must first develop an eye for art. Spend time studying as many artworks as possible, from both old masters and modern artists. At first, you might not understand why certain pieces appeal to you while others do not. You might also wonder why some artworks receive widespread appreciation, while others, despite being technically impressive, are overlooked. Do not get discouraged by social media trends where some posts gain massive likes while others do not. True art is not about popularity; it is about personal connection and creative expression.

Start by identifying the subjects, themes, and elements that resonate with you. Are you drawn to landscapes, trees, animals, or cityscapes? Do you love sci-fi elements such as spaceships, war machines, or futuristic city skylines? Or perhaps you prefer character-driven art knights in armour, mystical creatures, or fantasy warriors? Defining your artistic interests will help guide your creative journey.

Essential Tools for AI-Assisted Art

To bring your vision to life, you will need:

  1. A Device for Capturing References – A digital camera or smartphone will help you gather real-world textures, compositions, and references.

  2. Image Editing Software – Photoshop is my preferred choice, but you can use any software that allows image manipulation.

  3. An AI Image Generator – I strongly recommend Tensor Art AI, but you may use any tool that aligns with your needs. If you ever run into difficulties using Tensor Art AI, I will be happy to guide you through the process.

Now that you have the essential tools, let’s move on to the method of combining AI with traditional image editing.

Step-by-Step AI and Image Editing Workflow

This Photo was taken by Gigi, who I love very much
When I was creating using Gigi's photo, she was  witnessing the whole process

Step 1: Generating AI Art with an Effective Prompt

To generate the best possible AI images, crafting a strong prompt is key. If you struggle with writing prompts, you can use ChatGPT for assistance. Simply describe your vision and ask for a structured AI prompt, ensuring it includes all necessary elements like lighting, textures, colours, and composition.

Once you have a refined prompt, enter it into your AI generator and set the desired frame size landscape, portrait, or square. Let the AI create multiple variations of your concept. Keep refining and generating images until you achieve results that align with your imagination. From the 10 to 15 images you produce, select three that best capture your vision.

Step 2: Refining the AI Art Using Image Editing


Now, open your image editor and import the three selected AI-generated images. The goal here is to mix and refine elements. You can:

  • Combine different aspects from each image to create a more compelling composition.

  • Use layer masks to blend textures, shapes, or lighting.

  • Adjust colours, contrast, and detailing to enhance the final output.

This stage gives you control over your creation, ensuring that AI serves as an assistant rather than the primary creator.

Step 3: Enhancing the Image with AI Features

First image generated 
Adding another part to the generated image
The final inage

Once you have refined the composition, you can use AI’s image-to-image feature to enhance your work. This allows you to maintain the essence of your edit while benefiting from AI-driven improvements in texture, depth, and lighting. Experiment with different models and fine-tune the image until you are satisfied with the outcome.

Step 4: A Hands-On Approach with Photography




One of my favourite methods is using real-world objects to create reference compositions. This is an incredibly creative and interactive way to generate unique art. Here is how:

  • Take small objects like boxes, matchboxes, or toy cars and stack them into an interesting arrangement.

  • Experiment with different camera angles to create a visually compelling composition.

  • Capture the scene with your digital camera or smartphone.

  • Import the image into your editing software and resize it to fit the AI frame ratio.

  • Load the edited image into your AI generator and use the image-to-image feature to transform your setup into a fully developed concept.

By blending photography with AI, you can create highly unique and personalized artwork that remains ethically grounded in your own creativity.



This photo was taken by my very sweet friend Gigi

Removed the wire using Photoshop

Using Tensor Art AI with Sci-Fi Lora to add details

Added the sky and removed what I didn't want using Photoshop

Add more details using Tensor Art AI

The final concept is ready after the colour and lighting are done.

Ethical AI Use: You Control the Art, Not the AI

AI should be seen as a powerful tool, not the creator. By following this workflow, you are ensuring that AI is assisting your artistic vision rather than replacing it. The goal is to enhance creativity, not automate it. When you mix real-world references, manual editing, and AI-generated elements, you stay in control of the process, ensuring that the final artwork remains a product of your personal artistic choices.

By thinking outside the box, experimenting with different workflows, and combining AI with traditional techniques, you can push the boundaries of digital art while maintaining creative integrity. Now, go out there and create something incredible!





No comments:

Post a Comment

My Art Works

  Ethical AI-Assisted Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Stunning Visuals For those who have never practised hand drawing or feel their dra...