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An Exploration of AI in a LEGO Design Process
Inspiration:
Inspiration:
This kaiju and Transformers inspired Octan oil rig monster was built for the Preliminary round of Bio-Cup 2023 for the theme of Villain.
About the Build:
About the Build:
This model brought me from the preliminary round into Round 1 with a score of 72 out of 150 total points.
Built May-June 2022 for Biocup 2023
AI Reference Images!
AI Reference Images!
When I started this project in May of 2023, AI art was just hitting the mainstream, with plenty of news coverage and had just begun to infiltrate LEGO pages on Instagram. There was a million different perspectives on AI tools, from some calling to ban them outright and others welcoming our AI overlords with open arms.
I had heard about people using AI as a tool in a larger process, such as using Adobe's generative fill to extend photos to fit in a vertical format or using Chat GPT to write up bylaws, and was curious how this "AI as a tool" mentality could be used in the LEGO hobby.
This project was the perfect chance to try it out! I had an idea of what I wanted. I knew I wanted an oil rig robot rising out of the water, however, I couldn't totally imagine it and I couldn't find any artwork with the vibe I was looking for.
I asked Bing's AI image generator for an "oil rig robot transformer kaiju rising out of the water" or something along those lines. It generated the four images seen here. I tried it a few times, adding more specification, such as adding colors or specific details, but this first set of images was closest to what I was looking for.
Building!
Building!
I don't often build with Bionicle/hero factor parts, but BioCup seemed like a great opportunity to start! I built the torso using a Ben10 prefab torso piece and worked from there.
Thanks to @alex_mocs for his feedback throughout the process!
I wasn't able to finish. I spent a few days on it, and while it kept improving over those days, I didn't get it to a point that I was satisfied with it. However, I was out of time, and so I decided to move onto editing!
Compositing!
Compositing!
I composited these stock images together in photoshop to get the final image. So many adjustment layers!
I'm not perfectly satisfied with the edit, but I got it to a point in which I was comfortable sharing it. I still have plenty of room to learn and grow!
Check out the other incredible builds on the Bio-Cup 2023 Flickr Page!
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