Astral Invaders
Explore the universe and its weirdest inhabitants! Astral Invaders fuses AI and art for an unusual NFT collection.
The Universe is Getting Weirder Thanks to AI
Prompt-based Generative AI has been a hot topic since its debut, and as an artist, I couldn’t resist exploring it myself. Curious about its potential, I decided to experiment and see how these tools could fit into my creative workflow. My goal was to use AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborator, helping me create something uniquely mine. This journey has been enlightening, and I’m excited to share how AI is enhancing my artistic process.
Meet the Astral Invaders – a cast of fictional characters from a long-lost TV series that pop culture has forgotten. This project is evolving into a card series and NFT collection, featuring a unique cast with their own personalities, backstories, and distinct roles in the universe I’ve created. Think of them as tourists from across the cosmos, each bringing their own flair to the mix. Stay tuned for more updates as these characters come to life in a whole new way!
Client
Weirdo Works
Logo and Character Design
Justin Gammon
AI-Assisted Photo Illustration
Justin Gammon
AI Tools Used
Open AI
Dall E
Chat GPT
Midjourney
Magnific
Dall E
Chat GPT
Midjourney
Magnific
Topaz Gigapixel
Runway
DeepNostalgia
Hailuo
Suno
Runway
DeepNostalgia
Hailuo
Suno
Astral Invaders | Trailer
From Algorithms to Alien Puppets
The Sci-Fi Show AI Made Possible
Early on in the process of experimenting with primitive generative AI tools, I explored fun ideas like “an 80s TV show starring ALF and the Dukes of Hazzard.” The results were bizarre yet hilarious, with one random generation producing a character that looked like a fuzzy puppet in a futuristic space military setting, straight out of an 80s sitcom.
Inspired by these quirky images, I selected my favorites and developed personalities and stories for each character. I then used these stories to craft custom text prompts, and through a lot of trial, error, and retouching, I created the Astral Invaders. The end result is a collection of characters with a look and feel that truly seem “real,” as if the puppets had been produced or at least modeled and rendered in 3D programs.
Finally, I used AI scaling tools to refine and enhance the character “photo” visuals, preparing them for a potential trading card release and other merchandise.
Using AI as a Creative Sidekick
A Nudge to Galactic Greatness
The Astral Invaders collection features 100 unique characters, each with its own profile photo and bio or story on the back of the card. AI played a crucial role not just in creating the visuals but also in crafting the bios. I’ve essentially used AI as a junior artist and writer, guiding and fine-tuning its output to fit my creative vision.
Once the visuals were complete, I took things a step further by using image-to-video AI tools to bring them to life. While I could steer the results to some extent, it often felt like playing a slot machine—pulling the lever hundreds of times to find that perfect outcome.
Harnessing AI to Build an Entire Universe
Unleashing the Astral Invaders
Embracing AI technology has truly expanded my creative horizons. What started as a simple exploration into new tech has blossomed into something extraordinary.
The Astral Invaders began with a curiosity about AI’s potential and has evolved into a vibrant universe of characters. From evil intergalactic dictators and rogue town drunks to undercover spies, robot school bullies, and even gun-toting grandmas—this diverse cast is now set to star in trading cards, NFTs, action figures, video games, and beyond.
AI hasn’t just been a tool; it’s been a creative partner, helping bring this eclectic ensemble to life. Whether it’s generating unique character designs or crafting intriguing backstories, AI has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.