Tsurezuregusa, Modern Edition: “Footprints as Treasure”
In idle hours, as I sit before my inkstone, letting my brush wander through thoughts that drift aimlessly through my mind, I find myself writing these strange musings.
On this occasion, I have been struck by deep contemplation upon discovering how the same prompt produces entirely different artistic styles with MidJourney’s profile feature turned ON versus OFF.
The evolution of AI as an artistic tool is truly remarkable. Given the same words, yet with just one function changed, the entire aesthetic transforms. This could be considered a tailwind for us AI artists. While the expansion of expressive possibilities brings joy, we must not overlook the true challenge that lies beneath.
As we enter an era where anyone can easily create beautiful images, the questions of “what meaning do we imbue?” and “why do we create?” gain true value. As Mr.Suzuki aptly stated, “the battle will be decided by where we place our mission and spirit.”
Though surface-level imitation becomes easier, the words “no one can recreate the footprints that led to this achievement” truly resonate with the strings of my heart.
Reflecting on my own experience, after fifteen hundred test creations and over one hundred prompt adjustments to finally reach a satisfying image, I encountered a moment that transcended mere technical work—a kind of “enlightenment.” That trembling of the heart and joy cannot be tasted through merely imitating others.
It is the journey itself that instills soul and breathes life into artwork. The single ray of light discovered through thousands of attempts and countless failures—this constitutes an artist’s footprints. When we realize no one can recreate these footprints, we feel the preciousness of our own path.
With AI’s advancement, many more wonderful works will surely flood the world. However, the “heart” hidden behind excellent technology is what should be most revered.
To survive the coming “Warring States Period of AI Artists,” one must not only master technology but also examine one’s own mission and spirit, keeping the answer to “why do I create?” close to one’s heart.
Footprints are treasure. I will continue to refine myself, cherishing the moments of trial, error, and enlightenment.