Unveiling My Creative Process: Crafting “Idle Wild”

Published by Teresa Cowley on

Home > Blog > AI Art and Machine Learning > Unveiling My Creative Process: Crafting “Idle Wild”

A Captivating Blend of AI Art and a Human's Creative Process

Idle Wild by Teresa Cowley shown in an art gallery like setting
The piece I call Idle Wild in an illustrative representation of an art gallery.

In my previous post, I shared the incredible opportunity I had to showcase my work in New York’s Times Square. The piece I selected for display is titled “Idle Wild,” and today, I’d like to take you on a journey behind the scenes of this captivating tribal mask with a spontaneous wild side.

The creative process behind “Idle Wild” commenced with my experimentation in a phone app called WOMBO Dream. This app employs AI technology to generate images based on text prompts. I want to be transparent and mention that I do use such apps as part of my creative process. However, I always engage in extensive customization, editing, and image manipulation to shape the final outcome. Consequently, I consider my work to be a form of digital mixed media.

When I began this project, WOMBO Dream was still in its early developmental stages. As a result, the initial results were a bit messy, to be honest. I recall using a text prompt like “African tribal mask carved out of zebra wood,” but the app produced a representation that combined zebra wood with patches of zebra print and oddly proportioned facial features. However, amidst this chaos, I noticed a glimmer of potential in one of the images. It reminded me of Trap Jaw, a character from the beloved 80s cartoon series “He-Man.” Both “He-Man” and “She-Ra” were personal favorites of mine during my childhood. The zebra print surrounding the face of “Idle Wild” resembled Trap Jaw’s metal jaw, which excited me immensely.

A series of images showing the evolution and creative process of Teresa Cowley's Idle Wild
I was able to go back and find some of images of the early stages of Idle Wild showing the creative process. From left to right; The initial image created with WOMBO Dream that started it all, the fully developed mask after worked on the facial features, and the final result with decorative elements created with MidJourney and other AI art tools.

Driven by my enthusiasm for this Trap Jaw-shaped zebra print, I embarked on creating various images to obtain other facial features for the mask. To challenge myself further, I decided to tackle the entire process on my phone, curious to see how it would unfold.

After completing the facial aspect of the mask, I felt it needed an additional touch. Consequently, I began experimenting with ornaments and details using AI art tools like MidJourney and others (variety is the spice of life, isn’t it?). Through a combination of masking, blending, editing, and numerous trial-and-error attempts, “Idle Wild” gradually took shape. It was one of those pieces that required setting aside and revisiting repeatedly, as I sensed something was not quite right. Due to this artistic journey, it took me a couple of years to finalize the artwork.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes glimpse into my creative process. Working with AI art tools is an exhilarating experience for me because it’s not about what the AI creates, but rather what I can craft using the AI-generated results.

More from Art and Design By Teresa Cowley
This is an image of a stylized travel poster displayed on a wall. The poster features layered mountain landscapes with varying shades of blue and green, and an orange and yellow sun setting or rising in the background. At the bottom, there's a small red structure that resembles a traditional Asian pagoda. The poster has a retro minimalist design aesthetic with the title "TRAVEL" at the top in large, bold lettering. The poster is framed and hung on a blue wall, flanked on the left by a tall, dark vase with dried reeds and on the right by a potted plant with broad green leaves resting on a stack of hardcover books. The colours and composition suggest a serene and inviting scene.
Minimalism in Design: Less Is More
Dive into the world of minimalism in graphic design, where less is truly more. Uncover how embracing...
Three large spiral designs carved into stone. There is a mossy coverage over a part of the design but it doesn't obscure it.
Spirals in Art: A Timeless Tapestry
Step into the mesmerizing world of spirals in art and design! My latest post explores the enchanting...
Be ware of potential clients out to commit art commission scams on Instagram and other social media
Unmasking Instagram Art Commission Scams
Venturing into the world of Instagram art commissions? Stay savvy and secure! Dive into my latest guide...
Categories: AI Art and Machine LearningUncategorized
Digital artist and graphic designer, Teresa Cowley

My name is Teresa Cowley, and I'm a digital artist and graphic designer from Vancouver Island, Canada. I focus on abstract and fantasy art as well as digital collage, and like to utilize AI art tools as part of my design process to create new, innovative pieces of art. I strive to create new, unique designs that tell imaginative stories, and I am eager to push the boundaries of what can be expressed with art and technology.

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

A modern office reception area with a smiling man in a suit in the foreground. The reception desk is made of wood and has a minimalist design with decorative vases and a laptop on top. Behind the desk, a large mural features a vibrant landscape with red trees, blue hills, and a city skyline in the background. The space is well-lit with natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows on the right, showing a view of the outside. The interior has wooden flooring, potted plants, and a mix of wood and glass elements, creating a sleek and welcoming atmosphere.
Art Conversations

The Power of Art in Your Business

Adding art to your business or workspace isn’t just about aesthetics—it can boost creativity, improve morale, and create a more engaging environment for employees and customers alike. Plus, supporting local artists adds authenticity and strengthens community connections. Whether it’s paintings, murals, or sculptures, integrating art into your space can make a lasting impact in more ways than one!

A woman wearing glasses and a sleeveless top sits at a white desk near a large window, working on a laptop. She is pointing at a chart displayed on the screen. A calculator, papers, and a notebook are on the desk. The space is decorated with potted plants, including a trailing vine and a large leafy plant in white ceramic pots. The window allows natural light to enter, with trees visible outside.
Business and Branding

Kickstarting Your Freelance Journey

Thinking about freelancing? Whether you're after flexibility or extra income, getting started the right way is key. From leveraging positive reviews and exploring the best gig platforms to managing time and finances wisely, this guide covers essential tips to help you succeed. Build your reputation, protect your work, and thrive in the freelance world!

A close-up image of a black man holding a paintbrush against his lips. The brush is coated in black paint, behind which is a piece of black tape covering his mouth, giving the impression that he is being silenced. The background depicts an art gallery with empty picture frames on the walls and classical bust sculptures on pedestals. A large, ornate frame is prominently displayed in the center, also empty. The image combines realism with artistic symbolism, conveying themes of censorship, self-expression, or the absence of voice.
Art Conversations

Racism in the Art World

The art world celebrates creativity, but racism remains a persistent barrier for BIPOC artists. From exclusion in galleries to funding disparities, systemic inequities shape who gets recognized and supported. Challenging this status quo often leads to pushback, yet real change requires action—supporting BIPOC artists, calling out discrimination, and demanding institutional reform. Art should be for everyone.