BlackBoxData
Latest Entries Are On Top
March 29, 2026
Artist 404
I didn't feel like making a Cover this week, but I made the commitment, and I am sticking to it.
This is what happens when AI handles it alone. It is interesting how uninteresting it is.
The world still needs artists.
March 28, 2026
Bad Guys
I've got a new setup in ComfyUI, and this test blows me away. This is a mind printer, it seems.
Anything you want to make? Really? I have to start thinking of more things, because before, it was about working with limitations. This still has limitations of course, but omg.
March 22, 2026
ZIGGY!!!
The idea for the Ziggy character popped into my mind while I was driving. He is a bit of a scene stealer. While I was choosing his name, I thought of David Bowie, and I thought it would be a great tribute to an artist I love. It's Major Tom, after all. Gotta have Ziggy.
March 15, 2026
Kaolin Tower
This week was all about story development and world building. Here is MoonZeffer standing on planet Opal, looking for next location contact, the Clay people.
They are an ancient, exclusive group, known for their humility and enlightened wisdom.
March 09, 2026
Better Is The Enemy Of Good
This was the first version of this cover, and I went with the one after this, the pink one.
I really want to GO FOR IT... a certain style. I want to dial up the volume to full blast, and this one was too dark and serious. I might like it better though.
Yeah. I am going with the pink because the whole vibe is softer, and I can do more with that.
BlackboxData: Play
March 8, 2026
Week two of seven on this current project.
I have decided to make a music video for the song "Major Tom" written and performed by Peter Schilling. I have set up an edit in Resolve, and I am using ChatGPT, Midjourney, and ComfyUI to create the images.
The creative process is different when using AI, and I am figuring out tricks as I go. The main goal is to have it work for me as a sort of mind printer. I am developing my own ability to capture a fleeting idea in my mind, and to be able to translate that idea with fidelity.
I am getting closer!
BlackboxData: Play
March 1, 2026
Here is the start of my new creativity machine, "BlackboxData: Play". This will be an exploration of AI, but more importantly, I will be continuing to design the world of MoonZeffer and her friends.
With the latest posts at the top, I will continue to add new elements daily throughout the week. Each Sunday, I will prepare a magazine cover that encapsulates the spirit of the weekly design.
"Play" is an action word, and the inspiration for this next step of my project. This is time for fun. This is the time that I get to throw in all of my favorite ideas. This can go off the rails... you know? Fun.
February 25, 2026
Costume Design
Designing Costumes
1. Sketch out the structure of a concept.
2. The green fill was added because AI thought she was naked and refused to render.
3. ChatGPT rendering my sketch into real materials.
4. Drawing on top of ChatGPT's realistic version.
5. Very happy with the sequins in the photo, in the video they went flat.
February 25, 2026
MoonZeffer's Shuttlecraft Concept
Very close to my original concept.
I love this style and quality.
ChatGPT puts 2 and 2 together.
This is getting away from me, but it's fun.
Felt cute, might delete later.
February 23, 2026
Character Styling
Starting Reference Concept
Base Character
Sketch Over Base
I want to do some character development before moving forward with animation. This method is something I dreamt about as a kid, having my sketch turn into an actual outfit. Using this temp character as a model for my fashion drawings speeds up the process. I am very happy with how this worked out. The second violet sketch is my own concept, and I am taking note on how quickly I am becoming tired from burning creative energy.
Midjourney's Interpretation
Rough Concept Sketch
ChatGPT's Interpretation
ChatGPT's Interpretation
I feel like I can make anything this way.
February 21, 2026
Character Replacement
Starting Hero Image Of MoonZeffer
Casio is placed into MoonZeffer's Environment
Video Of MoonZeffer Speaking Nonsense
Starting with the hero image that was made in Midjourney. MoonZeffer is an original character that I have been developing for a few years, building her universe. Whenever I get some time to work on AI projects, I always start where I left off with this story. That way, I am able to create one body of work, rather than having a ton of mismatched images that would be forgotten. This has more longevity.
Same Video Of MoonZeffer Speaking Nonsense
Keeping this same video as a reference point.
Short Clip Of WAN Test - Pipeline Is Working
Casio is a new development. I have a clear mental image of who I want her to be, and that will continue to develop as I learn the process of creating AI videos.
The first time I ran this AI workspace in ComfyUI, it crashed my computer. I've made a few tweaks JUST to get the video through the pipeline once, but as you can tell, it doesn't yet hold her resemblance. This is going to be my exploration into the very confusing world of AI.
Stitched Three Segments Together
ComfyUI crashes if I try to render out more than 45 frames, so I decided to see what happens if I stitched them together. The result shows three different characters used for each 40 frame segment, so not what I want.
STILL, this is good progress. This is the first time I have figured out how to get a video to video transfer working at all. I am happy with this result, now I can continue on to the next step.