[ENG][Column] What is the essence of AI illustration? and Notice

Introduction :

Finding an incredibly effective method of creation that makes you want to keep playing with your penis from morning until night and even into the next day is truly delightful for future endeavors. At the same time, it brings to light the positional aspect of AI illustrations.

Firstly, I must clarify that I’m not trying to discuss the dangers of AI illustrations, but rather that this might be the correct way to enjoy them.

So, in conclusion, I think AI illustrations are enjoyed similarly to short videos.

Again, it’s not about the effort required to create them but about the consumption method as a viewer being the same as short videos.

Short videos, in many cases, flow endlessly with a rhythm and tempo that feels enjoyable, taking up your time before you realize it.

Some offer life hacks, but most are just time-wasting content with no real benefit to your life.

Personally, I avoid them because their unique style doesn’t suit me, and I’m not interested in seeing so-called ordinary people, which often just makes me feel uncomfortable. But many people are attracted to these and they are popular worldwide.

So,

where’s the similarity to these globally churned-out impurities? It’s in the relatively easy mass production and consumption.

Unlike the mass production and consumption in a capitalist economy, this is a literal sense, and it’s a concept that’s not physical but requires training to realize. You might find yourself staring at your smartphone, which is part of it.

Similarity in Content Consumption :

Firstly, this is not limited to AI illustrations but applies to erotic content in general. It often involves a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

After diving into the vast sea of the internet for hours, you finally find your material, reach orgasm, transition to what is called “post-nut clarity” with a rush of prolactin suppressing dopamine and testosterone, and discard the material you painstakingly found. This is always followed by regret.

Skipping the detailed history of erotic content, at least the development of the internet has accelerated mass consumption. It began with the free availability of erotic content as an incidental phenomenon.

Despite the evil hand of the California Federal Court shrinking it, platforms like Pornhub and Xvideos still make erotic content easily accessible. Many patrons, who used Pixiv, have contributed to this, and Elon’s toy is also part of it.

In conclusion, erotic content is inherently disposable, and at the same time, there is demand for content that is similar to what has been seen before. When it comes to creating new works, I often think, "Haven't I done something like this before?" However, whether it's erotic content or general manga, I find myself wanting to see more from the same author, so I don't worry much about similarities within my own work.

As an aside, for me, the manga artist who consistently delivers the "usual" is Renjuro Kindaichi. He changes the scenarios each time, but his unique style shines through in every work. I recommend "Nicoichi" and "LaLaLa."

Now, moving on.

One characteristic of AI illustrations is that, unlike hand-drawn art, they are easy to mass-produce in a slipshod manner.

From there, I pick out the gems and post about 30 images as a set. When viewing them, you slide through each image in less than a second, and if you find one you like, you flick your hand from a horizontal to a vertical motion.

Of course, the same can be said for hand-drawn erotic illustrations, but the key similarity here is the premise of mass production.

That's why hand-drawn works and those that strongly showcase the artist's individuality are valuable.

Enhancing the Value of AI Illustrations :

Conversely, I believe AI illustrations lacking strong authorial identity, no matter how extraordinarily beautiful, lack value.

Of course, value is subjective, so it’s not for me to judge. However, the logic that “a picture resembling a highly valued one has the same value” is completely flawed. I do not want to think that AI illustrations, output using a specific artist’s style, hold the same value as that artist’s work. That’s not artistic identity but something clear in AI’s learning sources, which could be called “pirated.”

In this context,

artistic identity refers to fetishes or stories unique to that artist. This is an extremely difficult part, which I’ve been struggling with. It’s also something I’ve mentioned before. I often ask myself,

“Is this line erotic?” and end up drinking sake from the shrine, giving up for the day.

Sublation? Abandonment? Aufheben?

While denying short videos, I aim to preserve the thought process and create better quality works, which might be similar to the concept of “Aufheben” If I had to describe this column in one word, it would be this.

By the way, I learned the word “Aufheben” not from a certain person’s statement embodying “Zero” in 2017 but from the song “Honeytrap Aufheben” by I've Sound. A very trivial story. I just wanted to say “Aufheben,” so forget about it.

I believe everyone who has reached this point has their unique way of enjoying AI illustrations without my input. Therefore, you might find my words annoying or feel that articulating something confusing makes it less interesting.

What I first thought was that people posting AI illustrations are seeking a vast amount of images. Poor-quality ones are out of the question, but it’s about finding that one image in the vast hundreds that makes you swipe vertically in awe of its movement.

Before I ventured into AI illustrations, I was inspired by a single piece created by a certain person and wanted to create my own.

Discovering a new method and finding that one piece among mass production reminded me of that, leading me to write this column.

Conclusion and Announcement :

So, experimentally, after completing my current request works, I’m considering posting image sets daily without overthinking, even if the themes are close or whatever I find erotic.

This is experimental, so it might end soon or continue for about six months. During this time, even if I accept requests, it will be limited to “create with this theme.” I won’t be able to do ones with stories, as those plots are intended for CG collections.

I hope this place becomes one where viewers can forget time and get absorbed in it.

Thank you for reading.