​Recently you might have seen some of the results of my experimentation with AI (artificial intelligence). I put together some new books using my AI Art.  See here !

I started using AI at the end of 2022 when an craft and art platform (called Creative Fabrica) that I really like and am member of, started offering this new tool. I debated a bit at first as there are some opposing opinions about the ethics behind AI. However, after learning more about what the tool actually does and how the final art is created I found that, for myself, if I was not using 'prompts' (I will explain what that is below) that would specifically target other peoples art by name, I was able to create completely new, never been seen unique styles of Art pieces. 

To be able to produce good AI pieces, it took me some practice and I needed to learn how to use these new tools, just like I would with any other design tools. Part of the learning is knowing how to create prompts that will work with AI. What are prompts you may ask? Prompts are essentially the language (words or a sentence describing what art you want the AI tool to spit out for you) that is used when you are asking the AI tool to produce something you want. There are lots of work being done and tools created just for prompts alone as it is essentially the motor of AI Art since you need to know how to use words to create Art. 

I learn a bit more recently about how AI uses its data bank to create new images using prompts. In a very simplified way of describing it, it basically scrambles images and re-draws using the 'noise' left by the scramble. You can read more about it in the article recently posted by Make 

I feel I have still so much to learn and experiment with, as a maker and designer this is very exciting!

Ultimately I want to see if I can use these AI generated paper art pieces to inform and inspired my next 3D papercraft pattern collection.

You probably already guessed that the image on the left is AI and one the right is ours but as far as creating a cute plant creature, I am thrilled with this first result! 
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Normally, I get inspired by what I see and experience around me combined with my imagination. When I started playing with AI, I could actually put down into words what my imagination was telling me and I created prompts telling AI what I was seeing in my head. I was able to generate really cool 3D papercraft graphics that I wanted to share hence why I published the inspiration collection books mentioned above.

Now, one step further, I am actually just created my first AI 'imagined' piece in real life! To celebrate this new adventure and collaboration between 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) and 'Sofs Intelligence' (Sofs I) (hahaahha) I want to offer you my first AI inspired pattern !  If you ever end-up making it, please share your makes on insta with #Sofsinspirations 
Have fun! 

A visit to my old blog has reminded of all the years I have put in to this ‘Sofs’ adventure. Such a fun trip. I wrote about many fun projects like how to make a tunic with your photos! Go check it out —> http://sophiemarcoux.blogspot.com/

Oh my, oh my! I am a forever fan of this amazing magazine that has help and inspired me through the years.

​This summer, I am over the moon the say Sofs is in their Little U magazine #3 !! little U is a offspring of the Upper magazine. A smaller pocket book kinda mag. Check it out and also check out all the other amazing mags by uppercase. (hum hum, ... is also a made in Canada mag from Calgary!) 

How did you learn to be a business owner?
From my dad, and my own experience, i opened my shop at the age of 17

Your process when you make decisions about your business. Do you think about all steps first, prepare a plan and then execute it or do you just make a move and go with your gut? What do you normally do?
Gut

Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? 
Extrovert

If you could not be a business owner what would you be doing? 
Stand up comic

If you won the lottery would you still continue to own your business or you would do something else?
Quit my business and become a professional fisherman

What does retirement mean to you? Are you looking forward to a time where you will retire from doing what you do? 
See previous answer

If you had to choose your spirit animal, what would it be?
A dog

And your favorite fruit?
Is a tomato a fruit or vegetable? 

About my buisness
Komico is one of the first comic book store in Montreal.

Founded in 1982 by comic book passionates, it has been through tough times like the fire back in 2014 that forced one of our many changes of address. In the words of Lee in August 2, 2017 for the 35th anniversary of Komico:

August 1st we celebrated our 35th year in business….(so hard to believe). We were not the first shop to open, I believe we were the 3rd after Nova and Cap Quebec, but we seem to have stood the test of time, nonetheless. Nova has been closed for several years, and Cap is no longer run by the original owner, so I guess I am old man comic in this city now…. I have met so many awesome people through this business, and shared so many stories of my trials and tribulations. Had some amazing times, and some disastrous ones as well.

As for the customers, obviously too many to name, but many are regarded as friends and are no longer just customers, Tons of assholes too, but they always provide the best stories! I have seen tremendous changes in the industry as you can well imagine, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the old days, before there were so many electronic diversions. People lined up outside the shop to pick up Alpha Flight #1 or Wolverine #1, the passion people had for comics was amazing….those were days! So in the words of the Grateful Dead……What a long strange trip it’s been….

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Please visit  https://www.komico.ca/ to see what Lee's got in store! Make sure to check out his Ebay store as well.

How did you learn to be a business owner?
I learnt the thinking processes in school but the hands on business woman learning definitely came form dad first and then peers and mentors.

Your process when you make decisions about your business. Do you think about all steps first, prepare a plan and then execute it or do you just make a move and go with your gut? What do you normally do?
I’m a planner.  Although I realize that perfect planning is an illusion and you should always be ready to live plan B and sometime C... Decision making process is pretty rigourous process for me.  I try and make sure to ask my team what they think so we can avoid blind spots!  That said my risk aversion is low so I’m not scared to risk it if my gut is telling me too!  

Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? 
Definitely an extrovert although I need my alone time.

If you could not be a business owner what would you be doing? 
If I didn’t own my business I think I would have been in kinesiology or coaching a sport!  I always admired the coach-athlete relationship.  It’s actually reflects in my management style a little I think!  I can be really tough on my crew but I truly believe that’s it’s because I know they can take it and we can do better as a team!  And of course...we celebrate when we succeed!

If you won the lottery would you still continue to own your business or you would do something else?
Not sure about le lottery thing.  I love the people I work with.  I think I would just do things differently and more charity work.

What does retirement mean to you? Are you looking forward to a time where you will retire from doing what you do? 
Retirement...I am looking forward to doing some travelling and having a bit more time and a less busy schedule.  Sailing also!  I think that by the time I’m ready to leave I will have trusted someone to take over by then and it will be important for me to step down and leave room for new ideas and leadership!

If you had to choose your spirit animal, what would it be?
An eagle! I dream of flying regularly!

And your favorite fruit?
Mango!

About my buisness
Composée de passionnés, de visionnaires et de professionnels dévoués à la plus haute qualité de service, notre équipe s’engage à vous offrir jour après jour les meilleures solutions en matière d’assurances et de finances.

AccèsConseil, c’est plus de 150 ans d’expertise, un réseau de partenaires d’envergure donnant accès à une gamme supérieure de produits, des conseillers disponibles, réellement à l’écoute de vos besoins et prêts à vous accompagner de manière proactive dans la réussite de chacun de vos projets de vie.
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Please visit  https://accesconseil.com/fr to see how Catherine and her team can help you. Maybe you can find some inspiration as a wanna be business person yourself?!

How did you learn your craft?
I learned photography by doing and by being. I haven't always been a photographer. I was actually trained as a scientist with a PhD in neurolinguistics. My parents bought me my first digital camera as a "bon voyage" gift when I moved to Europe for my Master's. I experimented a lot with composition, before learning other technical aspects of photography on my own through books and online resources. I made it a point to carry my camera with me everywhere (before smartphones existed!) and took LOTS of pictures, not only of extraordinary travel sights but also very ordinary details in my daily life - hanging laundry, views from my window, the way the light changed in my living room, what my eyes saw on the way to the supermarket, how the seasons changed. Photography became my way of storytelling and freezing time. My lens taught me to look at my surroundings differently, even in my own hometown. 

Your process? Do you think about all steps first, prepare a plan and execute it, or do you just improvise?
There are so many steps to my process, and I do love to work with a plan and end-goal in mind. That said, there is a lot of creativity that goes into it, straight from the heart, and that part relies a lot on my own feelings, my own mood, and where the wind takes me! 

Let's say for example that I am going to launch a new collection of travel prints and wall art. I choose the destination, based on what is calling me (but I do listen carefully to the destinations that you ask me for, over and over again. Like Havana, you really begged for Havana, so I made it happen!). 

Once my travel is booked, I have an idea of the types of shots I want and the places I absolutely want to visit. But, I leave lots of room for inspiration, because it is when we are truly inspired that the real magic happens, in ourselves and in what we ultimately create for others. 

I take a ton of photographs when I travel; often, I photograph the same scene in a dozen different ways, because composition is really my favorite part of photography. I always make sure to look with my eyes first, and to FEEL something before I start pressing the shutter. That way, my photos capture a feeling and a mood, not just a pretty view. I also plan several hours of downtime where I go out without my camera. This helps me relax, form memories and get the feel of a place without trying to document it. 

The task of sorting and editing the photos is the most daunting task for me. Because I take so many variations of the same scene, I spend HOURS comparing compositions and edits. This one, or this one? Or how about this one? #shootmenow. I always have some immediate favorites (I usually know which ones are my favorites right when I take the photo, but often some favorites really surprise me!). I create folders of "yesses", "maybes" and "no's" and further divide them into "yes for the shop" or "just for social media". 

Once I have my contenders for the shop, I do print tests to check the composition, the color, the sharpness, especially in large sizes. I test on the different products in my line - paper, metal, acrylic, notebooks, coasters, etc. I give each photograph a title and a unique caption, both in English and French. Often, I sneak little messages or feelings in the caption, so I can remember what inspired me and hopefully also inspire you. 

I then write 2 blog posts about the new collection: one about the trip itself, and one about the images that will make it into the new collection. I launch the collection to my VIPs on my newsletter first, offering them a first pick of limited editions and a generous discount. Then I launch it to everyone else! 

Every collection therefore has a mix of planning, careful testing and a whole bunch of spontaneous inspiration! 

Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? 
Oh, most definitely an introvert. I love meaningful connections with people, but I am not the most naturally sociable person. I'm a little shy and insecure about some things, and I also just love my own space, and making time for my own thoughts and feelings to surface. 

If you could not be a maker what would you be doing? 
The funny thing is, I have always wanted to do and be SO MANY THINGS. A scientist, an artist, a wine-maker, a farmer... but my deepest dream has always been to be a writer. So, underneath it all, no matter where life leads, I think I would be writing, still and always. 

If you won the lottery would you still continue to make stuff and sell it?
Probably, because it comes from within. It's a creative outlet, a way of seeing the world, a way of connecting with you and inspiring you. None of that would change if I won the lottery!

What does retirement mean to you?
It's something I've been thinking a lot about over the last two years, because my way of living seems unconventional to so many in my close circle. I feel like I'm not the type to save experiences and interests for "retirement"; if something calls to me and I feel like trying it, I try it now, without waiting. I'm not irresponsible or anything, but I am a huge dreamer. And, if I acknowledge a dream in me, I have to pursue it, without putting it on hold. 

If you had to choose your spirit animal, what would it be?
I have always profoundly loved horses and I feel extremely connected to them. 

And your favorite fruit?
I love strawberries (but turn into one if I eat too many!), mangoes and pears. 

About my shop
I create wall art and home accessories out of my international travel photography. My mission is to help you create a decor that reflects who you are, where you've been and where you dream of going. Your home - big or small, owned or rented - is your sanctuary and I want it to inspire you daily. My artwork is a celebration of places, details, feelings and colors. The collection is vast and versatile, so there is something for every kind of decor and every kind of dreamer. "Veni Etiam" is a Latin phrase meaning "return again". No place is ever the same - and neither are we - and that's the beauty of returning. I infuse all my creations with my passion for color, for stories and for that special way a place call pull on our heartstrings - even if we have never been!

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Please visit https://www.veni-etiam-photography.com/ You will not believe your eyes. There are so many beautiful images and story tolds, it will leave you feeling elevated and nurtured.  

​Here is the first of a series of interviews with some of my favorite makers.

How did you learn your craft?
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I studied Industrial Design and I have always loved art so it was kind of natural to mix the technology with the hand made techniques.

Your process?

I’m pretty structured with my process, I investigate, then after finding the concept I sketch, after finding the idea for the collection I 3D model and the I go to the process of developing the moulds and making the production.

Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

I have traces of both, depending on the situation, I could feel very uncomfortable in social situations and want to go run and hide in my workshop, but I’m pretty extroverted when I’m surrounded by clients and other fellow creative minds I feel great and totally comfortable.

If you could not be a maker for some reason what would you be doing?
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I would love to work with animals, I think I would love to work in ethical farm

If you won the lottery would you still continue to make stuff and sell it?

YES! Creating is a need for me, is what keeps me balanced in this sometimes crazy world.

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What does retirement mean to you? Are you looking forward to a time where you will retire from doing what you do?

For me retirement means to be able to live wherever I want, whenever I want (to eliminate the economical pressure) I don’t think I would quit doing what I do, create is my balance so wherever I would be living when I retire I would for sure be creating.

If you had to choose your animal spirit what would it be?

Wolf! They are strong, they love to live free, they are loyal and they live in packs (families), they protect their pack with their own life. I feel pretty related

Favourite fruit?

I would say mango! I actually have a favourite mix rather than a favourite fruit, so here it goes : mango, honeydew and strawberries!

About my shop: 
Collage is a contemporary product design boutique that creates original and unique objects, experimenting with different materials, shapes, textures and colors. We create a wide variety of hand-crafted objects, from decorative and utility accessories to jewelry, while constantly evolving to offer unique products for a design-savvy clientele.

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Please visit  https://collagecrafting.com/en to see this maker's amazing work! And the amazing website she and her team have created.

Je ne suis pas certaine de la meilleur marche à suivre, mais voici un apercu du billet écris par Véronique Allard sur Sofs sur le blogue de Signé Local!

LE PLAISIR DE CRÉER, AVEC SOFS 
AU COEUR DE L'ENTREPRISE - DÉCORATION - FAMILLE
Créer offre la possibilité pour Sophie Marcoux de faire ce qu’elle veut et d’explorer de nouvelles avenues. Grâce son entreprise Sofs, elle peut ainsi laisser libre court à son imagination en offrant des produits uniques et différents de ce que l’on a l’habitude de voir. ​

UNE CRÉATRICE AUX INTÉRÊTS MULTIPLES
Sophie est une touche-à-tout, que ce soit dans l’art ou dans la vie en général. Elle a un profond désir de créer et elle adore utiliser de multiples techniques. On peut le constater lorsqu’on visite son site web, qui se divise en trois volets principaux : Paper Planet (papier et design graphique), Fabric Sphere (tissu) et WoodLand (bois).Cette ancienne skieuse professionnelle a également étudié en psychologie et a longtemps travaillé comme gestionnaire. Un parcours bien hétéroclite, mais très utile, car grâce à ce bagage, elle a appris les bases pour gérer son entreprise! De plus, son expérience d’athlète l’a amenée à développer son côté autodidacte, étant donné qu’elle voyageait beaucoup durant l’année scolaire et devait se débrouiller à apprendre la matière par elle-même.

FAIRE LE GRAND SAUT
Après avoir démissionné de l’emploi de gestionnaire qu’elle occupait depuis plus de 15 ans, Sophie a commencé à se consacrer à temps plein à Sofs en 2018. Incertaine de vouloir faire le saut, c’est après une longue réflexion et une crainte de regretter de ne pas l’avoir fait qu’elle a choisi de foncer. «Même si je savais que je devais un jour trouver quelque chose qui m’apporterait plus d’épanouissement personnel, je n’avais pas la force de faire le saut», explique-t-elle. C’est lorsqu’elle obtient une promotion au travail qu’elle fait la constatation qu’elle «[s’]éloigne de plus en plus de qui [elle] est et de la vie qu’[elle] veut vivre.»  Son changement de carrière a porté fruit, car bientôt à l’âge de 50 ans, Sophie a enfin trouvé ce qu’elle voulait vraiment faire de sa vie!

I find myself reflecting on how I used to compete in all 4 disciplines when I was a alpine ski racers and, that now that I am a maker, I still have the need to be involved in 4 types of disciplines. I wonder what this all means??

Regardless of the meaning (and for fun) I am trying to match what I do now to the 4 alpine skiing discipline. 

Let's start with my most enduring discipline as a skier was and is 'Slalom' as seen in picture above. I would have to say that 'Fabric Sphere' is my Slalom in many ways. 

My most exhilarating discipline was 'Downhill' which both excited and scared me at the same time. I would equate this to 'Paper planet' mainly because the possibilities are both thrilling and nerve racking sometimes. I just don't know if one life time will be enough for me to make all the things I dream of!!  'Super G' is next and is sort of an off-shoot of downhillin some ways. That is definitely my 'WoodLand' as I fidn the procees of designing and choosing the objects to make similar to that of designing my paper models.

​Finally, my most elusive discipline when I was a racer was 'Giant slalom'. I would say that this is my 'Illustration Orbit' because I found that you either had the giant slalom rythmn or you did not (a bit like Slalom). If you didn't, you had to spend more time getting it just right. I think that illustartors are often a one disciple kinda artist and concentrate their careers on being great at it. I do it cause I just love it however I acquire the skills on a slower timeframe since I am dividing my attention with all discipline. I don't really mind as I just love it and it makes me feel well. 

That's it, just a little fun comparison. Do you have a similar thing going on?..