Six Fingered Zombie Santa
From Freelance Artist to AI Explorer
Kevin’s background is rooted in professional theatre – designing lights, sound, and digital media across the country. Mentorship drew him to academia, driven by a desire to “hold the door open for the next folks” entering the demanding creative industry.
Initially, like many, Kevin approached AI with apprehension. However, encouraged by colleagues like Dr. Will R. Lewis and driven by a need to understand the tools his students were encountering, he began exploring, particularly image generators like Midjourney. He quickly discovered AI’s potential, not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a powerful addition to the process.
AI in the Design Classroom: Process, Not Just Product
Kevin’s core message revolves around using AI thoughtfully within the creative process:
- Springboard, Not Replacement: “AI is a springboard for creativity, it’s not its replacement,” Kevin emphasizes. He uses tools like Midjourney in his classes, not to generate final designs, but to spark ideas, explore visual concepts quickly, and facilitate conversations.
- Understanding Limitations & Bias: A crucial part of his teaching involves showing students AI’s flaws. He points out how image generators often struggle with details like human anatomy (“monster people” with six fingers) because their training data is imperfect. This highlights that AI outputs reflect the biases and limitations of the data they’re trained on. “It only knows what it’s been given,” he states.
- Process vs. Product: Kevin makes a clear distinction. While a student might use Midjourney to explore visual ideas for a costume or set, the product they are evaluated on is their own design, informed by that exploration. The AI is part of the process of research and ideation.
- Developing AI Literacy: Students need to understand how these tools work, how to prompt them effectively, and critically evaluate the results. He focuses on teaching them to engage with AI as a collaborator, understanding its “language” and boundaries. He’s even developing a First Year Seminar proposal focused entirely on AI and creativity.
Student Perspectives and Engagement
Kevin observes a range of engagement levels among students:
- Some students are already using various tools (ChatGPT, Bing, Google AI).
- Others are hesitant or unsure how to begin.
- He notes a generational aspect, where today’s students are entering a world where AI is already present, making literacy essential.
- Using AI effectively requires strong foundational knowledge, media literacy, and cultural literacy to guide the tool and interpret its output meaningfully.
Ethical Considerations and the Human Touch
The conversation didn’t shy away from the anxieties surrounding AI:
- Industry Concerns: Kevin acknowledges the real fears in creative industries, highlighted by recent strikes, about AI potentially replacing human artists, writers, and performers.
- The “Soul” Factor: He firmly believes that AI, in its current state, lacks the “soul,” nuance, and lived experience that are fundamental to human creativity. “It doesn’t have a soul,” he states plainly.
- Skill vs. Shortcut: While AI can be a powerful tool, Kevin stresses the importance of students still developing core design skills. Over-reliance on AI as a shortcut can hinder true learning and artistic development.
Navigating the Future: Intentional Exploration
Kevin’s approach is one of proactive engagement rather than fear. He encourages experimentation and learning:
- Play With It: The best way to understand AI is to use it, even for simple or “silly” tasks.
- Understand the Boundaries: Recognize what AI does well and where it falls short.
- Be Intentional: Use AI as a deliberate part of the creative or learning process, not as a blind replacement for effort or critical thought.
Key Takeaway:
In the creative and educational spheres, AI offers exciting possibilities but demands careful navigation. Kevin Frasier’s journey highlights the importance of moving beyond skepticism to engage with these tools critically. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, integrating them thoughtfully into the creative process, and prioritizing human skill development and ethical considerations, we can leverage AI as a powerful springboard for innovation without losing the essential human element.