A Vision for AI in Creative Practice
A Vision for AI in Creative Practice
Story curated by Nathaniel Underwood & Sabri Gokmen (COAA)
– Nathaniel Underwood
Nathaniel Underwood’s creative path began long before digital screens entered the picture. With a passion for fine arts, he immersed himself in the traditional world of painting and drawing. “I got my start in a very traditional, purist kind of way… painting and drawing through direct observation,” he recalls. His academic journey led him to graduate school, where he earned a painting degree—a period defined by meticulous attention to perception, texture, and the tactile relationship between the artist and the canvas. In those formative years, every brushstroke was a lesson in patience, technique, and the pursuit of authenticity. This grounding in the tangible aspects of art laid the foundation for a career that would later embrace the digital realm without losing sight of his traditional approach.
Realizing AI as a Transformative Tool
The transition from fine arts to digital illustration was a natural evolution in Nathaniel’s career. Working in advertising, he discovered that traditional skills could be seamlessly integrated with modern technology. Nathaniel took the plunge when a friend recognized his distinctive line work and suggested he try illustration for an ad agency. “I learned and adopted Photoshop and Illustrator into my arsenal,” he explains, illustrating how traditional drawing techniques could be amplified by digital tools. This phase of his career was marked by experimentation as he navigated a new medium that balanced manual precision with the efficiency of digital processes. The skills honed during his early years became even more valuable, as they provided the creative insight necessary to transform computer-generated images into works with a personal, human touch.
Midjourney creative process and sketches
Nathaniel Underwood
Innovative Teaching and Collaborative Approaches
As an educator, Nathaniel has been at the forefront of integrating AI into the classroom. He believes that while technology can enhance efficiency, it should never overshadow the importance of personal expression. “My goal is to take these experiments and experiences and relay the information to my students—while still retaining my creative agency,” he explains. His teaching method involves open discussions where students are encouraged to engage with AI tools critically. Despite some resistance—he notes that “99% of my students are against it” at first—Nathaniel observes that their hesitation often stems from a deep commitment to mastering traditional skills. For these young artists, the idea is not to blindly adopt AI, but to use it as a complementary resource to inform and elevate their practice. [1] By fostering an environment of transparency and ethical usage, he ensures that emerging artists appreciate the balance between digital innovation and the timeless values of craft and creativity.
Generative images produced with Gigapixel, Nathaniel Underwood
Preparing Students for a Digital Future
Looking forward, Nathaniel contemplates a future where the line between human creativity and artificial intelligence continues to blur. The rapid integration of AI into everyday creative processes has prompted him to ask profound questions about authenticity and value. “If creating images is so accessible and easy, will it have any value at all? The human experience might become the true value,” he reflects. This sentiment encapsulates his belief that while machines may soon generate art at scale, human artists’ unique, lived experiences—shaped by culture, emotion, and personal history—will remain irreplaceable. In his view, technology will become an intrinsic part of the creative process, not a dominant force but a powerful ally. Even as he experiments with new digital tools and methods, Nathaniel remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving the authentic expression. This commitment is as much about understanding the human condition as it is about leveraging technological advancements.
Nathaniel Underwood’s journey from traditional fine arts to the dynamic frontier of AI is a testament to his adaptability and visionary outlook. He demonstrates that embracing innovation does not mean abandoning one’s roots; rather, it means finding a harmonious balance where technology enhances, not replaces, the irreplaceable essence of human creativity.
Story curated by Kaustavi Sarkar & Sabri Gokmen (COAA)
Text and Conversations edited using AI.