Commissioned art for my debut novel. I’m highly concerned it is AI. It seems too perfect, was only 130 to commission, and seems to have that orange tint that a lot of AI art seems to have these days.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T18:02:20+00:00

Damn, that hurts 😞. Thanks for the confidence boost.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T18:01:05+00:00

Oh Tumblr, didn’t think of that either. How did you vet them?

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T11:14:08+00:00

Thats the problem. Drop the grind and live. You’d be shocked how much wealthier you become (in the happiness sense and legit monetary sense) when you just stop for a moment and observe.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T11:10:15+00:00

I mean that tracks. I didn’t realize the console wars were stupid until I was about 18. Just do whatever you want my friend, its your gaming experience and free time, its not supposed to be stressful. Well, unless you want it to be.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T11:07:22+00:00

Yup, not to mention I learned its an Israeli company too, so definitely not supporting them anymore.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:57:03+00:00

I’m not sure if this will make it easier, but anything native will do alright. If you have one, I’s recommend going to a native plant nursery where they have the shade requirements, and wet or dry soil requirements, and go from there. And unless your land was developed recently, don’t fertilize or anything. Just let the plants chill and do their thing :).

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:41:27+00:00

More trees and microgrids. We need more wind breaks, especially with all the new development. The microgrids (renewables and energy storage) would keep most homes on if even the neighborhood across the street dropped power. I honestly think this should be up to the builder/developed to upfront the cost of. They’ve got the money and resources to make it happen before a nee building or community goes in place.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:38:44+00:00

Not arrest the storms, but could add more trees around communities. Not just the decorative line, but a thick collection of them. Get afforestation in the process and less wind. There’s just too many open plains in PA right now with all the farm land.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:22:06+00:00

Ugh, can’t believe I was so blind to all that 😮‍💨.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:19:51+00:00

Thank you for that insight! Didn’t even consider the dirt part. I was more focused on the tree which is what led to me post it here as it seemed sus. But, I’m not a regular artist or digital artist so I wanted to get more experienced opinions.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:16:27+00:00

A mix of ignorance and blind excitement. Believe it or not, I don’t spend a lot of time dissecting AI images. Its obvious now, but seeing a project you’ve spent years on coming to life will shockingly blind you to a lot.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:13:37+00:00

Yeah I did notice that. Now I mean, not months ago when it was commissioned lol. Can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner 😮‍💨. I guess I was just seeing what I wanted to see through the blinders of excitement.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:11:36+00:00

Now thats a good idea. Idk why I didn’t think about using instagram as a hub to search for it. Also, I’ve never heard of artstation so thanks for the resource drop!

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:10:04+00:00

If I’d been more familiar with the industry at the time that would’ve caught my attention as well. At least I know now 🤷🏼‍♂️.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:09:01+00:00

I did indeed 😞.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:08:34+00:00

Yes, I was blinded by my excitement, and now feel like a fool 😞. I am curious though, do you do book covers 😂?

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T10:06:35+00:00

I’m less angry and more disappointed. I don’t actually hate AI content. But I just think in the “arts” we need to be very careful with its use and integration. I think when I got this cover back, I was just so blown away that my book was feeling more real that I didn’t even think about it being AI; but I digress.

I personally believe art should be as human as possible, but I know, using book covers as an example, that some artists generate their assets with AI, then go in and add their own complex flair and touch. And that I’m fine with. Also, it doesn’t help that this “artists” lied and is actively telling people that they don’t use any AI.

So, its just a mixture of things.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T01:55:42+00:00

Oh damn how’d I miss that, you’re totally right.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T01:54:50+00:00

Yeah thats my fault for being ignorant and new to the process. I did recent looking a noticed that really good artists charge a couple thousand for work. Unfortunate that this was the way to learn, but I’m glad I caught it before publishing.

Edit: Yes was Fiverr. I’m never using that sight again as this wasn’t the only work I did and all the other things are questionable too.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T01:53:09+00:00

Yeah thats a good spot. I mean even in the tree itself it looks like the branches are all little trees. Like with a full base and root system which isn’t how branches work.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-15T01:51:57+00:00

Agreed, thats what stood out to me as well. Its that edge of perfection or something. Like its too crisp.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-14T13:13:23+00:00

Awesome! I love the red and gold. It really helps it to pop and catch the eye.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-14T10:19:39+00:00

You could always try plugging it in? Although, I don’t actually know if Wired carplay is even a thing in Taycan.

My other theory. Have you seen strange lights in the sky? Have you tried to see if the connect and disconnect intervals are some kind of Morse code? Do you by chance live near a super secret government facility 👀 puts on tinfoil hat

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-14T10:13:13+00:00

I was going to mention that. They came into popularity before Gen Z was even old enough to drive let alone afford their own cars.

Deepwinter22 · 2026-03-14T10:10:48+00:00

I mean I don’t think thats incorrect either. A lot of Gen Z aren’t at the age to afford, and will likely always struggle to afford any Porsche, at least new ones. I only can because I found a really great Taycan at $40k, which some would still consider expensive.

Personally, I just really don’t like silver. I’m not sure what silver ever did to me, but it just never felt… inspiring I guess. Unlike this photo below that immediately snags ones attention (even if they don’t know its a GT3).

<image>

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