Featured AI artist: Stéphane Tranquillin
From painting and photography to motion design and now AI filmmaking, Stéphane’s creative journey is a masterclass in evolution. What started as casual experimentation with early AI art tools quickly became a full-fledged artistic pursuit—one that merges cutting-edge tech with timeless storytelling instincts. In this interview, Stéphane shares how he got started with AI, how he refined his prompting style, and why filmmaking continues to be his ultimate creative playground.
How did you get started with AI?
I started exploring AI in mid-2022 when I tested the early versions of Midjourney and DALL·E. At first, it was just for fun—I didn’t think about making a living from it. I’ve always been a creative person. I drew and painted a lot when I was younger, then became a graphic designer, motion designer, photographer, and director before taking the plunge into AI filmmaking in September 2024.
What was the initial process like for you?
In the beginning, I was trying to understand how to prompt properly to get an output as close as possible to what I was envisioning. But mostly, I was just experimenting without a real purpose—just enjoying the process and having fun with it.
How did you refine your technique?
When Midjourney started producing more realistic results with the v4 model, I began focusing more on the art of prompting. Discovering open-source AI like Stable Diffusion also pushed me to dive deep into the settings and the level of control it offers—something you don’t get as much with paid platforms like Midjourney or DALL·E. Having total control over my generations in Stable Diffusion helped me refine my technique and significantly enhance the quality of my visuals.
What interested you in filmmaking in particular?
Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to tell my own stories. The medium didn’t matter—I just wanted to create. I started with drawing, dabbled in writing novels and longer stories, and then discovered photography—especially street and documentary photography, where you can capture real-life stories in a compelling way.
But cinema is what truly ignites my passion. To me, it’s the ultimate form of storytelling—the pinnacle of artistic expression. I’ve been obsessed with film since my teenage years, and being naturally curious, I watched everything from blockbusters to intimate indie films. What fascinates me about filmmaking is how it brings together so many art forms—writing, photography, theater, music, and more.
What’s next for you in the realm of AI art?
I’m starting to get more job requests from agencies and production companies to create AI content for commercials or music videos, so things are moving in a great direction. I also used to work as a 3D artist, and I’d love to explore hybrid productions that combine real actors, 3D technology, and AI-generated visuals. I’m currently working on a personal project that brings all of this together. It may take some time, but I’m confident that more opportunities will arise for those of us who are pushing the boundaries of AI art.
