“The marketing image for the Horseman, an opera which will premiere in Finnish National Opera in May 2025, turned out to be an excellent case for realizing the image digitally, and at the same time testing AI along the ride. For us, this was the first pre-marketing photo where AI has been used as an aid. The co-operation with Antti was very professional, efficient and flexible from the beginning. The image was born as if by itself, and met all our wishes. AI would seem to be a good servant used by the right master.”
– Katja Jokinen, Communications Manager, Finnish National Opera and Ballet

I recently had the incredible privilege of working with the Suomen kansallisooppera ja -baletti (Finnish National Opera) to create a promotional image for their breathtaking new production of “The Horseman.” This powerful opera boasts an unforgettable cast and stunning stage design, making my involvement feel truly special. The goal of the project was to create an image that would resonate with the themes of the opera: a desolate, dystopian landscape with a lone rider—a visual representation of the opera’s haunting themes of war, and destruction but also love and hope.  I’d like to share my experience and insights about using AI art tools in this project.

Introducing Finnish National Opera and Ballet:
https://oopperabaletti.fi/en/about-us/
https://oopperabaletti.fi/en/repertoire/the-horseman/

Visualizing the Opera’s Themes:

The project kicked off with detailed plans for “The Horseman”. The meticulous wardrobe and stage design were a huge inspiration, sparking my creative energy. I aimed to visually echo those elements in my promotional piece. This kind of image could have been achieved through good location scouting, elaborate wardrobe, photography, and extensive retouching. However, AI allowed me to bring my vision to life far more quickly and cost-effectively compared to “photography-based” productions without any compromises of the contents of the image. Utilizing AI was a perfect tool for this project.

While I used AI image generation tools for this project, let’s dispel a common myth:  AI isn’t a magic button. Creating striking AI images requires a multi-step process fueled by a guiding vision. I carefully directed every aspect of the image— it’s not just a single prompt. My final creation was sculpted using various AI tools, Photoshop expertise, keen visual understanding, and a good dose of imagination. The image for “The Horseman” is massive—almost 12,000 pixels wide! This allows for stunning detail and the potential for large-scale prints if desired.

AI: The Tool, Not the Artist

It’s important to emphasize that AI is simply a tool, albeit a powerful one. The artist—the human being—remains the guiding force behind the concept, the composition, and the final execution. AI can’t replace that human touch, vital to any compelling artwork. Ai can generate amazing images from a single text prompt, but in my workflow, I use it as a tool that extends my creative vision. AI can contribute to the exploration of new artistic realms and styles, expanding the horizons of creative expression. But without the human artist’s guidance, AI-generated art tends to lack the emotional depth, personal touches, and narrative arc that make art truly compelling.

Striking the right balance between AI and human involvement is crucial. AI can catalyze experimentation, providing artists with new tools and possibilities. Yet, it’s the artist who remains the visionary, the creator, the alchemist who transforms raw materials into something extraordinary. In essence, AI and human artists form a symbiotic partnership, where each brings their unique strengths to the collaborative process of artistic creation. AI enhances the technical aspects and offers innovative possibilities, while human artistry infuses the work with soul, emotion, and a profound sense of human connection.

Collaboration and Gratitude

I sincerely thank the extraordinary team at the Finnish National Opera for their trust and the opportunity to bring this image to life. I also appreciate the Sivulliset Creative Collective ad agency for their involvement and belief in my work. They did amazing work with the conceptual side of the image to provide me with the best possible starting point with the image. They also animated the image which gives the images a different view into the epic visuals of “The Horseman”. The creative process is a journey of exploration, discovery, and refinement. It is through the collective efforts of talented individuals that truly remarkable works of art are born. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with such exceptional collaborators, and I look forward to future endeavors where we can continue to explore the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.