Lifeform

Overview
Life form is a short experimental animation exploring underwater-inspired, surreal movement patterns. Created in just two days, the project served as a sandbox for testing AI image and video tools, sound generation, and post-production workflows rather than pursuing a narrative or deep symbolic meaning.

Concept
The project embraces the idea of AI as a collaborative assistant — like an over-capable intern — where the artist sets direction and imposes limits. By constraining the number of generations and adhering to a design process, Lifeform demonstrates how structure can prevent overwhelm when working with AI’s rapid, abundant outputs.

Tools

• Procreate (iPad) – initial drawing

• Gen AI platforms – RunwayML, Google Veo 3, MidJourney (for variations/animation tests)

• 11 Labs – music and sound design

• CapCut – editing & post-production

• Topaz Labs – upscaling & polishing

Process

1. Sketched a simple underwater-inspired image in Procreate.

2. Fed the sketch into different generative AI platforms (RunwayML, Veo 3, MidJourney) to explore visual variations.

3. Iterated between outputs, selecting promising material while limiting the number of generations.

4. Composed an original soundscape in 11 Labs to enhance the mood.

5. Combined visuals and audio in CapCut, with Topaz Labs used for final polish and upscaling.

Reflection
Working with AI requires discipline. Without clear limits, it’s easy to generate endless variations and get lost in abundance. Constraints act as creative scaffolding, ensuring the final piece remains intentional rather than accidental. In Life form, strict limits on iterations helped maintain focus, reinforcing the role of AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement.

Output
A short, abstract animation evoking the alien movements of imagined underwater lifeforms, accompanied by generative sound.