<aside> 🗺️ Fìdeachlann is a planet in a neighboring galaxy to the Milky Way Galaxy. Its solar system has four planets, which relate to other concepts the author is working on. The map and process outlined here focuses on just one section of the full planet’s northern hemisphere, with the core islands that stories will center on being based on the Scottish Hebrides. To develop the geography and identify key cultures of the planet, the author used ChatGPT and Midjourney, and Photoshop.
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🔊 Overview of the initial idea that inspired this artefact, and the creative process.
<aside> ❓ The Initial Decisions I Had to Make:
<aside> 🌍 So… we need a planet? Initial planet overview designed from the process shared in N.K Jemisin's MasterClass:
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🔊 Hear more about the initial questions that shaped Fìdeachlann.
Digital drawing (IPad, Procreate App) of potential concepts of relation w/ Earth → eventually rough galaxy design
Outcome of NK Jemisin process to identify the right cold water, ideal place for Isles on the planet
Reframing the continents to center the eventual home of the Isles a bit more
🔊 Overview of the step by step process to co-create the final map.
🤖 TIPS & TRICKS For Generating Maps and Locations
- Test Keywords. Make a thread for yourself just to test single word prompts, and get an idea of what the model is associating with the term. You might be surprised to realize what word is making your complete prompt not work as planned.
- Avoid Stereotypes. These models are trained on broader internet content, so they are going to give the same human bias, and often not a lot of diversity. Don’t be afraid to prompt for certain characteristics, but do your own research to also make sure it’s not just feeding you back stereotypes.
- Learn basic artistic styles and terms. This helps control what kind of image you get, as well as it’s composition (such as portrait, lighting cues, etc.) However, if you use a specific artist name or piece of art, make sure it’s someone whose work is in the public domain. Be fair to your fellow creatives, and keep copyrighted works and artists out of your prompts!
- A single image doesn’t lock you in to what something could be. Be clear about your goal for generating the image, and if it’s just something for your reference while writing, when you want to change a style or hair color, that doesn’t need to be perfect in the image (just in your notes!).
- Play with weights, but don’t rely on them. Weighting can help to tweak and direct if you’re trying to build off of something, but you’ll get the best results really focusing on your vocabulary first.
🔊 Learn the key ways working with GenAI aided the development of Fìdeachlann’s countries and cultures
Many place names were created through an exploratory conversation with ChatGPT. See the full conversation here:
Creating Fantasy Place Names_ChatGPT
