We were lucky to catch up with Holly Picano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Holly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Right now, I’m in the thick of what feels like my most meaningful project yet, “Generating Creative Images with DALL-E 3,” an in-depth guide replete with cheat sheets and templates. I’m deep-diving into the world of generative AI, that sweet spot where art meets algorithm, for my upcoming book by Packt publishing. I’m having a blast getting to grips with DALL-E 3, a program that’s got everyone talking—it takes your words and spins them into visual gold. And let me tell you, it’s more than just tech wizardry; it’s a window into how we might be crafting and experiencing art and visuals in the future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Educationally, I’m an Art Institute alum and a proud valedictorian from Full Sail University, where I earned my Master of Science in Digital Marketing. My passion for learning turned full circle when I returned to teach Emerging Technologies. My career path has led me from The Disney Company to dynamic roles in digital ad agencies. With over two decades of traditional art under my belt, I’ve pivoted to AI artistry.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I was on an NFT panel recently, and I have quite a bit to share about NFTs, which are both thrilling and risky. To start, it’s crucial to understand that NFTs are supported by cryptocurrency. A key piece of guidance I offer is to only invest what you can afford to lose. I often describe cryptocurrency as a mix between traditional currency and the stock market; it can be spent like money and traded like stocks, but it’s also subject to a highly volatile market.

For artists, here’s the essential information: You can create an NFT that represents a digital artwork. Some individuals might purchase your NFT with the intention of selling it for a profit later on. Additionally, NFTs can have a utility function, offering more than just artwork. This could include exclusive memberships or tickets to events, among other possibilities.

The potential in the NFT marketplace is immense, yet it’s important to remain cautious of its fluctuating nature.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Community is the secret sauce, and I really wish I’d caught onto that sooner. It’s all about learning from the folks around you. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, a legend in his own right, credits his crew for his successes in weight training. He earned the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles, not just on his own steam, but by being a part of a community of weightlifters who pushed and learned from each other.

This is crucial for creatives, too. If you’re not already part of a community that fuels your artistry, you’re missing out. My own journey has been massively enriched by the communities I’m a part of. I graduated with a Master of Science in Digital Marketing from Full Sail University, then circled back to teach there. I’m also in the mix with Billy Gene Marketing, brainstorming advertising strategies; and I dive deep into generative AI with a few tech-forward groups. Being active in these circles—sharing, experimenting, and getting inspired—has supercharged my creative process. It’s about finding your people and tapping into that collective energy. It makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hollypicanodigital.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly_picano_artist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-picano-481a872/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyPicano

Image Credits

Headshot Photographer: Shawn Rinehart. For AI generated art, credit: Holly Picano, using DALLE-3. For the traditional paintings: Holly Picano