STABBY BOT, A MIDJOURNEY-INSPIRED DESIGN

During the boom of text-image generative AI like Midjourney in 2022, many were skeptical, afraid, and angry at the prospect of AI replacing artists. I had a more optimistic view, seeing AI as a tool to help artists design and iterate. I did not, and still do not, see AI replacing artists and designers for final images or final renders. AI simply cannot match the precision, intention, and semantic expression infused within art created by humans. They might replace concept artists, but I think 3D art, especially animation, will not be replaced in a long time.

Having said that, I decided to use Midjourney as a tool to help inspire my next project. I simply typed in “Stabby Bot” and let Midjourney come up with images. I then used the most interesting images to come up with a design for a robot I would model in Blender.

These were the 4 initial images that Midjourney provided me. Due to Midjourney’s infancy at the time, it did not have the resolution and detail as it does now. These images were upscaled, yet still remained quite grainy, blurry, and unclear. Based on these images, I modeled and rigged a robot with blades for limbs, and a large sword attached to its back.

Wide View of "Stabby Bot"

The color scheme and overall silhouette was inspired by the latter 3 Midjourney images above, while the large blade on the back was inspired by the first Midjourney image.

Closeup

Closeup 2

ANIMATION

To further hone my animation skills, I decided to animate a quick combat sequence featuring “Stabby Bot”.