3D iIllustrations on AI for The New Yorker

Project Overview

For Jaron Lanier's article, "How to Picture AI," in The New Yorker, I created seven illustrations: one header image and six images throughout the article. These visuals were designed to clarify Lanier's complex ideas about AI, shifting the perspective from AI as a sentient being to a sophisticated tool reflecting human creativity and intention.

The Challenge

The main challenge was translating Lanier's abstract concepts into visual form. Lanier used a tree motif to depict AI's organic and interconnected nature, emphasizing its ability to automate tasks, recognize patterns, and assist in problem-solving. I collaborated with Art Director Nicholas Konrad to explore these themes, aiming to create illustrations that effectively communicated the essence of Lanier's ideas..

The Concept

We chose to represent AI structures as both singular entities and interconnected units, much like tree branches and roots. By drawing inspiration from the natural world, we combined elements of nature and technology to portray AI in a relatable way. This approach provided a fresh perspective on AI visualization, highlighting the role of art in enhancing the understanding of complex scientific concepts.