At the Intersection of Art and AI: A Conversation with Kimberly Offord
In the rapidly evolving world of AI creativity, Kimberly Offord stands as an inspiring figure, blending art, storytelling, and futurism into her work. As a career marketer, author, and creative from Chicago, Kimberly has embarked on a journey that combines her deep appreciation for culture with cutting-edge AI technologies including Immersity AI. In this interview, Kimberly shares her creative process, her motivations, and her vision for the future of AI art.
A Lifelong Creative Journey
Kimberly’s story begins with a rich background of early exposure to arts and culture. As an author, amateur pianist, and art collector, she has always sought ways to channel her creativity. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that AI entered her toolkit. Initially using platforms like MidJourney and Canva for real estate-related projects, Kimberly soon discovered AI’s potential for personal expression.
“Once I realized I could tell stories with these tools, I dove in,” she says. “It started with creating images that felt like paintings or avatars, but it quickly evolved into exploring photorealism and more dynamic storytelling.”
Exploring Tools to Tell Stories
Kimberly’s experimentation with tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, and Runway has shaped her distinct style. However, discovering Immersity AI—our platform enabling depth animation of images—was a turning point, enabling her to keep the artistic integrity of her art while adding camera effects that bring dramatic closeups, panning views, and all around cinematic effects to her art. Combining tools, she creates compelling visual narratives that bridge the gap between reality and imagination.
“I want to hold the viewer in the moment,” she explains. “Whether it’s a 3D motion or a dynamic still, I want people to see the details and feel something.”
One standout project involved creating motion-enhanced portraits of grandmothers, which deeply resonated with her audience. “People told me they cried because the images reminded them of loved ones,” Kimberly recalls. “It showed me the emotional power of these tools.”
Cultural and Sci-Fi Influences
Kimberly’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a 1970s African-American household filled with positivity and creativity. Magazines like Ebony and Jet, combined with a love for sci-fi, shaped her worldview. As a child, Kimberly dreamed of futures depicted in Star Trek and The Jetsons. Today, her work reflects a blend of retrofuturism and African-American culture.
“I’m inspired by the past but imagine a future where African-American culture is vibrant, positive, and progressive,” she explains. “It’s about creating worlds where joy and representation thrive.”
Kimberly’s creations often draw from iconic cultural moments. For instance, she reimagined Diana Ross’s character from Mahogany and paid homage to Tamara Dobson’s Cleopatra Jones. Her ability to reinterpret familiar images into futuristic, dynamic art speaks to her talent for storytelling through visuals.
Combating AI Bias
Kimberly is also passionate about addressing bias in AI-generated imagery. “AI often defaults to stereotypes,” she says. “I’ve had to correct generations multiple times—whether it’s about race, body positivity, or disabilities.”
Through her work, Kimberly contributes to diversifying AI datasets. “When I create, I’m adding my perspective into the system, helping it learn what inclusivity looks like. It’s not just about fun—it’s about fighting bias.”
From Passion to Profession
Recognizing AI’s potential for creative careers, Kimberly has developed resources to help others. Her MidJourney Mastery course introduces participants to AI tools while exploring how to turn creativity into income. “You can create pitch decks, marketing collateral, or even music videos,” she says. “The opportunities are endless.”
Her advice to aspiring creators? “You don’t need a million followers to get discovered. Just put your work out there. Be authentic, and the right people will find you.”
The Emotional Power of AI Art
For Kimberly, the most fulfilling aspect of her work is its ability to evoke emotion. Whether it’s the wrinkles on a grandmother’s face or the movement of a dancer, her art connects with people on a deeply personal level. “AI may see depth and data, but people see love, joy, and memories,” she says.
As Kimberly continues her journey, she envisions diving deeper into documentary work and blending music with visual storytelling. “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “And the more we explore, the more we shape the futures we want to see.”
If you want to see more of her work, check out the above music video she created—also using Immersity AI— for multi-Grammy-winning artist Lalah Hathaway, and follow her on Instagram at Playgroundpastime and Kimberly Offord.
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