Creative AI image generation, graphic illustration overlays, colour splashes applied to facial features, and AI-driven facial animation for subtle motion and expression. ComfyUI workflow, usage of Open Source AI models only.

4 FUN

4 FUN is a self-initiated concept project exploring how generative AI, graphic design, and human expression can be combined into a single visual language.

The study is not only about facial expressions and emotion (in this case, happiness), but also about how playful, naïvistic graphic elements can be layered on top of human portraits. In this case we have just examplified this with AI generated people but the idea is to use real photos.

The exploration project blends AI-generated people with expressive line work, scribbles, grids, and colour splashes, applied both around the face and directly onto facial features and skin.

By combining “real” human presence (here represented by AI-generated people, but applicable to photographed or filmed subjects as well) with graphic illustration, the project explores how imperfection, playfulness, and abstraction can coexist with recognisable human emotion.

The project investigates how playful graphic design can amplify emotion, rather than replace it. Smiles, laughter, and relaxed expressions are combined with loose, imperfect illustration marks that suggest energy, spontaneity, and character.
In motion, subtle facial animation brings the portraits to life while the graphic elements remain expressive and deliberately imperfect — reinforcing a handcrafted, joyful aesthetic rather than a polished or hyper-realistic one. 4 FUN serves as an exploration of how generative AI can support character-driven visuals, expressive identity work, and graphic-led storytelling across stills and motion.

A series of portraits and short clips showing variations in:

• Facial expression and emotion

• Graphic illustration motif

• Interaction between face, body, and surrounding graphic elements

• More facial images