A digital painting of a serene Japanese garden in autumn, with a tea house, koi pond, and maple trees with falling leaves, with an anime-inspired art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
Meet Scott Garrette
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Scott Garrette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Scott below.
Scott, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Making art has been a passion of mine since High School in the early 1990’s and since then I’ve been through many phases of low and high creative output. August of 2013 marked the beginning of a new phase in my creative journey where I decided to create endlessly, or as much as I could. I’ve have a full-time job during this period that helps to fund my passion for making things and everyday after work I create. In May of 2019 I decided to take a risk and invest in myself by renting studio space so I could create more easily and to separate my living space from the smells and mess of the creative space. This risk has allowed me to explore many ideas, has given me many opportunities, and is still teaching me and helping me grow as an artist. I haven’t “made it big”, or had great success selling, but I have learned a lot about patience, persistence, and have really enjoyed the development of my creativity. Being an artist and working a full-time job has forced me to look at my expectations and reconsider unrealistic timelines that I set for myself. My goal is to make a lot of money selling my art and travel all over the world with exhibitions in galleries and museums. I’ve been able to develop large series of paintings and sculptures by taking the risk of paying for an extra space to create my artwork. My art studio space has allowed me to create a large catalog of different styles and ideas that I can pull from to develop into a specific gallery exhibition, or individual commissions. Has the risk paid off? Yes, it has, in so many ways and it continues to pay off as I’m able to pull from my large collection of finished pieces and place them throughout local businesses and galleries. I’m currently working with local business owners on a large project at a new restaurant they are opening soon and will have pieces installed that can be sold and I’ll then make another to replace them. I’m determined to create until I can’t, and even then, I will create.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Artist from Kansas City, studied at Baker University (’94-’98), and moved to New York in 2008. Focused on mostly abstract painting and functional pottery in school. Started a pottery business with a friend just out of college while continuing to paint. Designed and built a “Straw Bale” art studio in Lawrence, KS (2002-2006). Exhibited work in Kansas City, MO.- Baldwin City, KS.- Lawrence, KS.- Beacon, NY. – NYC – Mahopac, NY, Peekskill, NY, Carmel, NY.
Creativity is my lifelong passion, exploring ideas and materials and looking at ordinary things differently.
It’s empowering, and a little frightening at times to realize that our decisions can create our lives just as they create artwork. Every decision is like a brushstroke across a blank canvas creating our view of the world we live in. We have control, we have the choice to decide if we are happy or upset at any moment… though it’s not always easy to control due to impulse.
My artwork takes on a life of its own from the very beginning, like our children… and like us. I can guide, teach, protect, and hold onto, but ultimately the future becomes their own, becomes our own. Pieces are created as a foundation for each viewer to build a personal meaning from their own life’s experience, and the titles act as a guide, or starting point for the story that will be told by the viewer.
I’m inspired by the beauty in the everyday, it’s everywhere if I take the time to look, or see it. I’ve explored many mediums, including pottery, stained-glass, and photography but I find my home in drawing and painting.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFT’s have fascinated me since I first heard about the Beeple NFT auction at Christie’s in 2021. I’ve had many ideas for how I’d like to use them to build my brand as an artist, and how they could allow my fans/followers to engage with me and my future exhibitions. They are a great way to prove ownership and I think it’s cool to think about there being a record of all of the different owners. Now, I just need more time so I can do it all!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There are many rewarding aspects of being an artist. I get to have exciting new artwork on my walls and get to change my personal gallery anytime I want. Boredom is not something I suffer from because I always have a new idea to work out, or a new venue that needs new paintings. The greatest reward of being creative is seeing beauty in everything. I think it creates a mentality of gratitude, because I’m so thankful so experience all of the beauty everyday.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Artist from Kansas City, studied at Baker University (’94-’98), and moved to New York in 2008. Focused on mostly abstract painting and functional pottery in school. Started a pottery business with a friend just out of college while continuing to paint. Designed and built a “Straw Bale” art studio in Lawrence, KS (2002-2006). Exhibited work in Kansas City, MO.- Baldwin City, KS.- Lawrence, KS.- Beacon, NY. – NYC – Mahopac, NY, Peekskill, NY, Carmel, NY.
Creativity is my lifelong passion, exploring ideas and materials and looking at ordinary things differently.
It’s empowering, and a little frightening at times to realize that our decisions can create our lives just as they create artwork. Every decision is like a brushstroke across a blank canvas creating our view of the world we live in. We have control, we have the choice to decide if we are happy or upset at any moment… though it’s not always easy to control due to impulse.
My artwork takes on a life of its own from the very beginning, like our children… and like us. I can guide, teach, protect, and hold onto, but ultimately the future becomes their own, becomes our own. Pieces are created as a foundation for each viewer to build a personal meaning from their own life’s experience, and the titles act as a guide, or starting point for the story that will be told by the viewer.
I’m inspired by the beauty in the everyday, it’s everywhere if I take the time to look, or see it. I’ve explored many mediums, including pottery, stained-glass, and photography but I find my home in drawing and painting.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFT’s have fascinated me since I first heard about the Beeple NFT auction at Christie’s in 2021. I’ve had many ideas for how I’d like to use them to build my brand as an artist, and how they could allow my fans/followers to engage with me and my future exhibitions. They are a great way to prove ownership and I think it’s cool to think about there being a record of all of the different owners. Now, I just need more time so I can do it all!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There are many rewarding aspects of being an artist. I get to have exciting new artwork on my walls and get to change my personal gallery anytime I want. Boredom is not something I suffer from because I always have a new idea to work out, or a new venue that needs new paintings. The greatest reward of being creative is seeing beauty in everything. I think it creates a mentality of gratitude, because I’m so thankful so experience all of the beauty everyday.
Contact Info:
- Website:https://www.scottgarrette.com
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/scottgarrettestudio/
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Best Midjourney prompts for painting
1. The Forest
Midjourney is not afraid of taking detailed prompts, even more, it is highly recommended to do so.
A serene autumn landscape with a reflective lake surrounded by trees with colorful fall foliage, in the style of the Hudson River School, capturing the romantic essence and fine details.
2. Market Place in the 17th Century
Adding styles is very important, and you can even blend them. Just make sure to take your time and imagine what you want to see.
A lively marketplace in the 17th century Netherlands, with people bustling about, stalls with a variety of goods, and a warm atmosphere, inspired by Pieter Aertsen, using oil painting techniques.
3. Dali’s Mushroom Island
The more details you use, the better the results will be. Always explore, and you will surely find something you like.
A surrealist painting that depicts a dreamlike scene with floating islands, bizarre creatures, and distorted perspectives, inspired by Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst, with intricate details and vibrant colors.
4. The Zen Garden
Sometimes you can go simple. Midjourney knows simplicity as well. This could work great as a poster, or even printed on a t-shirt.
A tranquil Zen garden with cherry blossom trees, a small bridge, and koi fish swimming in a pond.
5. Abstract Expressions
Yes, it knows abstract paintings as well, and you might actually trick someone into thinking this is a Jackson Pollock artwork.
An abstract expressionist painting using bold brush strokes, dripping paint, and vibrant colors, reflecting the inner emotions and turmoil, inspired by the works of Jackson Pollock.
6. The Mysterious Woman
This doesn’t look like Baroque that much, which means Midjourney won’t always work as you wish. This result works great as a prompt for character making.
A portrait of a mysterious woman sitting in an ornate, gothic throne room, with subtle elements of fantasy and magical realism, painted with the dark and dramatic style of the Baroque period.
7. Clash of the Titans
Incorporate action and drama through the Romanticism movement. Describing the scene in detail will help Midjourney bring it to life.
A dynamic action scene of a knight battling a dragon on a cliffside, with roaring waves below, inspired by the Romanticism movement, reminiscent of the works of Eugène Delacroix.
8. Sunset by the Shore
Experiment with light and color by using the Impressionist style. Impressionism is perfect for capturing fleeting moments in time, like a sunset.
A quaint Italian seaside village with colorful buildings, boats, and the reflection of the setting sun on the water, in the impressionist style of Claude Monet, with visible brush strokes and dappled light.
9. Geometric Abstraction
Play with shapes and forms through Cubism. A still life with fragmented forms can bring a fresh perspective to ordinary objects.
A cubist painting of a still life with geometric shapes, fragmented forms, and multiple perspectives, inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, using a muted color palette.
10. City of the Future
Let your imagination run wild by creating futuristic landscapes. Incorporate elements of science fiction and concept art to envision a world yet to come.
A futuristic cityscape with towering skyscrapers, flying vehicles, and a diverse population of humans and robots, painted in a concept art style inspired by Syd Mead, with a focus on detail and realism.
Best Midjourney prompts for photography
1. The Pulse of the City
Black and white photography has a unique charm and is especially effective in portraying the raw energy of city life. And guess what, Midjourney is great for arhitectural images, and it can replicate and innovate in amazing ways.
A black and white street photography of a busy New York City intersection with the Empire State Building in the background, capturing the energy and chaos of city life.
2. Underwater Wonders
Aerial views provide a unique perspective. Play with lens sizes to get wide shots. The Great Barrier Reef is a treasure trove of colors and patterns, so capturing it from above is visually stunning.
A majestic aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, capturing the vibrant colors and patterns of the coral, with a focus on clarity and sharpness to show the delicate ecosystem, 12mm shot.
3. The Delicate Beauty
Macro photography allows you to immerse in the tiny details. Pay close attention to focus, as capturing the tiny droplets on a spider’s web can be challenging but rewarding. Play with keywords like “high resolution” to get those sharp, realistic results.
A close-up macro shot of morning dew on a spider’s web, with the focus on the intricate patterns and water droplets, giving it an ethereal quality, high resolution.
4. Wrinkles Tell a Story
Portraits are about capturing the soul. Natural lighting is key in highlighting the rich textures and stories hidden in the features of an elderly person. Midjourney for making portraits is absolutely stunning.
A powerful portrait of an elderly person, capturing the wrinkles, texture of the skin, and expressive eyes that tell a story of a lifetime, in high resolution and natural lighting.
5. Celestial Dance
In landscape photography, patience is crucial. To capture the Northern Lights, use long exposure and take multiple shots to get the perfect image. Make sure to play with the keyword “realistic” as it will give real like results in no time.
A realistic landscape shot of the Northern Lights dancing over a snowy mountain range in Iceland, with long exposure to capture the motion and vibrant colors.
6. Nostalgia on Wheels
Embrace the vintage vibe by experimenting with film photography effects. Route 66 and classic cars are the perfect combination for a nostalgic journey.
A vintage-style photograph of a classic car on Route 66, with a desert backdrop, taken with the effect of film photography and graininess for a nostalgic feel.
7. Grace Above the City
Action shots require a keen eye and perfect timing. The juxtaposition of an elegant ballet dancer and a gritty cityscape can create a powerful image. This works great for interior design as a wall poster.
An action shot of a professional ballet dancer mid-leap on a city rooftop at dusk, capturing the movement, grace, and urban environment in a dynamic composition.
8. Colors of the Market
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere. A crowded marketplace is a great subject for candid shots with a rich tapestry of colors and textures.
A candid shot of a crowded marketplace in Marrakesh, Morocco, capturing the colors, textures, and atmosphere of the place, with a shallow depth of field focusing on a street vendor.
9. Night Sky Wonders
Night photography is challenging but rewarding. In normal conditions, you would need a good camera and a good location. This is one of the best Midjourney prompts to generate night shots.
A panoramic view of a starry night sky in the Atacama Desert, Chile, capturing the Milky Way and other celestial bodies, with an emphasis on clarity and depth of field.
10. Purity in Nature
Focus on capturing the essence of freshness. The reflection in a single raindrop can be a world in itself, and a close-up shot can reveal the beauty in the simplest elements of nature. Macro photography is also something which Midjourney does relatively easily.
A close-up shot of a raindrop about to fall from a leaf, with a focus on reflection and the vibrant greenery around it, creating a fresh and pure atmosphere.
Best Midjourney prompts for digital art
1. The Neon City
Cyberpunk themes offer a rich playground for creativity. Focus on creating a moody atmosphere with high contrast neon lights, and attention to details in the towering skyscrapers. Digital Art is quite easy for Midjourney to generate, and you can make your own stickers, t-shirts and plenty of other cool things with these results.
A futuristic cyberpunk cityscape at night with towering neon-lit skyscrapers, flying cars, and a diverse crowd of humans and androids, in a highly detailed digital painting reminiscent of Blade Runner.
2. Enchanted Forest
When creating a fantasy environment, let your imagination run wild. Incorporate glowing elements and magical creatures to make the forest come alive.
A vibrant and whimsical fantasy forest with magical creatures, glowing plants, and a flowing river, in a digital painting style inspired by video games like Ori and the Blind Forest.
3. Steampunk Inventor
Character concept art requires attention to detail. With a steampunk theme, focus on mechanical elements and textures like metal and leather.
A character concept art of a steampunk inventor with mechanical limbs, wearing goggles and a leather trench coat, in a detailed digital painting with a focus on textures and materials.
4. Galactic Battles
Capturing the chaos and grandeur of a space battle requires an understanding of scale and action. Use vibrant colors for laser beams and explosions to create contrast.
A digital painting of a space battle scene, with intricate spaceships, laser beams, and explosions, inspired by the epic scale and visual style of Star Wars.
5. Underwater Serenity
In underwater scenes, lighting and water effects are crucial. Pay attention to how light filters through the water and how it affects the surroundings.
A serene underwater scene with a mermaid sitting on a rock, surrounded by colorful coral reefs and fish, in a digital art style with a focus on lighting and water effects.
6. Haunted Elegance
For a gothic horror scene, atmosphere is key. Use fog, shadows and a monochromatic color palette to create a haunting, yet elegant mood.
A haunting gothic horror scene of an abandoned mansion on a hill, with fog, full moon, and shadowy figures, in a digital painting style reminiscent of the Castlevania game series.
7. Heroes in Action
Capture the dynamism of superheroes using dramatic angles and bold colors. Experiment with perspective to make the action pop out of the scene.
A dynamic superhero action scene with characters flying, fighting, and using their powers, in a digital comic book style, with bold colors and dramatic angles.
8. Lost in Time
High-fantasy environments are often full of wonder. Combine architectural elements with a magical landscape to evoke a sense of mystery and ancient power.
A mystical landscape of floating islands, ancient ruins, and magical artifacts, in a high-fantasy digital art style inspired by the environments in the game Final Fantasy.
9. Wasteland Warrior
In post-apocalyptic themes, the harshness of the environment is a character itself. Use gritty textures and details like battle scars to convey a sense of survival and struggle.
A portrait of a post-apocalyptic warrior with battle scars, armor, and weapons, standing in a desolate wasteland, in a detailed digital painting with gritty textures, inspired by the Mad Max franchise.
10. Autumn in a Japanese Garden
Utilize an anime-inspired style for a softer and more romantic feel. Focus on capturing the beauty and tranquility of the garden, with vibrant colors for the autumn leaves.
A digital painting of a serene Japanese garden in autumn, with a tea house, koi pond, and maple trees with falling leaves, with an anime-inspired art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
