A conversation with the creators: Nika & SHIHO

To revolutionize the stock photo industry, you don't just need high-quality images.

No. That's just not enough.

To revolutionize the stock photo industry, you need images that are not just high-quality but also utterly distinct, visually magnetic, and, in the most simple terms, beautiful. These are the types of visuals that inspire your next big project.

Making an image like that is not easy. Not every artist can concoct visuals that meet this standard. That's why we are always completely blown away by the submissions from our community of creators.

These artists made it easy for us to see that a monthly spotlight on these talented people was absolutely necessary. The only problem is that with so many high-level contributors, choosing two each month can be surprisingly challenging.

But, in the end, we were able to select two standout creatives who are raising the bar in terms of what it means to make stunning AI visuals.

We'd like you to meet the two Lummi artists in this month's spotlight: Nika and SHIHO.

Nika

If you go to Nika's creator profile or her X account, you won't find a ton of background on her. She's mysterious, but in a way that gives her an aura. This intriguing aura that encapsulates her personality is transferred into her art.

Her Lummi images are whimsical and dreamy but in a way that feels real (think deja vu but in a stock image). Her visuals have that magical essence that makes designs engaging and memorable.

We wanted to get into the mind of Nika and get a glimpse at the creative process that goes into her work.

Q. Your visuals have an edge to them that have a way of penetrating the soul of viewers. How would you describe your aesthetics and where do you draw inspiration from?

I love the metaphor that my visuals "penetrate the soul of viewers." If that's the effect, I'm happy.

My work focuses on quiet minimalism, capturing beauty in fragments through soft forms, light, and abstract spaces. Whether in photos or illustrations, I create intimate, fleeting moments.

Inspiration comes from the web, fellow creators, literature, music, and both classic and modern art. I aim to invite viewers to slow down and notice the beauty in overlooked details.

Q. What would you say to critics of AI art? In other words, how has AI advanced the art world for good?

I see AI as a tool, like a camera or pencil. The "art" debate is part of the larger conversation about what defines art itself. Criticism often comes from fear of the unknown, especially those who haven't tried it.

Like any tool, mastery takes time, and my work now is far ahead of what I made months ago. AI might shift industries, but it also opens new opportunities. For me, it's a skill that helps me create and adapt in a constantly changing world.

Q. Can you give us a sneak peek at what you'll work on in 2025? What can your followers expect to see more of?

2025 is an open road. I will keep leaning into minimalism, always searching for beauty in fragments and those small, understated moments.

What it will look like is something I'll discover along the way. There will always be something new to uncover.

SHIHO

SHIHO hails from Japan, and the first thing you might notice when you land on her creator profile is that she's an AI artist with a superb sense of fashion. Maybe the first thing you might realize is the brilliant combination and use of color.

Whatever you notice first, you'll quickly realize that her work is sharp. Not just sharp in the sense of high-resolution but sharp in the way she nails the perfect details to make her images seem real and lifelike (this includes the more fantastical of her images as well).

With a versatile collection of photos and images, her work is quickly becoming a favorite for designers who need extra pop for their projects.

Here's what we learned from this mesmerizing creator.

Q. You have a knack for creating AI portraits that are uniquely magnetic and even magical. Where do you draw inspiration from when creating these portraits?

I don't do much, but I get inspiration from art, clothing brands, and flower arrangements that I find on Pinterest and Instagram. I also pay attention to the color schemes of billboards and buildings around town, as well as the casual color combinations of children's drawings. I place a lot of importance on color, so I unconsciously collect colors that I'm strongly attracted to.

Q. You also have an eye for fashion, which makes your lifestyle creations pop even more. We love trends at Lummi, so we'd love to hear what style trends you think will be big in 2025.

Maybe it's just me, but photos that combine vegetables and fruits seem to be popular.

It's not so hard to imagine a woman with tomato earrings, an accessory placed on top of a pepper, and a flower arrangement decorated with vegetables instead of flowers.

Q. In what ways do you see AI helping artists and creatives? In other words, how has AI helped advance artistic expression?

Even people with no skills can now become artists. People who can't draw can create digital paintings, and people who can't take photos can become photographers.

Of course, it is advantageous to have technical ability, but I feel that more than that, it has become more necessary to have an individual sense of what you see and what you think is good" and the ability to produce.

Q. Can you give us a hint on what you plan on creating next for Lummi? What can your followers expect to see from SHIHO?

I want to create pop and fashionable wedding dresses, table coordination, hair and makeup, flower arrangements, etc.

I want to deliver this to people who like the worldview of Portuguese streets, German art, and brands such as Marni and CECILIE BAHNSEN.

A future full of beautiful designs

Seeing what creators make for and with Lummi is kind of like having a tiny crystal ball into the future of design. And, from what we can see, the future of design is looking brilliant and bright. But a beautiful stock photo needs a visionary to help make it into something bigger. With that in mind, keep expanding your creative horizons and experimenting with what's possible.