Last Updated:

My Introduction to AI

Karen Eastland article

Life has a funny way of pushing us toward new paths. In 2001, after a workplace accident, I found myself unable to return to my job. What followed was a journey of rediscovery, one where I made it my mission to prove that anything could be done online—creatively, professionally, and personally.

Initially, I started small, exploring tools like Crazy Talk Pro to create animations and lip-synced videos. These early experiments became the foundation of my Grandma Claus channel, where I read stories for my grandchildren. By blending static images and my voice, I created content that brought joy to my family and satisfaction to my creative soul.

As the years went on, my experiments with technology grew. In 2017, I produced Jerrymanders, a dark urban fantasy accompanied by beat poetry and multimedia elements. This project reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of tech. I built an interactive website, incorporated soundscapes, and even created a satirical in-universe newspaper—proving that storytelling could thrive in any medium.

Fast forward to today, AI has opened even more doors. Tools like Sol (my ChatGPT assistant) and Suno V4 allow me to create, refine, and produce content at a level I never thought possible. These tools aren’t just about automation; they’re about amplifying creativity. Whether editing a story or producing music, I’ve learned to make AI work for me, not the other way around.

That 2001 accident may have altered my trajectory, but it also gave me the freedom to explore the digital frontier—a journey I continue with unrelenting passion.