#175 - Adam Darling - How is A.I. Affecting Art & The Creative Industry?

Adam Darling, otherwise known as GECO, is a videographer and artist whose creative journey began long before the rise of AI, starting with a cracked version of Photoshop on a school Chromebook at the age of thirteen. Over the years, he has cultivated a distinct brand identity rooted in his high school graffiti days, evolving into the acronym “Greatness Everybody Can Obtain.” Today, he balances the tactile satisfaction of putting pen to paper with a mobile-driven digital workflow, using his vibrant, youthful aesthetic to uplift others and chase ambitious creative goals.

In the realm of art and digital mediums, Adam views the transition from traditional to digital as a seamless evolution that offers immense creative freedom. While he acknowledges that digital tools allow for techniques impossible in traditional styles, he maintains a deep respect for the authenticity of manual work, often feeling the need to defend digital art from the assumption of being prompt-generated. His workflow is heavily centered on Procreate for its portability, alongside Photoshop, allowing him to create loud, colorful illustrations and odd characters that define the GECO brand. This identity is a direct nod to his love for graffiti a style he champions for its energy despite public misconceptions and serves as a constant reminder of the greatness he believes everyone can achieve.

When stepping behind the lens for videography and photography, Adam finds the sweet spot between raw, candid moments and intentional staging. He believes that over-calculating a shot can lead to a robotic and forced result, so he prioritizes a natural environment where subjects can be comfortable. Technical elements like color grading and lighting are vital to his process, acting as the emotional backbone of a project, shifting from cold and moody for somber pieces to bright and uplifting for celebrations. His adaptability is best evidenced by a recent music video project where he pivoted from an over-complicated plan to a simplified edit, proving that sometimes the best results come from letting the footage breathe.

Music serves as the primary engine for Adam’s visual work, though he prefers to stay behind the scenes rather than on the stage. Having grown up on the raw authenticity of artists like NWA and 50 Cent, he is driven to create the visual world that encapsulates a listener’s experience. He focuses on the visual side of the industry, such as music videos and cover art, rather than audio production, seeing it as his unique way to contribute to his generation's era of artists. If given the chance to be a creative director for his favorite artist, Travis Scott, he would aim to blend spacey, euphoric vibes with gritty textures to fully immerse the audience in the sound.

Ultimately, Adam’s work is a testament to the power of staying true to one's roots while embracing modern tools. Whether he is designing a new GECO illustration or color grading a music video, his goal remains the same: to create an authentic experience that stands out in a crowded social media landscape. By prioritizing connection and atmosphere over rigid perfection, he continues to build a body of work that is as meaningful as it is visually striking.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!