Texas State University student Brandy Compton's "Japan Drone" project is a concept modernizing a traditional geisha with cutting-edge tech. Pushing through her conceptual exploration using Firefly and refining it in Photoshop, she crafts a playful visual that captures the collision of future creativity through technology.

From Tradition to Innovation: The Journey Behind "Japan Drone"  

By Brandy Compton, Student, Texas State University 

Design has always been a playground where tradition and innovation collide, and the "Japan Drone" project is a perfect example of that playful intersection. It is humbling yet extremely exciting to share the story behind this piece. 

As I near completion of my BFA in communication design at Texas State University, I find myself constantly drawn to the delicate balance between the old and the new. The "Japan Drone" project is a manifestation of that fascination. The image features a classic geisha with a drone perched on her nose and her eyes crossed in surprise. It is a humorous yet thought-provoking piece that combines two vastly different worlds—one steeped in cultural heritage, the other representing the forefront of modern technology. 

The spark for this project comes from a desire to explore the unexpected ways technology can interact with tradition. It is intriguing that something as cutting-edge as a drone could exist in the same frame as a figure as iconic as a geisha. The idea is rooted in creating an image that makes people smile and prompts them to think about how these two elements—so different in their origins— can come together in complete harmony. Seeing that idea come to fruition presented a unique challenge. 

Bringing this idea to life was a painstaking blend of technology and artistry. I began by using Adobe Firefly AI to generate the initial concept image, but this didn’t happen quickly. I tried many different prompts to produce what I had imagined, but nothing was quite right. The results were beautiful, but they did not meet my expectations. I wanted a geisha with drones for hair pieces. It sounded straightforward enough, but everything generated was a strange amalgamation of the end product I sought. I watched tutorial videos and searched the web for the type of prompts that would generate the results I had conjured in my mind. Once a base image that illustrated my initial vision was generated, I had to figure out how to translate that to the page. By carefully blending the elements using Photoshop, a scene was created where the two coexist in a way that feels unexpected and harmonious. 

My goal was to strike a balance between the conservative beauty of the geisha and the sleek, modern presence of the drone without letting one overshadow the other. Another challenge was ensuring the drone didn’t feel out of place in the image. It was crucial that the interaction between the geisha and the drone felt natural, even in its absurdity. The result is a playful, visually striking piece that is hopefully a little surprising. 

The reception of this project has been incredibly rewarding. Viewers have connected with the playful nature of the image, and it has sparked conversations about how we can bridge the gap between tradition and technology. Being recognized by Graphis is a tremendous honor, and seeing my work shared with a global audience is more than I could have ever dreamed of. 

For me, this project has also been a catalyst to a more creative reality and an expression of exactly why I love design—it’s a space where curiosity, humor, and unconventionality can come together to create something unique. The recognition from Graphis is a milestone in my journey, and it inspires me to keep exploring how I can use design to tell stories that resonate on multiple levels. I’m excited to see where this path leads next. 

To other creatives, I’d say: Don’t shy away from mixing the old with the new. Some of the most engaging work comes from unexpected combinations, so trust your instincts and let your creativity lead you into uncharted territory. And remember, technology like AI is just another tool in your toolkit—how you use it to express your vision is what matters.

Looking ahead, I’m delighted to continue pushing the boundaries of design, finding new ways to show my deep respect for both the past and the future. The "Japan Drone" project is just one example of how these worlds can collide in delightful and unexpected ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with the creative community, and I’m eager to see how it inspires others to think differently about the possibilities of design.

As a former actress turned designer, Brandy Compton brings a narrative-driven approach to branding and creative problem-solving, blending ingenuity with care. Her passion for design stems from a diverse creative background that spans acting, printmaking, photography, and more. With experience in the hospitality industry and a deep love for storytelling, she approaches every project with curiosity and the drive to create meaningful impact. Outside work, you’ll find Brandy cheering on her favorite football team or grilling the perfect steak on her pellet grill with her wife and four dogs. Let’s connect—she’d love to hear what inspires you!

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