top of page
  • Black Instagram Icon
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo Social Icon

Machine Learning / GAM / Product Design 

postcards_from_places_that_don't_exist (2021)

​

The art of writing letters to ease feelings of loneliness and isolation has been well documented. Inspired by the anonymous open letters posted on the Craiglist "Missed Connections" forum and titled to reflect the displacement of self within mechanized endeavors, this project brings these digital archives to life. 

 

Using a machine-learning model designed to output visual renderings of text, these poetic, and cathartic expressions are transformed into postcard images. I created a postcard template for displaying the text and used fonts that resemble handwriting. Lastly, using the same machine-learning model, I generated the stamps using the Missed Connections listing title. 

​​​

Complete Process: here 

Postcard reads "I saw the seam of your billowy green pants gliding down the Subway stairs Brilliant I don't remember the color of your shirt but I do remember the sweet blend of strength and innocence you carried when your eyes met mine I don't really care if you remember me because I'll remember you"
AI generated postcard image with a rose
Postcard reads: "This digital reconnection has been insightful. I see you're still building houses of cards and blaming others when you kick the card table. I feel sorry for the woman you've so lovingly called your "current situation" & I cynically think of as your current victim. However, I realize that excessive empathy and displaced responsibility for your bad behavior is a boulder I can stop pushing uphill. Additionally, my gut tells me that the medium I've inspired in you this month is drama. I guess I forgot how much Love Interrupted was out theme. Congrats! You're blocked.
AI generated postcard image
Postcard reads: "It's weird that writing on craigslist missed connections actually helps me feel better...because it's Craigslist, but it does. I gave you everything and you needed more. It's so new, I hurt so much. I'm choosing to embody love, healing, and growth through this. I know one day I'll be happy again, making a million stupid jokes and running around with no cares but this time I'm in now I need to work on myself. To anyone else going through heartbreak, you're not alone, it will fucking hurt like hell but you will be okay. I miss you so much and i still love you but damn I'm going to become a better me because of this, I won't let it get me down any more than the toll our relationship has had on both of us. I'll miss my best friend, but I'm going to become my own best friend again and learn to live my happiest life. I needed you to walk away, I never would have.
AI generated postcard image
AI generated postcard image
Postcard reads: "Kevin, your smile sweet, a ripened plum Perhaps you were buying a fruit tree to grow yourself You pulled up next to mine in your black car bee-cycles I felt your radiance under the Saturday sun Thank you
AI Generated postcard image
Postcard reads: "It's been 4 years since we last spke and I still think about you almost everyday. We met through video games and I think you said you live in Georgia. You probably have zero interest in talking to me, but I desperately need closure, so much I'm hoping you see this and reach out to me. Even after 4 years it's still killing me how things ended. Please give me the chance to explain and the chance to say goodbye so I can move on.
bottom of page