Where AI fits into Epochia's art

A few of you have asked whether the art is AI, or told me flatly that it is. It's a fair question and it deserves a real answer, so I've taken one illustration and broken it into the four phases it went through.

A note on timing first. This sample was made in the first half of 2026, while most of Epochia's art was produced through 2025. I mention it because AI models improve fast — month to month — so a process from a year ago doesn't look like a process from today. The date is part of the answer.

The illustrations are Whiteghoul Studio's work. What I provide is information: references, the historical details I want visible, the mood I'm after.

Being transparent about this is the whole reason for the post. I'd rather be clear and direct from the beginning than have you find out sideways later.

Questions and constructive feedback are genuinely welcome — they've made this project better. If anything above is still unclear, ask and I'll answer it.

Thanks a lot,
OJ