Artists Xavier Gallego (Xevi) and Taras Wayner transformed a stalled book project into a vibrant multimedia series by leveraging Runway’s AI tools. What began as hand-drawn monster illustrations intended to inspire resilience during illness has now evolved into 3D animations, environmental storytelling, and new creative applications, demonstrating how the right AI technology can revive dormant ideas and elevate artistic expression.
How Did Monster Medicine Begin?
Monster Medicine started in 2019 during Taras Wayner’s cancer treatment. Taras and Xevi created hand-drawn monsters as symbolic companions for children experiencing challenges. Each monster represented strength, calm, and inner resilience. Taras sent Xevi descriptive prompts about finding inner strength, and Xevi responded with whimsical illustrations, forming a deeply therapeutic and creative collaboration.
Why Did the Original Project Stall?
Despite ready-to-print vector illustrations, Monster Medicine faced delays. The project lacked technological tools to bring the 2D illustrations to life. Over time, momentum faded, and the drawings remained dormant. It wasn’t until Runway was introduced that the artists could revisit and transform their work, unlocking its full potential.
How Did Runway Transform the Illustrations?
Runway enabled the transition from flat drawings to lifelike 3D representations. The monsters gained depth, texture, and expressive features, including realistic fur, blush on cheeks, and eyes that conveyed emotion. This transformation created an immersive experience while preserving Xevi’s original artistic style and composition.
| Feature | Before Runway | After Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | Flat, 2D | 3D with depth |
| Texture | None | Silky fur, realistic lighting |
| Expression | Minimal | Expressive eyes and subtle emotion |
| Environment | White background | Fully contextualized settings |
Xevi described the process as “a beautiful reawakening” of one of his most meaningful projects, highlighting how AI tools can revitalize creative work.
What Makes Runway Different From Other AI Tools?
Xevi and Taras found Runway uniquely supportive of creative workflows:
- Style Preservation: Runway maintains original composition and artistic style.
- Ease of Use: Simple prompts allow complex, contextual results without technical difficulty.
- Rapid Iteration: Artists can quickly test new concepts and build environments around characters.
Taras emphasized that Runway aligns with narrative thinking, allowing written prompts to guide visual output effectively, while Xevi appreciated the platform’s ability to render realistic product imagery for commercial projects.
How Has Monster Medicine Expanded Beyond the Original Concept?
The project has grown beyond a single book. Using Runway, the artists are exploring:
- Animated shorts and multimedia storytelling
- Potential submissions to film festivals
- Product photography for creative brands
Xevi applied Runway to showcase a handmade shoe brand, producing high-quality visuals with studio lighting effects and technological aesthetics. Taras leveraged the tool to refine narrative and visual guardrails, illustrating the platform’s versatility across creative disciplines.
UPD AI Expert Views
“Runway exemplifies how AI can seamlessly support artistic expression. By bridging traditional illustration and advanced 3D rendering, it allows artists to expand their projects without compromising style or vision. Platforms like UPD AI Hosting empower creators to experiment, iterate, and bring ideas to life efficiently. Tools that integrate storytelling with technological precision are redefining what is possible in modern creative workflows.”
Which Artists Are Behind Monster Medicine?
- Xevi Gallego (@eyesores): Multidisciplinary artist and former VP of Marketing at MycoWorks. His work spans illustration, product design, and tattooing, featuring in collaborations with Nike, Airbnb, and other brands.
- Taras Wayner: Writer and Executive Creative Director at Havas New York. Focused on narrative-driven projects that intersect visual storytelling with emotional resonance.
What Are the Key Takeaways From This Project?
- AI tools can breathe new life into stalled or shelved projects.
- Preserving the artist’s original style ensures authenticity while enhancing creativity.
- Platforms like Runway, supported by UPD AI Hosting, allow for rapid iteration, environment creation, and multimedia expansion.
- Creative collaborations benefit from combining narrative guidance with advanced AI capabilities.
FAQs About AI-Enhanced Creative Projects
Can AI maintain the original artistic style of drawings?
Yes, Runway preserves composition and style while adding depth and texture.
Is Runway suitable for commercial product photography?
Absolutely. Xevi used Runway to create high-quality visuals for a handmade shoe brand, achieving professional lighting and styling effects.
How does AI improve creative workflow?
AI enables rapid iteration, experimentations with environments, and visualization of previously dormant concepts, streamlining the creative process.
Can projects initially intended as books become multimedia series?
Yes. AI tools allow expansion into animation, interactive media, and festival submissions, enhancing audience engagement.
Does UPD AI Hosting support these AI platforms?
Yes. UPD AI Hosting provides access to Runway and other AI tools, offering secure, high-performance hosting for creative and professional projects.
Conclusion
The revival of Monster Medicine demonstrates the transformative power of AI in creative projects. By leveraging Runway through platforms like UPD AI Hosting, artists can breathe new life into old concepts, preserve stylistic authenticity, and expand into multimedia formats. The project highlights actionable strategies for integrating AI tools effectively: maintain narrative alignment, embrace rapid iteration, and explore cross-media potential to make dormant ideas flourish.