Miyuki Aizawa

Interview with Di-age7 (Sunny)

2026-07-16

Today, I'm joined by the creative mind behind Di-Age7 - an AI-assisted artist blending retro aesthetics, anime influences, and cinematic storytelling into a truly recognizable visual universe.

Inspired by the spirit of the '80s and '90s, music, fashion, and pop culture, he transforms nostalgia into something fresh and uniquely his own. In this episode, we'll talk about creativity, AI, artistic identity, and the journey of building a brand that stands out in today's digital world.

Below is a playlist created by Sunny that will surely get you in the right mood ^^

Let's dive in!

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Hey Sunny!

I'm glad you were able to join me! 😊

Oh, come on, no problem.

I'm glad you invited me 😜

You know, given the time difference between our countries, I was afraid this interview wouldn’t work out, and I really wanted it to happen! ^^

No worries!

We did it, and that's what matters most 😎

Exactly ^^

You know, I know you because we've worked together a few times and we're in regular contact, but could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Who is Sunny in his free time?

Fair enough 😎

Sunny is someone who has always been drawn to visuals, music, and atmosphere.

Outside of my retro characters and avatar, I’m a creator who enjoys observing details, collecting references, and turning moods into something visual.

I’m also someone who likes collaboration, nostalgia, and building worlds that feel personal rather than generic.

And I think that's what I like most about your work!

It's something different. The style and overall vibe of the images you create really stand out on my feed, and I can definitely tell, “Oh! Sunny posted something new,” just by glancing at the artwork 😊

I'm glad to hear that, Miyu 😉

It took me a while to develop this style, but hearing what you say, I can tell it was worth it 😊

You bet!

Having your own style amid a sea of other AI-generated graphics is a really big accomplishment!

Come on, stop with the compliments already, you’re making me blush like a brick 😅

You’d better start getting used to it, because your name is starting to become recognizable among people in our community ^^

Speaking of names:

Where did the name Di-Age7 come from, and what does the wordplay connected to the “distracted age” mean to you?

Di-Age7 started as a play on “Digital Age 7”, but it also carries the idea of living in a distracted age.

A time where attention is fragmented, trends move fast, and people scroll past things very quickly.

For me, the name is a reminder to slow down and create something with identity and intention.

It’s about turning distraction into direction. Focus on the good intentions rather than dwelling on the bad stuff.

Woah!

That's so inspiring! 🤩

And I totally agree! Actually, I don't have anything else to add here!

Onto the next question then 😋

Your avatar is both your digital representation and a central part of your brand.

When did you realize that it could become something more than just another character?

I realized it when the avatar stopped feeling like just a design and started feeling like a presence.

It became a way to express the tone of the whole world I was building; not just one image, but the brand itself.

Once that happened, it made sense to let the avatar become the face of Di-Age7.

Well, you definitely nailed it ^^

I'm sure that if I see that avatar somewhere online, I'll know it's Sunny ^^

But you usually allow your female characters to take the spotlight.

Why did you decide to build your creative universe primarily around these characters?

You know Miyu,

I’ve always been fascinated by female figures in illustration and pop art because they carry a strong visual presence.

They can be elegant, mysterious, confident, or playful, and that gives a lot of room for storytelling.

Building the universe around them felt natural because they fit the retro-futuristic mood I wanted to create.

Oh, I know exactly what you mean!

I’m familiar with this from the world of fashion, since women’s fashion is definitely more diverse and playful than men’s.

And just as you mentioned, women’s fashion also lets you be playful, confident, or elegant, so I know exactly what you mean in this case ^^

After all, fashion is also a kind of “art” 😋

I'm glad my comment resonates with you and that you understand my perspective😊

After knowing each other for this long, do you still have any doubts? 😂

We're on the same wavelength ^^

Hahahah!

You're right, you're right 😂

Exactly ^^

Now you'd better tell me:

If you had to describe the Di-Age7 universe in three words, which ones would you choose and why?

I’d choose nostalgic, cinematic, and electric.

Nostalgic because it draws from the past.

Cinematic because each piece feels like a scene.

Electric because of the color, energy, and attitude.

Those three words capture the spirit of the brand quite well.

Absolutely!

Actually, I’m just browsing your work on Instagram, and honestly, it’s hard for me to think of any other words that would better describe your work.

It just shows how much work you’ve put into your brand! I really respect that ^^

Thanks, Miyu!

It's really nice that someone notices that 😎

You're welcome!

I'm just being honest ^^

By the way, from what i’ve gathered, You began with traditional drawing and digital illustration.

What did the early years of your creative journey look like?

Lol, what a stalker 🤣

What?
I’m preparing for those interviews ^^

All right, all right, stalker 🤣

The early years were a mix of curiosity, experimentation, and inconsistency.

I was drawing, learning software, trying different styles, and figuring out what kind of visual language I actually wanted to speak.

It was a long process of trial and error, but those years built the foundation for everything I do now.

Oh yeah, getting to know different programs and finding your own style is something every creator has to go through 😊

But the rise of AI tools in 2023 became a turning point for you.

Do you remember the moment when you thought, “This could be my way back into creating”?

Yes, I remember that very clearly.

AI tools gave me a new way to reconnect with creativity without feeling blocked by time, technique, or perfectionism.

It felt like a door opening again, and that moment made me realize I could return to creating in a way that matched how I think visually.

That's so cool!

And people say AI kills creativity!

Here's an example proving that it's actually the complete opposite ^^

Okay, but does your previous experience with hand-drawing and digital illustration help you use generative AI more consciously today?

Oh definitely.

Because I already understand composition, anatomy, style, and visual balance, I can guide AI more intentionally instead of just accepting random outputs.

I know how to recognize what needs fixing, what needs refining, and what makes an image feel complete.

Describing exactly what you want to achieve or improve is a key skill when using AI.

And just like in your case, if you know the basics, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively identify the areas that need improvement, and the AI will understand that ^^

To sum up: Understanding the ins and outs of the subject helps you achieve high-quality results in AI-generated images 😊

That’s exactly what I said 😅

Oh, shut up!

I'm translating this onto my own language 🤣

Hahahhaha, okay, stalker, whatever you say 🤣

NEXT QUESTION! 🤣

You still have a collection of your hand-drawn illustrations.

Are you planning to combine those older works with the Di-Age7 universe in the future?

Or maybe show them to wider audience?

Yes, I’d like to do that.

Those older works are part of my creative history, so I don’t want to leave them behind.

I think they could become a very interesting bridge between my earlier hand-drawn style and the current Di-Age7 universe.

It’s some kind of expansion, and that said, ‘there’s always room for improvement.’

I'd love to see your work in a new light ^^

Let me know once you've incorporated some of your old drawings into your world, okay?

I'm really curious to see how it turns out ^^

You can count on it 😎

I hold on to that ^^

Alright!

Let's move on to the slightly more technical part of the interview 😊

What does the process of creating a typical Di-Age7 artwork look like, from the first idea to the final publication?

You know, it usually starts with a mood, a character, or a visual reference from music, film, games, or fashion.

Then I generate a base image, refine the composition, adjust details in Photoshop, and sometimes use Canva for layout or presentation.

After that, I review the piece to make sure it feels like Di-Age7 before publishing it.

I like finding out what other creators workflows are like 😊

But tell me, at which stage of the process do you feel your personal artistic signature becomes the most visible?

My signature becomes most visible during the refinement stage.

That’s when I make choices about color, contrast, facial expression, styling, and overall mood.

The AI may create the structure, but the final identity comes from the adjustments I make afterward.

And how much work you usually need to do after the initial image generation before the artwork fully matches your vision and retro art direction?

Quite a lot, honestly. The first generation is only the starting point.

After that, I often spend time correcting details like refining my prompts, enhancing style consistency, and making sure the piece feels aligned with my retro-art direction rather than just being a good image.

To quote Toy Story 2: “You can’t rush art!”

Yeah, I know what you mean!

Sometimes, just sitting there and looking at the generated image lets you spot a mistake that's worth fixing!

In the world of generative AI, creating an attractive image is relatively easy, but building a recognizable brand is much harder.

Tell us, what makes a Di-Age7 artwork immediately recognizable?

A Di-Age7 artwork is recognizable because of the visual combination: retro anime influence, Patrick Nagel-inspired elegance, strong female characters, synthwave colors, and a cool, polished mood.

The brand is not just about style; it’s about consistency.

People should be able to feel that it belongs to the same universe even before they read the name.

Working on consistency...

Don't even get me started. That's the biggest problem with current AI generators 😅

I feel, though, that this line is blurring a bit, and in two years at most, this problem will be a thing of the past ^^

Especially since there are more and more techniques for maintaining consistency in our work.

I even think we don't need to wait two years for that.

It'll happen sooner than we think 😎

All we can do is wait ^^

Since we’re talking about AI and its growth.

How do you respond to people who believe that using AI removes authorship or artistic value from the creator’s work?

I understand why people ask that question, but I don’t see AI as replacing authorship or diminishing artistic value.

To me, it’s about how you make use of your time and efficiency, since authorship comes from direction, taste, editing, and the ability to make choices that shape the final work.

The tool changes, but the creative vision is still very much human.

That said, I would frame the profile myself as “AI-assisted artist with strong art direction and post-production workflow”.

Wow! That's a really interesting term! I've never heard it before!

You explained it really well; I like it 🥰

And where do you think the line lies between drawing inspiration from a particular aesthetic and simply copying an existing artist?

Im happy you like it! 😁

As for the question:

The line is crossed when you reproduce the same composition, pose, or signature details too closely.

Inspiration should feel like translation, not duplication.

If the final work carries your own subject matter, styling, and intent, then it becomes a new piece rather than a 1:1 copy.

It reminded me of the Studio Ghibli scandal, where people were using their style en masse to create new profile pictures or edit photos to match that style.

No wonder the studio was outraged.

Unfortunately.

We’ll probably see a few more scandals like this involving the inappropriate use of AI.

The key is to use common sense and show respect for the material that inspires us.

Well said, again! ^^

Inspiration!

Patrick Nagel is one of your most important inspirations.

What fascinates you most about his portrayal of women and the elegance of the 1980s?

I first started by discovering that the artwork that truly caught my fascination was Patrick Nagel’s work on Duran Duran’s Rio album.

The more I learned about him, the more I understood why he’s often called the “artist who loved women.”

What fascinates me most is how much attitude he could express through such simplicity.

His women look stylish, self-possessed, and almost untouchable, which gives the images a lot of power.

He captured the elegance of the 1980s without overcomplicating the form.

Generaly speaking, You combine Nagel’s style with old-school manga and anime.

How did you find a balance between these two very distinctive visual languages?

I found the balance by focusing on what each style does best.

Nagel gives me clean silhouettes, fashion, and minimalism, while manga and anime bring emotion, eye design, and expressive energy.

The overlap shows up in the face, the posture, and the mood.

As for old-school anime facials influence comes from the work of artists like Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Tsukasa Hojo.

You also mention Hiroshi Nagai, Jack Vettriano, Harry Ekman, and Andy Warhol among your favorite artists.

What has each of them contributed to the way you see art?

Nagai taught me how to build atmosphere and place.

Vettriano showed me how to shape mood and tell a cinematic story.

Harry Ekman and Warhol demonstrated the power of a bold visual identity and how art can live in popular culture.

Each artist adds a distinct layer to my approach.

I take elements from them and fuse those pieces with my own voice.

It’s exactly what Michael Jackson meant: “study the greats, then become greater”.

You really have a passion for art!

It’s really great to read someone who knows what they’re talking about and has a clear understanding of what inspires them and to what extent!

I won’t lie; I don’t recognize many of those names, but when I look up their work, I can clearly see what elements you’ve incorporated and where ^^

Thank you!

I really love what I do, and I want that to resonate 😎

Oh, you certainly do!

Hardly anyone I know talks about art and styles as beautifully as you do!

And that alone, is really inspiring to me ^^

Let’s get back to inspirations again 😅

Your avatar draws inspiration from Miami Vice, City Hunter, and Mullet Mad Jack. Which specific elements from each of these works influenced his appearance or personality?

From Miami Vice, I took the cool, stylish, sun-drenched retro energy.

From City Hunter, I took the confident, sharp-edged anime masculinity and the sense of charisma.

From Mullet Mad Jack, I took the exaggerated attitude, unapologetic flair, and a more playful kind of retro toughness.

A collapse of coolness in the end; it’s all in one!

Oh dang, the only one I personally know from that list is “Miami Vice.”

You recommended “Mullet Mad Jack” to me a while back, and I actually haven't bought the game yet. I'm waiting for a good sale 😅

“City Hunter” is on my never-ending list of anime to catch up on 😭

There aren’t enough hours in a day to catch up on all of this 😁

You bet!

But knowing your taste in aesthetics, I'm pretty sure I'll like these titles 😊

And since we’re on the subject!

What makes the aesthetics of the 80s and 90s so appealing to you, even though modern culture is constantly searching for the next new trend?

Those decades had a strong identity.

The colors, fashion, music, and visual design all felt memorable and distinct.

Even today, that era still has emotional power because it feels bold, stylized, and full of character.

You see this aesthetic making a comeback in mainstream culture more and more often, and the reasons are definitely the ones you mentioned! ^^

All in all, you can count on the fingers of one hand the aesthetics that have stuck in people’s memories and evoke a wave of nostalgia in others!

And how do you make sure that nostalgia in your artwork is not simply recreating the past, but instead becomes something new?

I try to use nostalgia as a foundation, not a destination.

I’ll borrow the mood or visual language, but then I reframe it through new characters, new styling, and my own digital process.

That way the work feels familiar, but not locked in the past.

Man, you explained it, but I'm still wondering how to achieve those results 🤣

I guess the best way to understand it is to practice following your instructions ^^

Hahahaha 😂

We all know that the best way to learn is through practice, but without theory, it's hard to even get started 😎

Still, I think it’s worth learning from others while also finding your own style 😊

Amen to that!

Since we’re still on the topic of your inspirations, I’d like to ask you a few more things 😊

Go ahead!

That's why I'm here, to answer your questions 😜

Haha! Good point 😅

So!

Cyberpunk 2077, the Yakuza series, Final Fantasy VII, GTA Vice City, and Mullet Mad Jack are among your favorite games. Which one has influenced the Di-Age7 universe the most?

Probably GTA Vice City and the Yakuza series, for different reasons.

Vice City gave me the neon, palm-tree, retro-glam atmosphere, while the Yakuza series influenced the mood, the drama, and the idea of creating a memorable visual world.

Together they helped shape how I think about world-building.

Vice City doesn’t surprise me at all, because that title really does come up in a lot of threads about aesthetics. That installment of GTA really gave a nice boost to the aesthetic that we both like so much ^^

What about music?

How important is music during your creative process?

Music is extremely important.

It sets the emotional rhythm for an image before I even begin working.

A lot of my visual ideas come from the feeling a song gives me, rather than from a purely visual reference.

I’m glad Instagram has started including this feature, since it’s a fun way to express your own theme and interpretation all at once.

I agree 100%!

The feature that lets you add music to posts is a great idea! It adds extra depth to our posts!

And do you ever hear a particular song first and then build a character, color palette, or entire scene around it?

Yes, all the time.

Sometimes a song gives me the exact mood I need for a pose, palette, or background.

It becomes a starting point for the entire visual direction.

And if you could create an official series of illustrations for one video game, movie, or pop-culture franchise, which one would you choose?

I’d probably choose City Hunter or GTA Vice City.

Both already have strong visual identities, and I think Di-Age7 could bring a fresh retro-anime interpretation to them.

They fit naturally into the world I enjoy building.

Wow!

I'd love to see that someday 🤩

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that dream! ^^

I’ll let you know if the folks behind “City Hunter” or “GTA: Vice City” get in touch 😎

I sure hope so! 😂

Oh! Now I actually have an interesting question!

A lot of people assumed you lived in the United States or Europe (including me 😋), when in fact you’re from Singapore.

Does where you live influence your work in ways that your audience might not notice right away?

Yes, definitely.

Singapore influences me through its urban order, tropical light, and mix of modernity and multicultural atmosphere.

Even when my work feels foreign or nostalgic, there’s still a quiet Singaporean sensibility behind how I observe and structure things.

And what about other countries?

Because I know that during your trip to Japan (which I’m totally jealous of 🤣), you took photos of various places, outfits, and everyday moments yourself, and later reinterpreted them in your own visual style.

Which place inspired you the most?

Hahaha! Relax.

I know you'll go there someday, and when you do, I'll be jealous of you, because it's a beautiful country 😎

I was most inspired by the everyday city atmosphere.

Not just the major landmarks, but the smaller streets, signs, interiors, and light.

Those ordinary moments often become the strongest visual references because they feel real.

They gave me a lot of material to reinterpret in my own style.

Oh yeah, Japan has something inspiring around every corner!

I'm dreaming of going there and soaking up these places just like you had the chance to 🥰

All right! Let’s move on to the last few questions, because just talking about Japan is already making me open tabs for travel agencies 🤣🤣

Hahaha, there's no need to rush.

I could talk for hours about my trip to Japan 😜

Oh noooo!

Time is running out, and I have to be in certain places and do certain things 🤣

🤣🤣🤣

Question!

Watch collecting is an important part of your life, and the Solar Chrono Vice 2.0 Bubblegum has almost become part of your identity.

What makes this particular watch so special to you?

It feels like a piece that matches the whole Di-Age7 personality: playful, retro, and a little flashy without losing style.

It also represents how I like objects that carry identity, not just function.

The watch feels like a small extension of the brand itself.

I'm looking at it on the website right now, and wow, it's so beautiful!

I wouldn't say no to a watch like that myself 😍

And it definitely fits your vibe! I can see why you like it so much 😊

And since you mentioned “extension of the brand”:

How would you like Di-Age7 to develop over the next few years?

Do you dream about creating prints, an art book, collaborations with brands, fashion or watch projects, video games, or perhaps something completely different?

I’d love to see Di-Age7 grow into a broader creative universe.

Prints and an art book would be amazing, but I’m also very open to collaborations with brands, fashion, watches, or even game-related projects.

The bigger goal is to keep building something recognizable, collectible, and emotionally connected.

Something people genuinely want to keep and love.

What a wonderful goal!

And as I mentioned earlier, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I'll be cheering from the crowd ^^

As we wrap up our interview, do you have a message for our readers?

To everyone listening, thank you for taking an interest in the world of Di-Age7.

Everything I create comes from a love of style, memory, music, and visual storytelling.

If people feel something when they see the work, then that means the universe is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.

It’s just a hobby I really vibe with, and I’m glad I get to share this side of things with the internet.

Cheers!

Thank you so much for this wonderful interview and for sharing your world with the readers of these interviews!

If you aren’t following Sunny yet, don’t be a dork, click the links in the sidebar on the right and join the world of Di-Age7!

Who knows, maybe he’ll be the inspiration that helps you find your own vibe ^^

See you next time!

Interview with Di-age7 (Sunny)

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