As of today, August 20, 2026, I will not be using any AI to create content.
Some of my past content, I toyed with photo apps and wardrobe archive apps, but upon doing some research realized that this content is AI generated and the apps themselves aren’t created with artists or to the benefit of artists. So, I deleted these apps. I want to help people create and express themselves. I do NOT want to use apps like those to assist me, as they are not helping anyone.
AI can be a great tool. I ironically used AI to research the above-mentioned apps! But, I will not be using anything that puts artists out of a job.
Example, I created the notice below using Canva. Canva has AI options, but I opted out of them. The fonts, graphics and other elements were created by graphic artists, and I pay Canva a license annually to use them. That keeps artists employed and my website looking good.
I will be retroactively removing old content that used AI. Please know I had no idea that it was putting people on the unemployment line when I used it. I believed these apps to be employing artists, like Canva and WordPress do.
I don’t make any real income creating content. I do it for fun and to inspire confidence and spread positivity. That being said, income or not, I want my content to be beautifully human.
So, I’ve been playing this this idea for a while. Also, I wanted to do something special for the 10th anniversary. While I did see that I could have actual physical cards made, I also realized they are expensive, and ain’t nobody got money for that right now! So Hey, less waste, and I created all these from CanvaPro and did NOT use AI.
I tried a couple of cards with some stylized AI at the beginning to make them look like they were paintings or a comic book page, but two things: they didn’t add anything to the look, and I was using AI, and I felt icky about it. I removed those posts from Instagram and TikTok, but they might still be “out there”. Internet is forever. But, if you see them, know that I was just toying with an idea, and I won’t be doing that anymore.
So, to the cards! I love posting OOTDs. They are my main style of content, and, I think, the most helpful to people. I have these Goddess Oracle cards I use daily. They are Tarot-adjacent, but a great way to get a quick look at/inspiration for the day ahead. I thought, “This could be a great way to give someone outfit inspiration!” I made three “suits” of cards that align with the name NerdySparkleGoth.com, as each represents a little bit of me and what I’m about.
I’ve posted a few short-form TikToks and Reels with a selection of cards and the OOTD pops up at the end. You can also tap “pause” and pick your OOTD that way. The videos have not been doing great, but I think they might catch on. I just need to figure out the best music to add, hashtags, etc. These algorithms make me crazy!
I’ve put up a few cards in this article to peruse. The pieces are listed in a generic fashion (ex. tall boot or comic print skirt). I will continue to post specific OOTD’s with shopping links in separate posts. Also, reminder, I do make a small commission on Amazon as an Affiliate (I made $11.50 last year total, so lunch is on me!).
Please let me know here or on socials how you like the cards. If you get inspo, or don’t. I’d love to know. I want to always be an inspiration to people of all sizes, ages and gender-identification with special attention paid to how much these things cost.
In addition to the cards, I wanted to write about some fashion topics people are talking about, one being budget-friendly fashion. I have done a lot of research on what companies I buy from. One in particular has really cleaned up its act in the last couple years. Using recycled fibers to create new garments from old fabric. They do smaller runs to prevent dead stock issues. They screen print designs on denim instead of using water and chemicals to “distress” the jeans. This information came from independent sources, not propaganda, btw. I have also come to learn that almost all of our clothes/accessories are made in the same place and in the same way. While not perfect, they pay their tailors and seamstresses more per piece than other factories in the area. When you convert it to US dollars, it is above our minimum wage. They listened to us and made big changes. I am going to keep encouraging those steps in the right direction. One note, I do wish “they” would get better social media creators to do their videos. So cringe, but I think I’m just salty because they pay me no mind because I am too old I guess. Oh well, this is my hobby and not my job anyways. Womp, womp.
Further, I recommend only pieces I myself own and keep. I keep things for years too. I do not do “hauls” where I toss a pile of junky clothes into a trash heap. I do twice yearly donations of clean, and in good condition clothes (they either no longer fit me as my weight fluctuates, or I have moved on from a particular style) to a local shelter that is LGBTQ-friendly, and their thrift stores do not over-price what they sell (you know who I’m talking about). I do NOT donate to two certain charities, one that does not support LGBTQ persons and the other over-prices out the whazoo! Not cool.
So, that’s it for me over here. It is FINALLY spooky season, so Huzzah!!!
Hope all is well with you all. I’m good, kid is good, pets are good, job is good, house is good and car is also good! So, good! I appreciate all the love and support from you guys!
