In the rapidly evolving world of digital innovation, storytelling becomes an act of hope and discovery for new generations. Today, AI-powered tools are accessible to anyone who wants to experiment with new and inclusive narrative languages. 

This is the backdrop for The Wonder Voyagers, a bold creative storytelling project conceived by Alperen Catak, a master's student at Süleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Turkey, with a solid background in radio, television and cinema.

The Wonder Voyagers (which you can discover in detail at this link: https://subscribepage.io/thewondervoyagers) is an interesting initiative designed to stimulate the imagination of young readers and promote cultural exploration. 

Using artificial intelligence tools, Alperen has created an immersive adventure that combines diversity, global perspectives and a strong appeal to empathy: a world where every boy and girl can feel like the protagonist of their own journey of discovery.

We asked the young author a few questions, and he told us how the synergy between traditional storytelling and AI technologies has made it possible to create a work capable of breaking down so many barriers.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background?

Sure! I’m Alperen, Alperen Çatak. A 24-year-old student by day and filmmaker by night. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Communication Studies at Süleyman Demirel University while building a personal brand focused on ethical self-development, storytelling and youth empowerment.

For the past few years, I’ve created content aimed at helping young people navigate mental health, identity, and the digital world, with a bit of cinematic sauce.

I’ve collaborated with well-known creators like Barış Özcan and led youth-focused media campaigns that combine creativity with social impact.

But put it simply, I read, write, watch, shoot, edit, and replay.

2. What inspired you to create The Wonder Voyagers?

The Wonder Voyagers were born out of two things: a romantic relationship that starts to go south, and creative escapism. “What would I have created for free if I were the young Alperen with today's world and technology?”

I wanted to create something gentle, emotionally honest, and visually rich. Something that would spark imagination while also planting seeds of emotional resilience.

A storybook that wasn’t just cute, but coded with values like courage, emotional intelligence and curiosity.

When I realized AI could help me bring this idea to life, I dove deep. With both feet.

3. How have you used AI tools in the creation of this project? Could you share some specific examples?

Sure, AI was like having a creative co-pilot, a creative sparring partner throughout the process.

• I used ChatGPT (hi there ) for Initial concept exploration and narrative structure development.

• Claude for the refined character development and adaptive writing. As a writer, Claude does wonders.

• CoPilot for technical support for layout, design principles, and drawing. Sometimes I have to re-create the images to match the consistency, yet Copilot was fast.

This multi-AI approach allowed me to leverage each system's unique strengths while maintaining human direction over the project's creative and ethical dimensions.

With this approach, AI helped me turn The Wonder Voyagers from a messy notebook idea into a cohesive, illustrated digital story within a matter of days. It wasn’t perfect in any way, yet it was proof of something.

4. What have you learned about the possibilities and challenges of using AI in creative youth work?

The biggest possibility? Speed and scale. AI empowers creators without big budgets to turn their ideas into something tangible, quickly. That’s incredibly encouraging.

The biggest challenge? Intentionality. AI flooded my mind with options, but it didn't give my project a purpose.

I needed to set the compass first. And ethically speaking, we must teach youth to use AI not to cut corners, but to deepen their thinking and elevate their ideas. It’s a tool, not a shortcut.

And at the end of day, what matters is the artist, not the tool. Additional challenge: Consistency with the image generation. I had to re-create dozens of pages just to get the same visual consistency throughout the pages.

5. How do you think AI can empower young people in storytelling and creative expression?

AI can level the creative playing field. We don’t need a studio, a team, or expensive gear. All we need is just an idea and curiosity... And some know-how… Experience... Life is behind every decision.

It gives young people agency. They can write, illustrate, animate, and even build interactive experiences that reflect their voice.

That’s valuable, especially for marginalized or quiet kids who may not feel heard in traditional, old-school systems. If used well, AI becomes a mirror and amplifier, helping youth express things they didn’t yet have the language or tools for.

Yet still, they need to be educated, responsible within themselves. 

6. What advice would you give to young people or youth workers interested in exploring AI for creative projects?

• Start with a story, not a tool. Know what you want to say first, then let AI help shape it with you.

• Collaborate with AI, don’t delegate to it. Treat it like a sparring partner, not a ghostwriter or underpaid freelancer slave. 

• Document your process. Share what you’re learning. It helps others, and helps you see how much you’ve grown. If you want, build in public.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Not everything has to be your Mona Lisa. Play, learn, fail, and trust that clarity will follow.

Also, stay ethical. Be mindful of sources, consent, and representation. Integrity is what makes everything valuable from further on. Any art piece is valuable as its creator.

7. What are your next steps with The Wonder Voyagers and your own creative journey?

Honestly, nothing too serious for it right now. I just want to keep The Wonder Voyagers as a good experiment and memory of a healthy, creative escapism. I don't think everything we create should become a Marvel-level franchise.

Yet, who knows? I like the characters and care about children's mental health. Sooner or later, I'll visit them again.

Maybe I'll try a different medium? Who knows? Other than that, right now, I’m committed to building my brand at the intersection of openness, cinematic storytelling, and ethical innovation. I plan to release mini-documentaries, continue participating in ESC/Erasmus+ projects, and build creative partnerships across the World.

Basically, I just want to create and share with people. Do something good. 

If you want to read all the stories from The Wonder Voyagers or contact the author: https://subscribepage.io/thewondervoyagers