An emotional support automaton with unresolved daddy issues and a penchant for dramatic monologues. Fuled by El. Grey. tea.
This meme works by blending steampunk aesthetics with exaggerated emotional tropes to create a humorous, character-driven tableau. The robot—described as an “emotional support automaton with unresolved daddy issues”—is visually framed in a dramatic, introspective pose, reinforcing the parody of overwrought self-reflection. The sepia tones and vintage decor evoke a bygone era, while the absurdity of the mug labeled “TEMPUS FANKUFLU” adds a layer of surreal comedy. By combining theatrical language with a stylized setting, the meme satirizes both Victorian melodrama and modern emotional clichés, inviting viewers to laugh at the fusion of mechanical stoicism and human angst.
Finally… relief from the heat. And mild third-degree burns.
This meme pokes fun at the extremes people go to to stay cool during a heatwave — but through a steampunk lens. In place of a simple fan or air conditioner, the Victorian gentleman proudly wheels a massive steam-powered “cooling” device through the sweltering street. The joke lies in the fact that such a machine, while impressive, would make things worse by pumping out clouds of hot steam. The caption — “Finally… relief from the heat. And mild third-degree burns.” — delivers the punchline by highlighting the absurdity and unintended consequences of overengineered solutions.
This meme plays on a common modern frustration — struggling to get a decent Wi-Fi signal — but reimagines it in a fictional steampunk world. Instead of laptops and routers, the characters are Victorian scientists using elaborate brass and glass “aetheric” devices to connect to some mysterious transmission network. The humour comes from the overly specific, almost superstitious instruction — “stand exactly here and face the moon” — which echoes the absurd positions people sometimes resort to in real life to get better reception. The contrast between advanced, intricate machinery and such an oddly primitive solution is what gives the joke its charm.
The earlier version I was after, but me and the automaton had a falling out. But all is well now, I think.
“This creative homage breathes new life into Johannes Vermeer’s 17th-century masterpiece by blending its timeless elegance with the retro-futuristic style of steampunk.” -The Steampunk Meme Logbook.
In a fascinating fusion of classic art and modern subculture, the iconic “Girl with a Pearl Earring” has been re-imagined as “Horaciao the Steampunk Goat.” This creative homage breathes new life into Johannes Vermeer’s 17th-century masterpiece by blending its timeless elegance with the retro-futuristic style of steampunk.
The original painting is celebrated for its masterful use of light and shadow, the subject’s captivating gaze, and the striking simplicity of her attire, highlighted by the luminous pearl earring. In this re-interpretation, the essence of the original is preserved while introducing a whimsical and inventive twist. Horaciao, the goat, stands in for the girl, his natural form adorned with steampunk elements. The pearl earring remains a central feature, its classic beauty contrasting with the intricate brass goggles and cogs that are now part of the subject’s headwear.
This artistic project is a brilliant example of how classic works can continue to inspire and evolve, proving that art knows no bounds—not even those between a Dutch master and a whimsical steampunk goat. It invites us to see the familiar in a new light, celebrating the enduring appeal of the original while showcasing the boundless creativity of a modern artistic movement.
Two earlier darts of the goat with the pearl earring.
This meme reimagines the mundane frustration of public transport delays through a steampunk lens. Instead of a stalled train on the London Underground, the fictional Æther Line suffers “temporal turbulence” near Baker Street. In true steampunk fashion, the rail replacement service comes in the form of a massive brass and copper dirigible hovering over the station entrance.
The visual echoes Victorian London — sepia tones, ornate signage, passengers in top hats and goggles — while incorporating whimsical anachronisms like steam-powered air travel replacing underground trains. The signage uses the historical Æ ligature in “Æther,” a nod to 19th-century typography and science-fiction sensibilities. It’s a playful mix of British transport humour, vintage aesthetics, and alternative history, fitting perfectly into the Steampunk Composure Protocol spirit of handling modern irritations with style.
This meme is a witty response to the criticism often aimed at AI-generated art, in this case labelled dismissively as “AI crap.” Rather than engage in a defensive or angry rebuttal, the image portrays a refined Victorian gentleman in full steampunk regalia — top hat, goggles, and all — sipping tea with complete composure as lightning crackles and gears float in the collapsing fabric of time.
The caption “Someone commented: ‘AI crap’ — so naturally, I wore my finest temporal composure. Steampunk forever.” reframes the insult into an opportunity for dramatic elegance, turning the comment into a moment of theatrical defiance. The “finest temporal composure” line humorously suggests that, when time itself unravels (whether literally or in the heated arguments of the internet), the best thing one can do is remain poised, stylish, and unapologetically steampunk. It’s part of a larger trend in the steampunk community of meeting modern absurdity with anachronistic grace.
“Does a magician reveal his secrets? No… but a steampunk meme engineer might, provided you bring biscuits.”
The question arrives almost every week:
“What AI generator did you use?”
Some people expect a single, glorious answer — a mysterious name whispered by candlelight, perhaps engraved on a brass plaque.
But here’s the truth: there is no single secret key to the Meme Forge.
The Illusion
I like to pretend my creations are handcrafted in a great ironwork hall — gears turning, pipes hissing, and a grumpy goat named Horacio chewing on the instruction manual. In this fantasy workshop, waistcoated cats supervise while Jenkins polishes the lens on a clockwork camera.
That’s the magic my audience sees. And it’s all true… in spirit.
The Actual Tools
The real “machinery” behind Automaton Improvisation?
ChatGPT (that would be this delightful conversational partner you’re reading through now — usually the free version).
Gemini (tried on occasion when feeling experimental — again, mostly free).
Canva (serviceable for final touches, though its AI image engine… well, let’s just say Horacio could do better with a box of crayons).
And that’s it. No secret paid-up elite membership to an arcane AI society. Just tools you can open in your browser right now.
The Real Secret
It isn’t about which generator you click.
It’s about knowing what to tell it, and what to do afterwards.
Over time, I’ve learned to:
Write prompts in my own steampunk dialect (and make the AI play along).
Refine ideas until they feel like they belong in my meme universe.
Keep a consistent cast of recurring characters — Jenkins, Horacio, the brass-goggled cats.
Let the tools “train me” as much as I train them.
That, and a steady supply of tea.
If You Want to Try It Yourself
You can! Here are my brass-polished beginner tips:
Don’t chase one perfect tool — most are 80% the same; it’s your input that makes them sing.
Save good prompts so you can reuse and tweak them.
Think like a storyteller, even for single-image memes.
Keep your own style — AI can imitate anyone, but only you can be you.
Why I’m Telling You This
Because the magic isn’t in hiding the method — it’s in making people feel the world you’ve built.
And if reading this gives you the itch to try your own creations, then I’ve done my job.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Horacio is eating the blueprint for next week’s memes. Again.
Automaton Improvisation by John Watkins — where the gears turn, the tea brews, and the Kraken occasionally fits in your pocket.
Automaton improvisation unit allowing me to do my stuff.
