Visual creation and AI: image generators that defy the imagination
Reading time: 20 min
The world is changing, my friends!
And with the remarkable progress of theartificial intelligenceI have the feeling that he's changing fast… very fast!
Do you have the same feeling?
Without straying too far from the theme of martechs which is the main topic of this blog, we will be focusing on today the visual creation, because it is there that we can literally observe the spectacular progress of artificial intelligence and it is there that I foresee significant upheavals in our ways of working and creating…
Visual creation is a subject I don't often discuss here, but it's a field that has always fascinated me; I'll talk about it a little later. But here we'll mainly be talking about... image generators and their possibilities that defy the imagination !
Image generators: what are they?
image generators based on artificial intelligence These are computer programs that use machine learning algorithms to autonomously create images or visuals. These programs can accept images, text descriptions, sketches, or design parameters as input and produce high-quality output images that can be used for creative projects or professional needs.
AI-based image generators typically use techniques based on...deep learning (deep learning) and neural networks to learn from the data they receive and create images based on that knowledge.
A little history…
Let's take a step back in time, if you'll allow me, to the 90s….
At that time I was a mathematics student, and while some spent their free time playing video games, I was more passionate about computers and the creative possibilities they offered. I spent hours imagining and programming... fractals and sought to generate lines, curves, patterns in order to artificially construct magnificent colored images.
It was also at this time that I started using creative software like Photoshop 3.0 with creative plugins which already offered amazing creative possibilities for the time.
Permit them, the software suite Kai's Power Tools was a series of plugins conceived by the German computer scientist Kai Krause in 1992. They allowed, among other things, the creation and application of digital effects to your photos in Photoshop. This brilliant computer scientist then created KPT Bryce an image generator capable of creating artificial skies or landscapes… However, the power of personal computers at the time did not yet allow for the creation of photorealistic landscapes, but we were already getting a little closer…
Today, nearly 30 years separate us from this landscape entirely generated on a personal computer. And you'll discover that the images generated by artificial intelligence today are stunningly realistic.
And where do we stand today?
Well, you get the picture. In computing, 30 years is already an eternity. The capabilities of computers and calculators have made enormous progress.
- From 1996-97 onwards, Deep BlueIBM's supercomputer beat the world chess champion, Garry Kasparov.
- In 2011: Watson, an IBM computer system, wins a round of Jeopardy!, an American television game show that asks participants to answer general knowledge questions.
- 2012: Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) become popular for image recognition after a CNN model wins the ImageNet competition.
- 2016: AlphaGo, a program developed by Google DeepMind, beats world go champion Lee Sedol in a five-game match.
- 2018: OpenAI develops an AI called GPT-2 that can generate text of near-human quality.
- 2020: GPT-3, a more advanced version of GPT-2, is released by OpenAI and generates great interest for its impressive capabilities in text generation.
- 2021: DeepMind presents AlphaFold, a system of prediction of protein structure, which is revolutionizing computational biology.
Of course, the first to benefit from advances in AI and imaging are undoubtedly the military and the research community, for example, to improve the definition and resolution of satellite photos. But not only them; these advances also benefit businesses and the general public. Add to that progress in databases and image banks, some of which are public (and accessible to artificial intelligence), and you have the perfect recipe for powering image generators accessible to everyone.
Image generators: what are their applications in marketing?
AI-based image generators offer numerous potential applications in many fields, not just in marketing, but since this is one of the topics that interests you on this blog, let's develop a few examples here:
- Creation of advertisements Image generators can be used to create visual advertisements quickly and efficiently. Businesses can enter descriptions of their products or services and get corresponding images in minutes. This can be especially useful for companies that want to quickly test different types of advertisements without having to invest in expensive graphic design resources.
- Product image generation Image generators can also be used to create product images for e-commerce websites. The generated images can show different angles and features of the product, which can help consumers better understand the products they are considering buying.
- Creation of content for social networks Image generators can be used to create images for sharing on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This can help businesses maintain their social media presence by regularly posting visual content without having to invest in graphic design resources.
- Personalization of the user experience Image generators can be used to create personalized images for users based on their interests and preferences. For example, an online store can use an image generator to create personalized product recommendations for each user.
- Content generation for content marketing Image generators can also be used to create images for inclusion in blog posts and other types of content marketing materials. The generated images can help illustrate key points in the content and make it more appealing to readers.
Image generators: soon to be indispensable tools
There are several AI-powered image generators, each with its own advantages and features. Here are some of the best AI image generators:
artbreeder
Artbreeder is an AI-powered image generator that allows users to create unique images by combining different images and styles. It uses machine learning techniques to generate new images based on the characteristics of the source images. Users can upload their own images or choose from the images available in Artbreeder's library.
Once the base image is chosen, the user can use the sliders to adjust parameters such as color, texture, style, brightness, etc. This allows users to create images that combine different styles and characteristics from several base images.
Artbreeder also allows users to create animated images and export them in different formats. formatsUsers can also explore images generated by other users and save them for their own use. Artbreeder is used to create images for creative projects such as artwork, video games, films, and advertisements.
(source: Wikimedia Commons)
jasper art
Jasper Art is an AI-powered image generator created by the startup Jasper Labs. It uses neural networks to generate images from text descriptions provided by the user. The resulting images are often high-quality and can be used in a variety of contexts, such as advertising, social media content creation, video games, and more.
JasperArt uses an algorithm called Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), a machine learning technique that allows AI to learn how to generate images from examples provided by humans. The GAN uses two neural networks: one to generate images and the other to evaluate and compare them to real-world images. This approach allows the AI to continuously improve by learning from the mistakes it makes while generating images.
Users can specify details such as color, shape, style, subject, and even the desired emotion for their image. Jasper Art then generates a unique image that matches those specifications.
In summary, Jasper Art is a powerful and easy-to-use AI-based image generator that can help users create high-quality images for various applications.
Deep Dream Generator
Deep Dream Generator is a generator that uses the technique of Deep Dream, developed by Google, to create unique and psychedelic images from base images.
The image creation process begins with importing a base image that the user wishes to modify. Next, the user can select various styles and parameters to guide the image generation process, such as the level of detail, color saturation, and the number of iterations.
Deep Dream Generator uses an artificial neural network to analyze the base image and create a modified image by applying complex patterns and textures. The end result is often a strange and surreal image that can be used for creative projects such as artwork, wallpapers, website designs, or advertisements.
Deep Dream Generator also offers a community feature that allows users to upload their created images and share them with the community. Users can also comment on, like, and save other users' images for later use.
NeuralStyle.art
NeuralStyle.art uses an algorithm called " neural style transfer This feature transforms an original image into a new image that adopts the style of another reference image. To use it, you can upload an original image and choose a reference image that represents the style you want to apply.
Next, the neural styling algorithm is applied to the original image to create a new image that adopts the style of the reference image. You can adjust parameters such as style strength and color saturation to customize the appearance of the final image.
NeuralStyle.art also offers a variety of pre-defined reference styles, such as famous paintings, popular art styles, and creative visual effects. The site allows you to easily download and share your transformed images on social media or download them in high resolution for other uses.
(screenshot)
Give her
DALL·E is an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI which generates images from text descriptions. It is based on the GPT-3 architecture and uses advanced machine learning techniques to create realistic and original images from descriptive sentences.
DALL·E is capable of generating a wide variety of images, ranging from everyday objects and scenes to surprising artistic creations. It can understand the specific details mentioned in the description and represent them visually.
This model is powered by a vast database of images from the internet, allowing it to learn the visual characteristics and relationships between different objects. It can also generate variations of the same image by modifying certain aspects, such as colors, shapes, or styles.
DALL·E has garnered significant attention due to its ability to generate original and creative images from text descriptions. However, it is still under development and not yet widely available to the public. Its use also raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the creation of misleading or potentially harmful visual content.
In summary, DALL·E is a revolutionary AI model that opens new perspectives in image generation from descriptive texts, offering creative and artistic possibilities, but also raising concerns about the ethics and appropriate use of this technology.
RunwayML
RunwayML is an AI platform that allows the generation of images, animations, and 3D models. It offers a wide variety of pre-trained models for image generation.
RunwayML is an online platform for creating and using machine learning models. It allows users to upload data, train models, generate code, and use pre-trained models to create a variety of projects, such as image generation, natural language processing, music, video, and much more. RunwayML is used by artists, content creators, researchers, developers, and professionals to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and creativity. The platform is accessible online and offers a range of features, including real-time collaboration, integration with popular tools such as Photoshop and Unity, as well as tutorials and active communities to help users develop their machine learning skills.
midjourney
MidJourney is an artificial intelligence tool that generates images from text. Unlike other text-to-image AI, MidJourney focuses on artistic style rather than realism.
The software has been trained on a large number of images and uses a feedback loop based on user activity to improve image quality. MidJourney uses advanced AI models with billions of parameters, and the images are generated in a vendor's cloud using green energy. Many graphic designers use MidJourney in their concept development workflow, and some users employ the tool for therapeutic purposes (such as a " tool for emotional and intellectual reflection (according to founder David Holz). MidJourney was previously reserved for non-commercial use, but commercial use may now be permitted.
However, MidJourney should be used with caution and responsibility, respecting the rules established by the application's creators. It is also important to keep in mind that the AI-generated images are not necessarily accurate or representative of reality.
Ultimately, MidJourney represents a significant advancement in AI-powered image generation, offering a practical and accessible solution for those who need to quickly create visuals for their projects. However, it's important to understand its limitations and use the application responsibly to avoid any potential problems.
MidJourney users own the intellectual property rights to the art they create with the service, but MidJourney requires a copyright license to reproduce content created on its platform. However, the issue of intellectual property rights for AI-generated content is complex and constantly evolving, and there is still no clear legal consensus on the matter. The creators of MidJourney expect more specific laws to be adopted in the future to clarify the issue of intellectual property rights in the field of AI.
What are the ethical considerations for the creation of images by AI?
The ethics of AI-based image generators is a complex and constantly evolving topic.
However, here are some important points to consider:
- Intellectual property rights AI-based image generators raise questions regarding the intellectual property of the generated works. It can be difficult to determine who holds the copyright to an image created by AI, especially if it is based on pre-existing models or copyrighted data.
- Authenticity and deception AI-based image generators can produce highly realistic images that can be used to deceive or manipulate. This raises concerns about disinformation, fake identities, and the creation of misleading content.
- Bias and representation The algorithms used in image generators can be influenced by biases present in the training data, which can be reflected in the generated images. It is essential to ensure that image generators do not reinforce stereotypes or promote inequitable representation.
- Responsible use Users of AI-based image generators must act responsibly in their use of these tools. This includes respecting copyright, not distributing offensive or harmful content, and considering the ethical implications of using these technologies.
- Transparency and Accountability Developers and companies that create and deploy AI-based image generators must be transparent about the methods used and the limitations of their systems. They must also be held accountable for any ethical issues arising from the use of these technologies.
The use of AI-based image generators therefore requires careful consideration of ethical issues such as intellectual property, authenticity, representational bias, responsibility, and transparency.
Put simply, it is important to find a balance between technological innovation and respect for ethical and moral values.
What future for AI? What changes can be expected?
In 2022-2023, several notable advances can be observed in the area ofartificial intelligenceThis suggests that new uses should soon emerge for the general public and for professionals who are increasingly using it:
- Advances in the field of speech Recognition and natural language processing, with the improvement of voice assistants and chatbots.
- The rise ofethical AIwhich aims to develop AI algorithms and models that take into account ethical and social considerations.
- AI consolidation in the health sector, with the development of new AI applications for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases.
- Significant progress in the field of computer vision, with cutting-edge AI models capable of recognizing and analyzing images and videos with increased accuracy.
- The continued growth of AI as a field of research and innovation, with the emergence of new AI techniques, models, and tools that push the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
We can conclude that Artificial intelligence-based image generators are an emerging and constantly evolving technology. They can create stunningly realistic and diverse images from training data, which can have applications in many fields, including artistic content creation and product design.
However, AI-based image generators also raise ethical and legal questions, such as intellectual property, transparency, and content accountability. Furthermore, AI-generated images can potentially be used to deceive or manipulate people, necessitating appropriate regulation and oversight.
Ultimately, the impact of AI-based image generation technology will depend on how it is used and regulated. With proper precautions, it could be a source of creativity and progress, but without sufficient regulation, it could have negative consequences for society as a whole!
But in conclusion, I would simply say that these generators, and AI more broadly, are revolutionizing certain professions. Graphic designers, photographers, writers, and designers of all kinds shouldn't underestimate the impact Artificial Intelligence could have on their work. It's both a source of inspiration and a challenge that will push creators to excel.
In short, a new challenge for our imagination and intelligence (but not artificial this time!).
Cover image: futuristic landscape created with Midjourney.
