Hey there, fellow digital artists! Are you tired of spending hours or even days trying to come up with the perfect image for your project? Fear not, because Artificial Intelligence (AI) has got your back! Working in the industry, you surely have had the term AI coming up quite a few times. Ever wondered about what this is and how to use it? Those times are over because we’ve got it all ready and handy for you in this article.
Firstly, let’s talk about what AI is. In a nutshell, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It’s a rapidly growing field that’s changing the way we live, work, and create. But how does it work, the whole AI thing? Essentially, AI tools use algorithms and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions or decisions based on that data. The more data an AI tool has access to, the more accurate its predictions become.
When it comes to AI tools for image generation, things get even more exciting! These tools use a technique called “generative adversarial networks” (GANs), which involves two neural networks working together to generate images. One network generates an image, while the other network tries to determine if the image is real or fake. This process continues until the generated image is indistinguishable from a real one.
The best part about AI tools for image generation is that they can produce an endless variety of images, ranging from realistic photographs to fantastical illustrations. They can even generate images based on specific input, such as a particular style or color scheme. This means that digital artists can save a lot of time and energy by using AI tools to generate images for their projects.
To wrap it up: AI tools for image generation are a true game-changer for digital artists and are a worthy expansion of your digital toolbox. They allow us to unleash our creativity without spending hours on end trying to perfect an image. So why not give them a try and see what kind of images you can create? The possibilities are endless!
In the following article, you will find the summarized information coming from hours of research to provide you with the best tools possible.
1. RunwayML 🔗
We start huge straight away! RunwayML is an AI-powered platform that enables users to create, train, and deploy machine learning models for a wide range of creative applications like video, music, and text. One of its most popular features is its image generation capabilities, which use GANs to generate images based on user input.
Advantages
RunwayML has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for digital artists to create and customize their own AI models. The very intuitive platform also supports a wide range of input and output formats, making it a versatile tool for generating images in different styles and formats for different kinds of purposes from Instagram to print quality.
Disadvantages
One potential drawback of RunwayML is that it requires users to have some programming knowledge to use it effectively, but this is not a must. You’ll get great results without any of it too. The platform is also relatively expensive compared to some other AI picture-generation tools.
On top of that, you always need a connection to the internet. Especially for our fellow digital nomad artists this might be a big red flag when it comes to this truly awesome AI tool.
2. Artbreeder 🔗
Artbreeder is an AI-powered platform that allows users to generate images by combining different styles, features, and attributes. Users can upload their images or choose from a library of pre-existing images to use as a starting point. With heaps of customizability, especially when it comes to portraits, Artbreeder is perfect for character design.
Advantages
Artbreeder is a free tool that requires no programming knowledge or technical skills to use. It offers a wide range of customization options, allowing users to generate images in a variety of styles and genres. Playing around with the AI offers you a great way to more advanced tools.
Disadvantages
One possible disadvantage of Artbreeder is that the images it generates are not always high-quality or realistic. Additionally, the platform has limited functionality when it comes to fine-tuning the details of generated images.
As an open-source platform, you can’t expect absolute mind-blowing results but surely a solid baseline for your work - it’s for free after all.
3. Deep Dream Generator 🔗
Looking for a tool that makes your dreams (visually) come true? Deep Dream Generator is a platform that uses a neural AI network to generate dream-like images based on user input. Users can upload their images or choose from a selection of pre-existing images to use as a starting point.
In a creative way, image generation and the concept of a social media network get combined so you can share your results with your Deep Dream Generator community, like, view and follow other artists.
Advantages
Like Artbreeder, Deep Dream Generator is a free tool that neither requires programming knowledge nor technical skills to be used and is so suitable for any level of digital artist. It offers a unique and creative way to generate images that are unlike anything else out there.
Disadvantages
One potential disadvantage of Deep Dream Generator is that the images it generates are not always realistic or usable for practical applications. You will find surreal results in for example skin tone and perspectives.
Additionally, the platform has limited functionality when it comes to fine-tuning the details of generated images. If your aim is, the create photo realistic results, Deep Dream Generator might not be for you. The name of the AI-based platform already says it: This tool is for dreamers making their dreams come true in visual expression.
4. NVIDIA GauGAN 🔗
NVIDIA GauGAN is one of the more powerful AI tools out there. The platform uses GANs, a generative model for deep learning, to generate photorealistic images based on user input. This input is unlike other platforms not an uploaded picture from a gallery, but a sketch where the users draw with color swatches to create their unique images.
Advantages
NVIDIA GauGAN offers a high level of customization, allowing users to generate images in a wide range of styles and genres based on their creative expression. The platform also offers a range of advanced features, such as the ability to adjust lighting and shadows. Because of the required input of the user, NVIDIA GauGAN is especially suitable for artists that still want to be creative themselves and have their manual part in the creation.
Disadvantages
NVIDIA GauGAN requires a powerful computer with a dedicated graphics card to run effectively. We’re talking about high-end computers made for graphic and game design - your MacBook Air won’t get you far here. Logically, the highly developed platform does not come for free and might be expensive for some users.
On top of that, NVIDIA GauGAN needs you to create minimal input at the very least. If you want an AI doing all the work for you, this might be the wrong choice.
5. DALL-E 🔗
Last but not least: DALL-E is an AI-powered tool developed by OpenAI that uses a neural network to generate images based on natural language description input. The quality of the result is directly proportional to the effort the user puts into describing the desired outcome, which means: detailed descriptions get detailed pictures and simple descriptions get simple pictures.
The platform is named after the surrealist artist Salvador Dali and the popular character Wall-E.
Advantages
DALL-E offers a high level of customization, allowing users to generate images that are both creative and realistic, for example in comic, photorealistic, sketch-like, painted, or futuristic style. Making it a versatile tool for generating images in different styles and formats, you are pretty much provided with a take-it-all and give-it-all input.
Disadvantages
One potential disadvantage of DALL-E is that it is still in the research and development phase, so it is not yet widely available to the public. But stay tuned! We’re expecting great results in no time! Additionally, the platform’s image generation process can be time-consuming and computationally expensive, requiring significant computational resources.
In conclusion, the world of AI picture generation is an exciting and rapidly evolving field that offers endless creative possibilities for digital artists. Whether you’re looking to create stunning photorealistic images or experiment with surreal and dreamlike visuals, there’s an AI tool out there that can help you bring your ideas to life.
By embracing these powerful technologies and exploring the cutting-edge tools available today, you can take your digital art to new heights and unlock your full creative potential. So don’t be afraid to dive in deeply, experiment widely, and see where the world of AI picture generation can take you!
