How To Start Creating Your Own AI Art

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, someone who loves to doodle, a crafter, or someone who is just curious, creating digital art with AI can open up a whole new universe of possibilities.

Imagine having a tool that takes your wildest ideas and turns them into stunning visual masterpieces—sounds amazing, right? Well, that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this post.

So, what’s the deal with AI and art? You might have heard a lot about artificial intelligence lately, but did you know it can also be your creative partner in crime?

Yep, AI isn’t just for tech geeks and sci-fi movies. It’s here to help you create beautiful, unique art pieces, whether it’s for your next craft project, your personal art collection, or just to impress your friends.

Think of AI as your friendly, non-judgmental art buddy. You give it a prompt—basically a little nudge in the right direction—and it gets to work, creating something that’s uniquely yours.

Even though getting started can be a little daunting, especially given the newness of it all, once you have a few basics down pat, you’ll be creating beautiful art in no time!

Important Note – This post has been designed to help you get started with just about any AI Art Generator, and is general on purpose. There are so many options available to you (see further down), and this post will help you to start creating something amazing.

What is AI?

Alright, let’s start with the basics.

You’ve probably heard the term “AI” thrown around a lot, but what exactly is it?

AI stands for artificial intelligence, which might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s really just a fancy way of saying “smart computer programs.” These programs can do all sorts of things, like recognize faces in photos, translate languages, and, of course, create art!

AI has been around in some form for decades, but it’s only in recent years that it’s become powerful and accessible enough to help everyday folks like us create amazing digital art.

Think of AI as a super helpful assistant that can take your ideas and run with them, adding its own touch of magic along the way.

Different Types of AI Used in Art

There are a few different types of AI that artists commonly use to create digital art. Let’s break down the main ones:

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

These are probably the most famous type of AI used in art. GANs work by having two neural networks (think of them as really smart algorithms) play a game against each other.

One network tries to create something (like a piece of art), while the other network tries to judge how real or fake it is. Over time, this back-and-forth helps the AI create incredibly realistic images.

Neural Style Transfer

This is a fun technique where the AI takes the style of one image (like the brushstrokes of a famous painting) and applies it to another image (like your favorite selfie).

The result is a unique blend of both images, creating something entirely new and exciting.

Text-to-Image Models

These models, like DALL-E, Midjourney, and Bing AI, can take a written description (that’s your prompt!) and turn it into an image.

This is where your creativity really comes into play. You describe what you want to see, and the AI does its best to bring your vision to life.

How AI is Transforming the Art World

AI isn’t just a cool tool; it’s actually changing the way we think about and create art.

For starters, it’s making art more accessible. You don’t need to be a trained artist to create something beautiful.

All you need is an idea and a little bit of guidance (which is exactly what this book is for).

AI is also expanding what’s possible in art. Traditional methods can be limiting—there are only so many hours in a day and so many techniques you can master. But with AI, the sky’s the limit.

You can experiment with styles, colors, and compositions that you might never have tried otherwise. Plus, AI can generate art at lightning speed, so you can explore more ideas in less time.

Examples of AI-Generated Art

To get your creative juices flowing, let’s take a look at some examples of what AI can do.

Imagine a serene landscape that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a dream, or a futuristic cityscape that feels like it’s from another world.

Or how about a vintage inspired junk journal page ready for you to add your creative touch? All of these are possible with AI.

Artists around the world are already using AI to push the boundaries of their work.

Some use it to create initial sketches that they then refine by hand. Others let the AI take the lead, producing fully finished pieces that they sell or exhibit.

And the best part? You’re about to join this innovative community.

Choosing the Right AI Art Tool

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of AI and its role in the art world, let’s talk about how to choose the right tool to get started on your creative journey.

There are several AI art tools out there, each with its own unique features and strengths. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular ones:

AI Art Generator Tools

1. MidJourney

• Overview: MidJourney emphasizes artistic and surreal styles, offering a community-driven approach where users can share and refine prompts.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for imaginative and unique artwork
  • Simple setup and user-friendly
  • Strong community support
• Cons:
  • Higher learning curve
  • Pay-per-use can add up over time
• Pricing: Pay-per-use model with affordable rates

2. BingAi

• Overview: BingAI, integrated into Microsoft’s search engine, uses AI to generate images based on text prompts, leveraging the power of its search algorithms.
• Pros:
  • Integration with Bing search for quick reference
  • Free to use
  • Generates varied and detailed images
• Cons:
  • Limited customization options
  • Output quality can vary
• Pricing: Free (Limited)

3. Canva

• Overview: Canva is a versatile graphic design tool that recently introduced AI-powered art generation, allowing users to create artwork and designs with ease.
• Pros:
  • Easy to use with a drag-and-drop interface
  • Extensive library of templates and design elements
  • Suitable for beginners and professionals
• Cons:
  • Some features are behind a paywall
  • Less advanced AI art capabilities compared to dedicated tools
• Pricing: Free with premium subscription options (Canva Pro)

4. NightCafe

• Overview: NightCafe Studio offers a wide range of artistic styles and AI-enhanced editing tools, making it accessible for both beginners and experts.
• Pros:
  • Extensive style options
  • Powerful editing tools
  • High-quality outputs
• Cons:
  • Free version has limited features
  • Can be overwhelming for new users
• Pricing: Free with premium subscription options

5. Dream Studio

• Overview: Dream Studio provides an AI art generation platform focused on creating dream-like, surreal images with ease.
• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Produces high-quality, dream-like images
  • Quick processing times
• Cons:
  • Limited to specific art styles
  • Subscription required for full features
• Pricing: Free trial with subscription options for advanced features

6. DALL-E 3 (ChatGPT)

• Overview: Developed by OpenAI, DALL-E 3 is the latest iteration known for its advanced image synthesis capabilities, allowing users to generate highly detailed and creative images from text prompts.
• Pros:
  • Advanced and diverse style options
  • High-resolution outputs
  • Integration with ChatGPT for enhanced prompt capabilities
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive for extensive use
  • May require detailed prompts for best results
• Pricing: Subscription-based model with a free tier

7. Adobe Firefly

• Overview: Adobe Firefly is Adobe’s AI art generator integrated into their suite of creative tools, offering powerful features for generating and editing AI art.
• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • High-quality and professional-grade outputs
  • Extensive customization options
• Cons:
  • Requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
  • Can be complex for beginners
• Pricing: Subscription-based with Adobe Creative Cloud

8. Tengr AI

• Overview: Tengr AI offers an AI art generation platform focused on producing high-quality and detailed images from text prompts.
• Pros:
  • High-quality and detailed outputs
  • User-friendly interface
  • Supports various artistic styles
• Cons:
  • Limited free options
  • Subscription required for full features
• Pricing: Free trial with subscription options for advanced features

9. CF Spark

• Overview: CF Spark is an AI art generator designed for creating vibrant and unique artwork from text prompts, suitable for various creative projects.
• Pros:
  • Easy to use with quick results
  • Produces vibrant and unique artwork
  • Suitable for various creative projects
• Cons:
  • Limited to specific styles
  • Free version has limited features
• Pricing: Free with premium subscription options

Setting Up Your Workspace

Before you dive into creating your AI art, it’s important to set up your workspace.

Don’t worry—you won’t need a high-tech art studio or expensive equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

A Reliable Computer/Tablet/Phone: While you don’t need a top-of-the-line machine, having a computer with decent processing power and memory will make your experience smoother.

Keep in mind, the more you create/save the more storage space you’ll need on your device. Using cloud storage or an external hard drive can help keep your devices running smoothly without being slowed down by overwhelmed storage.

Internet Connection: Most AI art tools require an internet connection to function, as they rely on cloud-based processing. Make sure your internet connection is stable to avoid interruptions.

As always, the faster your internet, the faster responses you’ll get.

An Account with Your Chosen AI Art Tool: Depending on the tool you choose, you might need to create an account or sign up for a service.

Many of these tools offer free versions with limited features, as well as paid subscriptions for more advanced capabilities.

You may want to try a few different tools first to find one you like, I suggest keeping track of your logins and the tools you use so you don’t forget (like I often do…).

Getting Started with Your First AI Art Project

With your workspace set up, it’s time to create your first piece of AI art. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

1 – Choose a Subject: Think about what you’d like to create. It could be anything from a serene landscape to a whimsical character. Don’t overthink it—just pick something that excites you.

2 – Write a Prompt: Describe your chosen subject in a few sentences. Be as specific or as vague as you like—part of the fun is seeing how the AI interprets your prompt. For example, “A peaceful forest with tall, ancient trees and a sparkling stream running through it.”

3 – Input the Prompt: Open your chosen AI art tool and input your prompt. Each tool will have a slightly different interface, but most are user-friendly and intuitive.

4 – Generate the Art: Hit the “generate” button and let the AI work its magic. This process might take a few seconds or a couple of minutes, depending on the complexity of your prompt and the tool you’re using.

5 – Review and Refine: Once your art is generated, take a moment to review it. If it’s not quite what you imagined, don’t worry—you can tweak your prompt and try again. Experiment with different descriptions to see how the AI’s output changes.

6 – Save and Share: When you’re happy with your creation, save it to your computer. You can print it out, share it in our Facebook Group, or incorporate it into your crafting projects.

By now, you should have a good understanding of the tools and setup you need to start creating AI art.

The next step is getting confident with your prompts… and crafting your prompts is an art of it’s own.

What Are Prompts and Why They’re Crucial

A prompt is essentially a description or instruction you give to an AI to guide it in creating an image.

The more detailed and imaginative your prompt, the better the AI can understand what you want.

Think of it like giving directions to a friend—you want to be clear enough that they don’t get lost, but open enough that there’s room for a bit of their own flair.

Prompts are crucial because they are your primary way of communicating with the AI. The AI doesn’t have a mind of its own—it relies on your guidance to produce something amazing.

A well-crafted prompt can mean the difference between a bland, generic image and something that feels uniquely yours.

Basic Structure of a Good Prompt

Writing a good prompt is a bit like telling a story. You want to include enough detail to paint a picture, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. Here’s a simple structure to get you started:

1 – Subject: What is the main focus of your image? This could be a person, a place, an object, or even an abstract concept.

• Example: “A cozy cottage”

2 – Details: Add some specifics to flesh out your subject. Think about things like colors, shapes, textures, and emotions.

• Example: “A cozy cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by blooming flowers, under a bright blue sky”

3 – Style: Consider what artistic style you want to emulate. Is it realistic, cartoonish, vintage, futuristic, etc.?

• Example: “A cozy cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by blooming flowers, under a bright blue sky, in a whimsical, storybook style”

4 – Mood: What feeling do you want your image to convey? This can be something like peaceful, mysterious, joyful, or eerie.

• Example: “A cozy cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by blooming flowers, under a bright blue sky, in a whimsical, storybook style, with a peaceful, inviting mood”

Techniques for Effective Prompt Writing

Now that you know the basic structure, let’s look at some techniques to make your prompts even more effective:

1 – Be Specific: The more specific you are, the better the AI can understand what you’re looking for. Instead of saying “a tree,” try “an ancient oak tree with gnarled branches and golden autumn leaves.”

2 – Use Adjectives and Descriptive Language: Adjectives are your best friend in prompt writing. They help add depth and detail to your description.

• Example: “A vibrant, bustling marketplace filled with colorful stalls and cheerful vendors”

3 – Experiment with Different Styles and Themes: Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try combining different styles or adding unexpected elements to your prompts.

• Example: “A futuristic cityscape with towering skyscrapers and flying cars, in a steampunk style”

4 – Keep It Simple: While details are important, sometimes less is more. If your prompt is too complex, the AI might struggle to deliver a cohesive image. Start simple and add complexity as needed.

• Example: “A serene beach at sunset”

Examples of Well-Written Prompts

Let’s look at a few examples of well-written prompts to get you inspired:

1 – Fantasy Scene: “A majestic dragon soaring over a medieval castle, with fiery breath lighting up the night sky, in a dark, dramatic style”

2 – Portrait: “A whimsical portrait of a young girl with flowing red hair and freckles, wearing a vintage dress, set against a backdrop of wildflowers, with a nostalgic, dreamy mood”

3 – Abstract Art: “A vibrant explosion of colors and shapes, with swirling patterns and bold, geometric forms, in a modern, abstract style”

4 – Still Life: “A rustic kitchen table with a loaf of freshly baked bread, a bowl of ripe red apples, and a vase of sunflowers, bathed in warm, golden light, evoking a sense of home and comfort”

Practicing Your Prompt Writing Skills

The best way to get better at writing prompts is to practice. Start with simple prompts and gradually add more details and complexity as you get more comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to write a prompt—what matters most is that it helps you create the art you envision.

Sometimes I still find the most simple prompts give off the best results, and other times my prompts can be super long to get exactly what I want. It’s all about practice and experimenting.

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