Latest news with #AIart
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Google Whisk: The Secret Weapon for Stunning Visuals in Seconds
Have you ever wished for a tool that could transform your creative ideas into stunning visuals with just a few clicks? Enter Google Whisk, an innovative AI-powered platform that's redefining the way we approach image creation and editing. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a casual hobbyist, or someone who's never touched a design tool before, Google Whisk promises to make the process intuitive, inspiring, and—most importantly—fun. With its ability to seamlessly merge images, apply unique styles, and even add basic animations, this tool is like having a virtual art assistant at your fingertips. But is it as simple and powerful as it sounds? That's exactly what this how-to will explore. In this guide, the AI GRID, show you the ins and outs of Google Whisk, from its innovative image merging capabilities to its treasure trove of customizable styles. You'll also learn how to refine prompts for precision, use the 'dice' feature for fresh ideas, and even collaborate with others using shared 'recipes.' But that's just scratching the surface—Google Whisk isn't just about creating visuals; it's about unlocking your creative potential in ways you never imagined. So, whether you're looking to design a professional-grade project or simply experiment with AI-driven artistry, this guide will help you navigate the possibilities. What could your next masterpiece look like? Let's find out. Google Whisk Overview Key Features: Image Merging and Style Application One of the standout capabilities of Google Whisk is its ability to seamlessly merge multiple images into a unified composition. By uploading individual visuals, the AI intelligently combines them, making it ideal for creating collages, blending elements from different sources, or experimenting with layered designs. This feature is particularly beneficial for projects that require a harmonious integration of diverse visual elements. To further enhance creativity, Whisk provides a wide array of style options. These include anime-inspired aesthetics, vintage effects, and paper-cut designs, among others. If you're unsure where to begin, the 'dice' feature can generate random style suggestions, sparking fresh ideas for your projects. The AI ensures that the selected style complements the merged images, resulting in visually balanced and appealing outputs. Advanced Customization Tools Google Whisk offers robust customization tools that give you greater control over your creative process. You can generate entirely new scenes using AI or upload custom backgrounds to personalize your designs. This flexibility allows you to tailor your creations to specific themes or purposes, making sure they align with your vision. Another key feature is the ability to adjust styles without altering the core subject or scene. This ensures that your original concept remains intact while experimenting with different visual effects. Additionally, Whisk supports aspect ratio adjustments, allowing you to optimize your visuals for various formats such as landscape, portrait, or square. This is particularly useful for creating content tailored for social media platforms, presentations, or personal projects. How to use Google Whisk for Stunning Visuals Watch this video on YouTube. Enhance your knowledge on AI image generators editing by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Refining Prompts and Enhancing Subject Clarity For users seeking precision and detail, Google Whisk allows you to refine prompts to guide the AI effectively. By crafting descriptive instructions, you can direct the AI to focus on specific elements, such as the texture of a fabric, the intricate details of a car model, or the lighting in a scene. This level of control is invaluable for projects that demand high accuracy or intricate designs. To achieve the best results, it's recommended to place subjects against plain white backgrounds. This minimizes distractions and helps the AI interpret and render the subject more effectively. By following this practice, you can significantly improve the clarity and quality of your outputs, making sure that the final result aligns with your expectations. Exploring Animation and Collaborative Features In addition to static image creation, Google Whisk includes basic animation capabilities. You can add simple cinematic effects, such as camera movements or transitions, to make your visuals more dynamic. While these animations are relatively simple, they provide an engaging way to present your creations, adding an extra layer of depth to your projects. Collaboration is another area where Google Whisk excels. The platform allows you to create and share 'recipes,' which are preset combinations of subjects, scenes, and styles. These recipes enable others to replicate your creative process or build upon your ideas, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. This feature is particularly useful for group projects or social media trends, where consistency and shared inspiration are critical. Limitations and Best Practices While Google Whisk offers a range of powerful features, it does have certain limitations. For instance, character rendering can be inconsistent, and the tool may struggle to directly merge uploaded images seamlessly. Additionally, the basic animation capabilities are constrained by the current AI version, limiting the complexity of motion or interactions between objects. To make the most of Google Whisk, consider the following best practices: Use detailed and descriptive prompts to guide the AI effectively and achieve precise results. Photograph or design subjects against simple, clear backgrounds to enhance clarity and minimize distractions. Experiment with different styles, scenes, and features to explore the full potential of the tool. Use the 'dice' feature for inspiration when you're unsure where to start. By keeping these tips in mind, you can overcome the tool's limitations and unlock its full creative potential. Google Whisk is a powerful resource for anyone looking to explore the possibilities of AI-driven image creation, offering tools that cater to a wide range of creative needs and preferences. Media Credit: TheAIGRID Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Verge
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
How The Roottrees are Dead ditched AI and became a hit
Robin Ward was recovering from a broken arm when he fell in love with The Roottrees are Dead, a free browser game hosted on an indie games salesfront. He reached out to its creator, Jeremy Johnston, and told him, 'This should be a bigger deal than it is.' At the same time, Ward says, he 'knew why' it couldn't be. The browser version of The Roottrees are Dead used AI-generated art for its images, a central part of the puzzle game that tasks players with investigating dozens of people and filling out its complex family tree. At the time, Steam, the biggest platform for PC games, did not allow the use of generative AI in games released using the storefront. In addition, Ward and Johnston agreed that they felt it was 'unethical to sell artwork created in this way.' Johnston had originally released the game for free, despite spending 11 months building it up from what was originally a Global Game Jam project cobbled together in less than a week in 2023. In the jam's tight time constraints, and in a time before generative AI was quite so well known, he reached out to a friend who was 'super into' using Midjourney and asked if he'd be willing to generate images based on prompts he had come up with for his puzzles. The images were far from perfect. Both Johnston and Ward point out a warped, staring image of a young girl in the original version of the game (which is still available for free) — Ward calls it 'demonic.' Other portraits have the twisted hands that were a telltale giveaway of generative AI at the time. But despite expanding the game for almost a year, adding to the story and puzzle aspects, Johnston says he 'never really thought' to replace the art. Not being an artist himself, he was focused on the photographic quality of the existing artwork, and he knew he would never be able to afford to hire models and a cameraperson to recreate it. And although he was putting a lot of work into the expanded version, he wasn't expecting the reaction it would eventually get. 'I've released other things — not games, necessarily, but things that I spent a lot of time and energy on, and then they came out and no one cared,' he says. So although he spent a lot of time on Roottrees, he did not want to invest money he was never expecting to get back. When he did release the version of Roottrees, though, it was surprisingly popular. It spread on forums and Reddit, and it received some attention in the games press. He did not charge for it, on account of the AI artwork, although he did include a donation link and says he made around $2,000-$3,000 from more than 10,000 players. And one of those players was Ward. After reaching out to Johnston, they agreed that Ward would reprogram the game and hire an illustrator to replace the AI artwork and get it ready for a Steam release. The illustrator he brought on, Henning Ludvigsen, says he used the AI art as a kind of concept sketch. Ludvigsen then did his own research into the era and style the picture was supposed to evoke, eventually making almost 40 illustrations across nearly a year of work. 'I'm not a big fan of generative AI,' he says, saying his peers in the illustration industry have seen a reduction in work, particularly concept artists. '[Companies] kind of skip that step now [using AI], which I think is not great.' When it comes to finished products, though, he still sees generative AI as 'not doing that well in general' among players. Large video game companies like Take Two Interactive have noted that players tend to not only avoid games that use AI but also react negatively to them online and in ratings, calling it a potential avenue for 'loss of players, revenues…and reputation harm.' Johnston mentions the case of Cyan Worlds, the developer behind Myst, receiving backlash for using 'AI assisted content' like texture assets in its latest game. The Roottrees are Dead seemed to skirt these issues by being transparent about its use upfront, as well as releasing for free, Johnston says. Ward also points out that 'in this case, it's the case of 'there would be no game' versus 'there is a game.'' Johnston agrees that without the use of AI-generated artwork, the initial version would never have been released, meaning the eventual full version with Ludvigsen's work in it would also never have existed. Ludvigsen himself says he 'really enjoyed' replacing the illustrations, given he's 'not a big fan of' AI art generation in general. 'I think some people would say, 'Well, I would prefer that there is no game in this case,' and I think they're entitled to their opinion,' Ward says, citing the environmental concerns and the scrapping of artists' work for training corpuses as potential arguments for that approach. 'But I ended up playing something that I really loved,' he says. The game was released on Steam in January 2025. 'The vast majority of people are like, 'I'm very happy you got rid of the AI,'' Ward says. Although some have said they prefer the more photographic quality of the generated art, Ludvigsen's work is undeniably an upgrade, from the untwisted fingers to the increased consistency in design for characters who appear in multiple photographs, which makes some puzzles more understandable. The Roottrees are Dead is now a critical and commercial success, which would not have happened without both generative AI and a human artist. Both Ward and Johnston note that the game took an unusual route to its current state. But with the increasing prevalence of AI tools, it's possible more games will end up on the same path.
Geeky Gadgets
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
25 Midjourney Secret Prompts to Create Stunning AI Images in 2025
What if you could transform your creative process with just a few tweaks? In 2025, AI-driven platforms like Midjourney are no longer just tools—they're creative partners, redefining how we approach art and design. But here's the catch: with so many features and possibilities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in a creative rut. Whether you're crafting surreal dreamscapes, designing professional assets, or simply exploring the boundaries of your imagination, knowing how to unlock Midjourney's prompts full potential is the difference between ordinary results and jaw-dropping creations. Are you ready to take your AI artistry to the next level? Future Tech Pilot explains about refining your prompts to harnessing advanced workflows, during which you'll discover 25 actionable tips that cater to both beginners and seasoned creators. Learn how to use mood boards to maintain stylistic consistency, experiment with unconventional prompts for one-of-a-kind results, and troubleshoot common challenges with ease. Each tip is designed to help you work smarter, spark innovation, and push the boundaries of what's possible. By the end, you'll not only feel more confident navigating the platform but also inspired to create visuals that truly stand out. Let's explore what's possible when creativity meets precision. Midjourney Tips Overview Mastering Prompting Techniques Crafting precise and imaginative prompts is essential for generating high-quality images in Midjourney. The more descriptive and specific your prompts, the better the results. Here are some strategies to improve your prompting: Incorporate descriptive phrases like 'looking off into the distance' to create dynamic and natural compositions. like 'looking off into the distance' to create dynamic and natural compositions. Use terms such as 'paparazzi' for candid-style images, while excluding cameras for a polished, professional effect. for candid-style images, while excluding cameras for a polished, professional effect. Experiment with prompts like 'an armored [subject]' to generate intricate designs with depth and texture. Refining your prompts allows you to push creative boundaries, making sure that your outputs align with your artistic vision. Integrating Mood Boards and Styles Mood boards are powerful tools for maintaining consistency and exploring creative variations. Midjourney enables you to use mood board codes to anchor specific styles across projects, making sure cohesion in your work. Additionally, the 'Describe' feature allows you to generate prompts directly from existing images, making it easier to reverse-engineer styles and themes. By combining these tools with image prompts, you can streamline your workflow and produce visually striking results that reflect your intended aesthetic. 25 Midjourney 7 Tips to Unlock Your Creative Potential in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Midjourney Tips. Using Image Editing Features Midjourney's editing tools provide flexibility for refining your images after generation. These features allow you to make precise adjustments and experiment with different compositions. Key functionalities include: Rotating images by hovering over the corners in the editor for accurate alignment. by hovering over the corners in the editor for accurate alignment. Adjusting the eraser size by right-clicking and dragging to suit your editing needs. by right-clicking and dragging to suit your editing needs. Using the 'remix' feature to explore different aspect ratios and compositions. These tools empower you to fine-tune your creations, making sure they meet your exact specifications and artistic goals. Personalization and Profile Optimization Personalization settings in Midjourney allow you to tailor image generation to your preferences. By building personalized profiles, you can influence the style and tone of your outputs. If you choose to switch to older versions of Midjourney, consider disabling personalization settings to maintain compatibility. Additionally, ranked profiles and mood board codes provide a structured approach to achieving consistent results, making your creative process more efficient and tailored to your unique style. Advanced Workflows for Enhanced Creativity Midjourney's advanced workflows unlock new possibilities for creativity. These techniques encourage experimentation and help you discover innovative approaches to image creation: Zoom into images by adjusting aspect ratios and scale sliders for detailed compositions. by adjusting aspect ratios and scale sliders for detailed compositions. Create seamless patterns using the tile parameter, previewing them directly within the platform. using the tile parameter, previewing them directly within the platform. Use specific prompts like 'blank shape made of blank' to generate intricate and imaginative designs. By exploring these workflows, you can expand your creative horizons and produce unique, high-quality images. Exploring Creative Prompt Ideas Creative prompts are a powerful way to push the boundaries of what Midjourney can achieve. Experimenting with unconventional ideas can lead to truly one-of-a-kind results. Consider trying these examples: 'A human face made of smaller humans' for surreal and thought-provoking visuals. for surreal and thought-provoking visuals. 'Aerodynamic [object]' for sleek, futuristic designs. for sleek, futuristic designs. 'Theophobia' for dramatic, thematic imagery with emotional depth. By thinking outside the box, you can unlock new creative possibilities and produce images that stand out. Troubleshooting and Optimization Even with advanced tools, challenges can arise during the creative process. To optimize your experience and address common issues, consider these tips: Filter and organize images by version to effectively track your creations and progress. by version to effectively track your creations and progress. Use search functions (Ctrl/Command + F) to quickly locate specific mood boards or prompts. (Ctrl/Command + F) to quickly locate specific mood boards or prompts. Avoid overusing the 'weird' parameter to maintain image quality and prevent distorted results. These troubleshooting strategies ensure a smoother workflow, helping you resolve issues efficiently and focus on your creative goals. Miscellaneous Tips for Maximum Efficiency Midjourney offers several lesser-known features that can enhance your productivity and creativity. These tips encourage you to explore the platform's full potential: Scroll through past creations quickly using the timeline navigation feature to revisit and refine your work. quickly using the timeline navigation feature to revisit and refine your work. Experiment with unconventional prompts , such as 'elderly people cage fighting championship,' for unexpected and entertaining results. , such as 'elderly people cage fighting championship,' for unexpected and entertaining results. Explore the impact of single words like 'aerodynamic' or 'theophobia' to uncover surprising and unique outcomes. By using these features, you can think outside the box and make the most of Midjourney's capabilities. Maximizing Your Midjourney Experience Midjourney's evolving features and tools provide endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. By mastering prompting techniques, integrating mood boards, using editing tools, and exploring advanced workflows, you can elevate your image generation process. Whether you're troubleshooting issues or experimenting with creative prompts, these 25 tips will help you navigate the platform with confidence, efficiency, and expertise. Media Credit: Future Tech Pilot Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CBC
10-06-2025
- CBC
Businesses are using AI images, but N.L. artists want them to reconsider
A St. John's artist is trying to get people to think twice before using art made with artificial intelligence. Emma Bishop says she's seen an increase in people and local businesses using AI art. But as a traditional artist, she balked at the sudden shift away from human-made designs. In protest, Bishop designed anti-AI posters and put them up around St. John's. "[I] just want people to get encouraged to do their own research on why it might not be the best thing to use, and ... think again about maybe supporting a local artist," said Bishop. The Orange Store, a local gas and convenience chain, recently sparked controversy after it created advertisements with AI-generated images. In an emailed statement, North Sun Energy spokesperson Sandy Mercer said a recent Father's Day gift card advertisement included an AI-generated image. "We work closely with our creative team to explore innovative promotional ideas — including how AI is used," said Mercer. Bishop says AI image generation hurts artists by taking away work that they could've done, arguing opportunities for artists in Newfoundland and Labrador can be hard to come by. "It may be quicker and it may be more convenient, but I truly believe that using a local artist to make some of your art is just so much more beneficial for both people," said Bishop. She also says AI is ripping artists off by learning from their work without permission. "Every time I post on Instagram, my art is feeding into an AI algorithm, and I can't stop that unfortunately," said Bishop. Bishop says she's also concerned about environmental harms. According to some estimates, the average question a user asks ChatGPT takes about 10 times more power than a Google search to generate. Creating an image uses about as much power as charging a smartphone. Computers that run AI models become so hot, they also need to use a lot of water to stay cool. "It's not worth the impact on the artist community and the environment for what you get," said Bishop. Is AI stealing from artists? Meghan Fitzgerald, the director of Icerbeg Gallery, a non-profit that helps emerging artists find opportunities in the province, says there are ethical questions about the use of AI as an emerging technology. She referenced a recent social media trend where people used ChatGPT to generate images of themselves in the style of a Studio Ghibli animated film. Fitzgerald questions whether the art style should be used by ChatGPT if the creator never gave permission to use it. "That is a very specific art style. It is very specific to that studio," said Fitzgerald. "That sparks the question of, is this a violation of intellectual property?" Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki has expressed disdain for AI, stating that he would "never wish to incorporate this technology into [his] work at all." "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself," said Miyazaki. Fitzgerald says AI should be regulated and that artists should be compensated when businesses use AI images that have copied their work. "This technology isn't going away. It's not going to disappear. It's only going to get more sophisticated and more prevalent in our society," said Fitzgerald. "So we have to kind of find a way to play nice with it instead of erasing it entirely." Bishop also says there should be a way for artists to give consent to have AI use their art. "I think one day it can be used and I think one day it will be a great tool for artists to use. I just don't think we're there yet. And I think we need to talk about that," she said.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Aussie photographer Charles Brooks slams Elon Musk over billionaire's wild AI claim
An Aussie artist has lashed out after Elon Musk reshared artificially modified versions of his photos to 'promote' his chatbot. Accomplished artist and musician Charles Brooks achieved international recognition in 2022 for his 'Architecture in Music' photographic series, capturing the interiors of musical instruments. This week, he was shocked to learn from a friend that his work had been altered by a third party using artificial intelligence (AI) and shared by Musk on X – formerly known as Twitter. Above his photos, edited to include little men inside his instruments, was Musk's invitation for users to 'Generate images with Grok'. Mr Brooks insisted '98 per cent' of the images were actually generated by him. 'I went and did some digging, and eventually I found this thing he'd shared from a couple of days ago,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Brooks conceded that Musk was not 'quite' passing his photos off as Grok's work, but believes he was operating in a 'grey area'. 'The thing that annoys me is that my photos are being kind of used, and my name's not being attached to them,' he said. Musk reshared three of Mr Brook's images which had been altered with AI, imploring X users to generate images with Grok 'And the way that they're being presented makes it look like they're AI photos.' AI software can now produce essays, creative fictions, photos, videos and audio to boot. But the models have been 'trained' repetitively at first using real images, artworks, videos and soundbites. The ethics of AI training and artistic intellectual property have been debated since the engines were first unveiled to the public. Mr Brooks insists there was no mistaking the images were his. 'For me, the main thing is, these are real photographs of very specific instruments,' he explained. 'You know, there's a double bass in there that's photographed. And I know exactly what bass that is. That's a English Charles Therese Double Bass from 1860 that my friend plays in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Beautiful bass. 'That's my photo of inside that specific instrument. And that should never be claimed as AI.' Mr Brooks insisted he's not anti-AI and uses it for an array of tasks including managing his website and correcting writing. He hopes the saga serves as a warning to artists – as the creative industries are forced to coexist with what could represent a disrupting force. 'If there's anything that I would wish out of this it would be that, you know, there's a way for works or images to always be tracked back to the artist when they're shared,' he said. 'AI is going to see this stuff, it's going to learn. So are people, for that matter, other people can look at my work and maybe figure out how I've done it and do something similar. Great, good on them. 'But my creations should be able to be tracked back to me easily and it's frustrating that it's so simple for people to lift them and share them, and you lose that chain back to the original artist.' Mr Brooks was astonished about how little people seemed to care to credit real-world artists, whose time and effort became the foundation of every subsequent AI creation. 'I think with all of this new technology, if we can trace every bitcoin transaction on Earth, we should be able to trace a photo,' he said. Many online were left shocked after Mr Brooks detailed the incident online. 'Elon didn't mention my name at all, Eric did put my name in but only as a comment which I find a bit disingenuous,' Mr Brooks claimed in a video posted on Reddit. 'I'm not terribly against people modifying the images as long as it's not for a commercial reason, but if you're going to do that, please credit me.' The artist took his grievances to the platform after his X account was suspended. His account has since been reinstated. Commenters unleashed against the technology billionaire. 'So sorry you have to do go through this crap with him. I've completely stopped using twitter, will never call it X,' one wrote. Another added: 'I'm sorry Elon Musk is such a piece of sh*t. Your photography is really beautiful,' another added. A third wrote: 'This is a salesman posting fake results about his product. So what does that say of the product?' another said. Many viewers wondered if Mr Brooks had a legal case against Musk. 'I don't think (Mr Brooks) has a case against the 'original' Twitter poster, but (Musk) is using stolen art to advertise a tool that directly benefits him. Not a lawyer but that looks like a slam-dunk of a case,' one alleged. Others, however, did not believe Mr Brooks' case was strong enough. Mr Brooks told Daily Mail Australia it was unlikely he would pursue that avenue. Musk's Grok engine has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks as allegations of censorship plagued the platform. Grok is a conversational AI developed by xAI, founded by Musk. The engine can access contemporary information over the web and on its native platform, X. Its use has been predicated on its ability to answer questions typically avoided by other platforms, and can be accessed at varying degrees of utility through free and paid accounts. However, in recent weeks the chatbot suffered a 'programming error' which made it sceptical of Holocaust figures and repeatedly made claims about a 'white genocide' in South Africa. In May, researchers revealed AI models had begun disobeying human instruction. ChatGPT's latest AI model refused to switch itself off, they claimed. Experts said they gave the AI system a clear command but the o3 model, developed by OpenAI and described as the 'smartest and most capable to date', tampered with its computer code to avoid an automatic shutdown.
