Making AI art can turn into a hobby, much like photography or painting. Contrary to what some might believe about the simplicity of typing a prompt to instantly get art back, it actually requires skill and good judgment to create something of quality.

Within every AI art generator, there are hidden settings you can tweak and editing tools available to enhance your image. Beyond these websites, you can also improve your skills by picking up the terminology used in various art forms and sharing your work with other AI art enthusiasts.

Here are our suggestions for how to make AI art.

What is AI Art?

AI art, also known as generative art, is created using artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional digital art crafted by human hands, AI art emerges from the symbiosis of machine learning algorithms and creative prompts. This innovative form of art leverages vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms, including generative adversarial networks (GANs) and deep learning models, to produce artwork from textual descriptions. From digital paintings and illustrations to even generating custom tattoo designs, AI tools are providing personalized art that resonates with individual tastes. It offers a unique blend of technology and creativity, enabling both trained artists and novices to explore new creative territories. Noteworthy platforms like DALL-E by OpenAI, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and Adobe's Firefly are at the forefront of this artistic revolution, offering diverse tools that cater to varying artistic needs and preferences.

How Do AI Art Generators Work?

AI art generators harness the power of advanced machine learning algorithms, including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and deep learning models, to create art based on textual descriptions provided by the user. This section delves into the mechanics behind these tools, offering insights into their operation and capabilities.

Training Data and Machine Learning

The capability of AI art generators to produce diverse and intricate images stems from their training on vast datasets comprising millions of images. During the training phase, these models learn various artistic elements such as color, texture, composition, and style. By analyzing these elements in the training images, AI learns how to replicate them in new creations, allowing it to produce artwork across a wide range of styles and themes.

Generative Models at Work

Most AI art generators rely on generative models like GANs, which consist of two parts: a generator and a discriminator. The generator creates images based on the prompts, while the discriminator evaluates these images against the training data, guiding the generator towards producing more accurate and realistic outputs. Over time, this iterative process enables the AI to generate high-quality artwork that closely aligns with the provided prompts.

Integration of Large Language Models (LLMs)

To better understand and interpret text prompts, some AI art generators integrate LLMs, such as OpenAI's GPT-3. These models enhance the AI's ability to comprehend complex and nuanced prompts, translating them into detailed and coherent visual representations. This integration bridges the gap between textual descriptions and visual art, enabling the creation of customized and intricate artwork.

User Interaction and Customization

AI art generators often offer various customization options, allowing users to specify preferences regarding style, mood, color scheme, and more. These options empower users to guide the AI more precisely, resulting in artwork that more accurately reflects their vision. Additionally, many platforms provide tools for further refining the generated images, such as adjusting composition, editing specific elements, or merging different styles.

AI Art Prompts That Generate Effective Outputs

Here are some sample AI art prompts that can generate effective outputs:

• "A highly detailed and realistic portrait of a young woman with long, flowing red hair and emerald green eyes, standing in a field of sunflowers at golden hour, with a warm and dreamy lighting style reminiscent of Renaissance paintings."

• "A surreal and whimsical cityscape, with towering skyscrapers made of intricate clockwork mechanisms and gears, set against a vibrant sunset sky with swirling clouds shaped like clockwork cogs, in the style of M.C. Escher's impossible architecture."

• "A majestic dragon with scales that shimmer like cosmic galaxies, breathing flames of stardust and nebulae, curled around an ancient, moss-covered tree in a mystical forest, with a hazy, otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of fantasy illustrations by John Howe or Alan Lee."

• "A cyberpunk-inspired scene of a neon-lit alleyway in a futuristic metropolis, with holographic advertisements and towering skyscrapers in the background, and a lone figure wearing a sleek, high-tech bodysuit and holding a glowing katana, inspired by the aesthetics of Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell."

• "An impressionistic seascape with crashing waves and a rocky shoreline, with a lone lighthouse standing tall against a dramatic, stormy sky in the style of J.M.W. Turner's seascapes, using bold brushstrokes and a vivid color palette of blues, grays, and oranges."

• "A whimsical and colorful illustration of a family of anthropomorphic animals, such as cats or raccoons, dressed in Victorian-era clothing and having a picnic in a lush, overgrown garden, with a playful and lighthearted aesthetic inspired by the works of Beatrix Potter or Brian Froud."

• "A hyper-realistic and detailed close-up of a single drop of water suspended in mid-air, with intricate refractions and reflections of a vibrant, abstract background of vivid colors and patterns, showcasing the beauty and complexity of nature on a microscopic scale."

These prompts combine descriptive language, visual references, artistic styles, composition guidelines, color and lighting instructions, mood and emotion cues, and specific subject matter to create vivid and compelling images for the AI model to generate.

AI Art Creation Tools

AI art generators have revolutionized the art world by providing tools that can convert textual descriptions into compelling visual artworks. These platforms utilize advanced algorithms, including deep learning models and generative adversarial networks (GANs), to interpret and visualize creative prompts provided by users.

Jasper

Jasper is built on the DALL-E 2 OpenAI model, showcasing its prowess in generating both text and art. It's particularly adept at creating landscapes, product shots, and food images, making it a preferred choice for bloggers and digital content creators. Jasper's strength lies in its user-friendly interface and versatility, allowing users to generate a wide range of content with ease.

Key Features

• Versatile Content Creation: Capable of producing art and text, including blog posts and images.

• Intuitive Dashboard: Easy navigation for creating new content without hassle.

• Free Form Tool: Offers customization including mood, medium, inspiration, style, and keywords for precise art generation.

• Templates: Provides pre-defined templates for different types of imagery.

• High-Quality Outputs: Generates images up to 2048×2048 resolution.

Limitations

• Focused Image Types: Best suited for landscapes, product shots, and food images; may not excel in creating images of animals and people.

• Square Images Only: Downloads are limited to square formats, which might require additional editing for other uses.

Midjourney

Midjourney introduces a novel approach by utilizing a closed-source software, making its inner workings a bit of a mystery. However, it's known to employ large language and diffusion models to interpret text prompts and generate art. It's especially popular for its capacity to create stunningly detailed and diverse images based on user inputs.

Key Features

• Utilizes Discord Server: Offers a unique interface through Discord, making it accessible and collaborative.

• Advanced Parameters: Supports fine-tuning through advanced settings like aspect ratios, filters, and remixing options for enhanced customization.

• High-Quality Images: Produces images in 1024×1024 resolution with options to upscale for finer details.

• Versatile Art Styles: Capable of generating a wide range of art styles from a single prompt.

Limitations

• Learning Curve: The use of Discord as its platform can be initially confusing for new users.

• Closed-Source Software: Less transparency about the AI's training and functionalities.

Leonardo AI

Leonardo AI leverages Stable Diffusion to offer a versatile platform for creating high-quality images. Originally designed for game developers, it has broadened its appeal to a wider range of creators by allowing customization and the use of pre-trained models for generating artwork.

Key Features

• Extensive Model Selection: Offers a wide range of models for different styles and applications, including game asset creation and general artistic exploration.

• Custom Model Training: Allows users to train their own AI models, providing unique capabilities for personalized artwork generation.

• High-Quality Outputs: Capable of generating high-resolution images, Leonardo AI ensures that the final art pieces are detailed and of professional quality.

• User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive dashboard that simplifies the process of creating AI art, making it accessible to users with various levels of experience.

• Creative Freedom: With a focus on supporting creativity, Leonardo AI includes features like the Alchemy tool for enhancing image resolution, contrast, and detail.

Limitations

• Learning Curve: Custom model training might require a technical understanding, presenting a barrier for non-technical users.

• Access Restrictions: New users need to be whitelisted, which can delay the immediate use of the platform.

• Credit System: Usage is based on a credit system, which might limit extensive use without purchasing additional credits.

Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, is a powerful AI art generator that integrates seamlessly with other Adobe applications. It is designed to be safe for commercial use, with models trained on Adobe Stock images and openly licensed content, ensuring users can freely use their creations in various projects.

Key Features

• Seamless Integration: Works within the Adobe ecosystem, allowing users to easily incorporate AI-generated art into projects using Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Adobe apps.

• Commercial Use Compliance: Trained on legally compliant datasets, ensuring that generated images are safe for commercial use.

• Generative Fill Feature: Enables users to add or remove content from images, offering unparalleled control over the final artwork.

• Intuitive Prompt Crafting: Guides users in creating effective prompts for more accurate and satisfying outcomes.

• Customizable Outputs: Offers tools for refining prompts with boundaries, styles, and guidance levels, granting users detailed control over the generation process.

Limitations

• Adobe Ecosystem Dependency: Best utilized within the Adobe suite, which might limit users who do not use other Adobe products.

• Learning Curve: While user-friendly, mastering the full range of features requires time and exploration.

• Access Cost: As part of Adobe Creative Cloud, access to Firefly might incur additional costs for users not already subscribed to Adobe services.

How to make AI art: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating AI art has become an increasingly popular way to blend the boundaries between technology and creativity. With platforms like Jasper, Midjourney, Leonardo AI, and Adobe Firefly making headlines, the process of transforming textual prompts into stunning visual artworks is more accessible than ever. This step-by-step guide, informed by insights from Elegant Themes, Adobe, and TechRepublic, offers a detailed exploration of how to make AI art, focusing on the initial crucial steps of writing your prompt and the strategic use of quotation marks to enhance clarity and precision.

Writing Your Prompt

The journey to creating compelling AI-generated art begins with the craft of prompt writing. A prompt serves as the foundation of your artwork, guiding the AI to generate images that align with your vision. To master prompt writing, consider the following:

• Be Descriptive: The more detailed and vivid your description, the better the AI can understand and visualize your concept. Incorporate LSI keywords related to "how to make AI art" to provide context and depth. For example, instead of "a cat," describe "a sleek, shadowy figure of a cat, perched atop an ancient oak tree under the moonlight."

• Balance Specificity with Creativity: While details are crucial, leaving room for the AI's creativity can lead to surprising and innovative results. Specify essential elements like setting, mood, and key objects, but allow the AI to interpret and fill in the gaps.

• Consider the Audience and Purpose: Tailor your prompt to the intended use of the artwork. Whether it's for a blog post, a product advertisement, or personal exploration, the prompt should reflect the tone and style suitable for the context.

Adding Quotation Marks

Quotation marks can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your AI art prompts. By grouping specific words or phrases together, you signal to the AI how to interpret the elements of your prompt more accurately. This step is especially useful in complex or nuanced descriptions where clarity is paramount.

• Group Concepts: Use quotation marks to group words that form a single concept or idea, ensuring the AI treats them as a unit. For instance, "Bengal tiger" within quotation marks emphasizes that you're referring to the specific species, not a tiger from Bengal and its attributes separately.

• Clarify Phrases: Quotation marks can also clarify phrases that might be ambiguous to the AI. For example, describing a scene as featuring a "red-tailed hawk soaring over a 'calm, serene lake'" makes it clear that "calm, serene lake" is a distinct, descriptive element of the scene.

• Control Elements: In Adobe Firefly, quotation marks can be part of more advanced prompt manipulation techniques, such as specifying elements to avoid or emphasizing certain aspects of the style. This can direct the AI more precisely, resulting in artwork that closely matches your vision.

Specifying Elements to Include/Avoid

Fine-tuning the prompt’s effect is crucial in guiding the AI to produce artwork that aligns closely with your vision. This process involves adjusting the prompt to control the influence it has on the generated image. Here's how to achieve this:

• Specify Detail Level: Use LSI keywords that describe the level of detail you desire in the artwork. For instance, words like "hyper-detailed" or "minimalistic" give the AI clues about the complexity of the image you envision.

• Adjust Style and Mood: Incorporate terms that specify the style (e.g., surreal, photorealistic, impressionistic) and mood (e.g., melancholic, joyful, serene) to guide the AI's creative direction. This helps in creating artworks that not only capture the subject but also evoke the intended emotions.

• Use Specific Modifiers: Some platforms, like Adobe Firefly, allow users to fine-tune the prompt’s effect with specific modifiers. For example, by adding "[guidance = 25]" to your prompt, you can indicate that you want the AI to adhere as closely as possible to your instructions, maximizing the influence of your descriptive effort.

Adjusting Style Strength

Reworking your prompt is an iterative process that involves refining your initial description based on the AI's output. This step is essential for achieving the desired outcome and requires a thoughtful evaluation of the artwork produced. Here are strategies to effectively rework your prompt:

• Evaluate and Identify Gaps: Look at the generated artwork and identify elements that didn’t match your expectations. Consider whether certain aspects of your prompt were too vague or if additional details could enhance the artwork's alignment with your vision.

• Incorporate Feedback Loops: Use the feedback from each iteration to refine your prompt. If the artwork lacks clarity in certain areas, add more descriptive language focusing on those aspects. If the style isn’t quite right, adjust your style descriptors or add more LSI keywords related to the artistic influences you wish to emulate.

• Experiment with Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different versions of your prompt. Changing a few words or the structure of your prompt can lead to significantly different results, offering insights into how the AI interprets your instructions.

Fine-Tuning the Prompt’s Effect

Fine-tuning the prompt’s effect is crucial in guiding the AI to produce artwork that aligns closely with your vision. This process involves adjusting the prompt to control the influence it has on the generated image. Here's how to achieve this:

• Specify Detail Level: Use LSI keywords that describe the level of detail you desire in the artwork. For instance, words like "hyper-detailed" or "minimalistic" give the AI clues about the complexity of the image you envision.

• Adjust Style and Mood: Incorporate terms that specify the style (e.g., surreal, photorealistic, impressionistic) and mood (e.g., melancholic, joyful, serene) to guide the AI's creative direction. This helps in creating artworks that not only capture the subject but also evoke the intended emotions.

• Use Specific Modifiers: Some platforms, like Adobe Firefly, allow users to fine-tune the prompt’s effect with specific modifiers. For example, by adding "[guidance = 25]" to your prompt, you can indicate that you want the AI to adhere as closely as possible to your instructions, maximizing the influence of your descriptive effort.

Reworking Your Prompt

Reworking your prompt is an iterative process that involves refining your initial description based on the AI's output. This step is essential for achieving the desired outcome and requires a thoughtful evaluation of the artwork produced. Here are strategies to effectively rework your prompt:

• Evaluate and Identify Gaps: Look at the generated artwork and identify elements that didn’t match your expectations. Consider whether certain aspects of your prompt were too vague or if additional details could enhance the artwork's alignment with your vision.

• Incorporate Feedback Loops: Use the feedback from each iteration to refine your prompt. If the artwork lacks clarity in certain areas, add more descriptive language focusing on those aspects. If the style isn’t quite right, adjust your style descriptors or add more LSI keywords related to the artistic influences you wish to emulate.

• Experiment with Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different versions of your prompt. Changing a few words or the structure of your prompt can lead to significantly different results, offering insights into how the AI interprets your instructions.

Using Generative Fill

Generative Fill is a powerful feature available in Adobe Firefly, which allows artists to add or remove content from their AI-generated images seamlessly. This tool leverages AI to understand the context of the existing image and make adjustments as per the artist's instructions, ensuring a coherent addition or subtraction of elements. Here's how to utilize Generative Fill:

• Identify Areas for Improvement: Review your AI-generated artwork and identify areas where you wish to add new elements or remove unwanted details.

• Utilize the Brush Tool: Within Adobe Firefly, select the Generative Fill option and use the brush tool to mark areas you want to edit. You can specify whether you're adding or removing elements.

• Refine with Prompts: Alongside the brush tool, use textual prompts to guide the AI about what you wish to add or remove. The more specific your prompts, the more accurately Firefly can execute your vision.

• Preview and Adjust: Firefly allows for real-time preview of the changes. Evaluate the adjustments and continue refining until you achieve the desired outcome.

Experiment with Different Art Styles

AI art generators offer an extensive range of styles, from photorealism to abstract, and everything in between. Experimenting with different art styles can lead to unique and unexpected results. Here’s how you can explore various styles:

• Explore Style Options: Many AI art platforms allow users to select or input desired art styles directly into their prompts. Familiarize yourself with the options available on your chosen platform.

• Combine Styles: Don’t hesitate to combine different styles within a single prompt. This can lead to innovative and hybrid artworks that capture diverse artistic influences.

• Learn from Examples: Look at examples of AI-generated art within the community or provided by the platform to get inspiration for different styles and see how they were achieved through specific prompts.

Downloading Your Artwork

Once you are satisfied with your AI-generated art, the final step is to download the artwork. This process allows you to save the art in various formats for different uses, whether for digital display, printing, or inclusion in larger projects. Here's what you need to know:

• Select Format and Resolution: Platforms typically offer options for downloading in standard formats like JPEG or PNG, and in various resolutions. Choose according to your need for quality and file size.

• Review Copyright and Usage Rights: Before downloading, ensure you understand the copyright and usage rights associated with your AI-generated artwork, especially if you plan to use it commercially.

• Save and Share: Download your artwork and save it securely. Many artists share their AI art creations with online communities or use them in digital portfolios, expanding their visibility and engagement with audiences.

Best Practices for Making AI Art

The fusion of artificial intelligence and art has opened up a new realm of creative possibilities, allowing both seasoned artists and novices to explore and create stunning visuals with ease. Drawing insights from Elegant Themes, Adobe, and TechRepublic, this comprehensive guide highlights the best practices for making AI art, incorporating essential LSI keywords to enrich the content and enhance understanding.

Craft Detailed and Descriptive Prompts

The foundation of compelling AI art lies in the precision and richness of the prompt. Descriptive prompts guide the AI more effectively, translating intricate details into the artwork. Incorporate relevant LSI keywords such as "digital creation," "visual composition," and "artistic style" to add depth and clarity to your prompts.

Experiment with Different Platforms

Each AI art platform, such as Jasper, Midjourney, Leonardo AI, and Adobe Firefly, has unique strengths and specialties. By experimenting across different tools, you can leverage specific features tailored to your creative vision. This approach encourages versatility in style and technique, enriching the art-making process.

Utilize Advanced Settings and Modifiers

Platforms like Adobe Firefly offer advanced settings and modifiers that allow for fine-tuning the art generation process. Adjusting parameters such as style strength, mood, lighting, and aspect ratio can significantly impact the final outcome. Experimenting with these settings helps in achieving the desired aesthetic and thematic elements.

Combine and Layer Prompts

Incorporating multiple concepts, styles, or thematic elements within a single prompt can yield fascinating results. This method encourages the AI to blend and juxtapose elements creatively, often leading to innovative and unexpected visual narratives.

Iterate and Refine

The creation of AI art is inherently iterative. Initial outputs should be viewed as starting points for further refinement. By reworking and adjusting prompts based on the AI's interpretations, artists can hone in on their envisioned outcome, enhancing both the detail and emotional resonance of the art.

Explore Artistic Influences

Inspiration from historical or contemporary art movements can add a rich layer of depth to AI-generated art. Mentioning specific artists, styles, or movements within prompts can guide the AI in emulating certain aesthetics or techniques, bridging the gap between traditional art forms and digital innovation.

Embrace Experimentation

The unpredictable nature of AI art generation is one of its most exciting aspects. Embracing experimentation and being open to unexpected outcomes can lead to breakthroughs in personal style and artistic expression. This approach encourages a dynamic interaction between the artist's intent and the AI's creative algorithms.

Share and Seek Feedback

Engaging with the community by sharing your AI art and seeking feedback can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Collaboration and discussion with fellow artists can uncover new strategies, prompts, and approaches to AI art creation.

Understand Copyright and Usage Rights

Before using AI-generated art commercially, it's crucial to understand the copyright and usage rights associated with each platform. Ensuring that your artwork complies with these guidelines is essential for ethical and legal creative practice.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for AI Art

The journey of how to make AI art is just beginning. As AI technology evolves and becomes more integrated into the creative process, we can expect to see even more innovative tools and platforms that offer artists unprecedented ways to bring their visions to life. The potential for AI to enhance human creativity is vast, promising a future where art is more accessible, diverse, and dynamic than ever before.

The exploration of AI art creation is an exciting journey that blends the precision of technology with the boundless potential of human imagination. By embracing the best practices outlined in sources like Elegant Themes, Adobe, and TechRepublic, and by staying informed about evolving trends and ethical considerations, creators can navigate the vast possibilities of AI art, contributing to a rich and continually expanding digital art landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In this section, we address some common questions and concerns about how to make AI art.

Can AI art platforms generate animations or only static images?

AI art platforms primarily generate static images, but some, like Runway ML, are exploring animation capabilities. It's an evolving area with growing interest.

How does the cost of using AI art generators compare to traditional art creation methods?

AI art generators can be cost-effective, with many offering free tiers or pay-per-creation models. Traditional art involves costs for materials and tools, potentially making AI art more accessible financially.

Are there any collaborative features on AI art platforms for team projects?

Some AI art platforms, like Midjourney's integration with Discord, offer collaborative features allowing team input on projects. These features vary by platform and are expanding.