In today’s digital age, finding the perfect image to accompany your blog post or news article can be a daunting task. Many small publishers resort to using images found on Google or free stock photo sites, while others pay for licensed images from platforms like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock. However, these options come with their own set of challenges and limitations.
Fortunately, there is an emerging solution that can level the playing field for small publishers and individuals who don’t have access to a team of creative professionals. Generative AI image generators are revolutionizing the way we create visuals, allowing anyone to have their own personal creative director, photographer, and artist.
There are two types of sites that are gaining popularity in generating images from text: those that focus solely on images like Midjourney, and sites powered by open-source models such as Stability.Ai’s DreamStudio. These platforms provide cutting-edge image quality and customization options for artists and designers.
For marketers and non-artists, AI chatbots offer a more accessible option. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, powered by DALL-E, and X’s Grok, powered by FLUX.1, are leading the way in generating jaw-droppingly good images. ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 a month, provides access to DALL-E image generation and the ChatGPT chatbot. Grok, available as part of the Premium Tier on X for $8 a month, offers FLUX.1 image generation, a chatbot, and premium features.
With these AI chatbots, creating images is as simple as having a conversation. You can provide prompts like “Draw me a box mattress in a store” or “Generate an image of a princess sleeping on top of a stack of mattresses.” The AI chatbots will generate images based on your prompts, and you can iterate and fine-tune the images until you’re satisfied.
The power of generative AI goes beyond just creating images. AI can also help you generate ideas for images. By engaging in a dialogue with the AI, you can ask for advice and use the AI-generated images as prompts. This allows you to test different images and optimize your conversion rate.
One of the biggest concerns when using AI-generated images is the legality of their use. While copyright laws protect the creator of an original work, AI-generated work is not subject to copyright laws. However, trademark and privacy/right of publicity laws still apply. It’s essential to educate yourself about intellectual property laws and use common sense when using AI-generated content.
Despite the rise of generative AI, stock photo companies are not becoming obsolete. They still provide licenses and indemnification, offering legal protection for the use of their images. As laws concerning AI images continue to evolve, stock photo sites will adapt and evolve as well.
For photographers and artists, the rise of generative AI may seem like a threat. However, there are opportunities to thrive in this new world. By focusing on storytelling, embracing AI as a tool, developing a unique style, and staying ahead of AI’s limitations, artists can leverage generative AI to enhance their creativity and differentiate themselves.
Generative AI is here to stay, and those who embrace it as a tool without losing their humanity will succeed in this new landscape. While some may resist or become overly reliant on AI, those who find the right balance will thrive and continue to create meaningful and impactful visuals.
In conclusion, generative AI image generators are revolutionizing the way we create images and visuals. They provide accessible options for small publishers and individuals, allowing them to have their own personal creative director, photographer, and artist. While there are legal considerations and challenges to overcome, the opportunities and possibilities offered by generative AI are immense. By embracing AI as a tool, artists and creators can elevate their creativity and thrive in this new world.
