TL;DR

AI image generators create pictures from text descriptions. They learn patterns from millions of images during training, then generate new images that match your prompt. Results can be stunning but require practice to master.

Why it matters

AI image generation is revolutionizing design, marketing, entertainment, and creative work. Anyone can now create custom illustrations, concepts, or art without traditional artistic skills.

How AI image generators work

Training phase:

  1. AI is shown millions of images with text descriptions
  2. It learns connections: "sunset" ā†’ orange/red colors, horizon, sky
  3. It learns styles: "watercolor" vs. "photograph" vs. "cartoon"

Generation phase:

  1. You type a text description ("prompt")
  2. AI starts with random noise
  3. It gradually refines the image to match your description
  4. You get a unique picture (usually in seconds)

Think of it like a chef who's tasted thousands of dishes and can now create new recipes by combining flavors they've learned.

DALL-E (OpenAI)

  • Best for: Realistic images, creative concepts, editing existing photos
  • Strengths: Easy to use, safe content filters, high quality
  • Access: ChatGPT Plus, DALL-E website

Midjourney

  • Best for: Artistic, stylized images, fantasy art
  • Strengths: Beautiful aesthetic, strong community
  • Access: Discord-based, subscription required

Stable Diffusion

  • Best for: Full control, customization, local generation
  • Strengths: Open-source, free, runs on your own computer
  • Access: DreamStudio website, or install locally

Firefly (Adobe)

  • Best for: Commercial use, integration with Adobe tools
  • Strengths: Trained on licensed content, safe for business
  • Access: Adobe Creative Cloud

What you can create

Illustrations and concept art

  • Book covers
  • Character designs
  • Scene illustrations
  • Fantasy landscapes

Marketing and branding

  • Social media graphics
  • Product mockups
  • Ad concepts
  • Logo variations

Personal projects

  • Custom wallpapers
  • Birthday cards
  • Memes and fun edits
  • Visualizing ideas

Prototyping and ideation

  • Website designs
  • App interface concepts
  • Product packaging ideas
  • Interior design visualizations

Writing good prompts

Be specific

  • Bad: "a dog"
  • Better: "a golden retriever puppy playing in autumn leaves, warm sunlight, photograph"

Include style descriptors

  • "watercolor painting"
  • "digital art, trending on ArtStation"
  • "pencil sketch"
  • "vintage 1970s photograph"

Describe details

  • Lighting: "golden hour," "dramatic shadows," "soft natural light"
  • Colors: "pastel colors," "vibrant and saturated," "muted earth tones"
  • Mood: "whimsical," "ominous," "peaceful," "energetic"

Use negative prompts (tell AI what NOT to include)

  • "no text, no watermarks"
  • "not blurry"
  • "no extra limbs" (helps avoid common AI mistakes)

Common challenges and limitations

Text in images

  • AI struggles to generate readable text
  • Letters are often gibberish or misspelled
  • Use editing tools to add text afterward

Hands and fingers

  • AI often creates extra fingers or weird hand positions
  • This is improving but still a common issue
  • Generate multiple versions and pick the best

Photorealism

  • AI can create realistic-looking images
  • But close inspection often reveals odd details
  • Best for concepts, not perfect accuracy

Consistency across images

  • Hard to get the exact same character or object in multiple images
  • Requires advanced techniques or specific tools

Copyright and ownership

  • You typically own images you generate (check terms of service)
  • Some tools restrict commercial use on free tiers
  • Training data may include copyrighted images (ongoing legal debate)

Attribution and transparency

  • Disclose when images are AI-generated
  • Don't pass off AI art as human-created in professional settings
  • Credit the tool you used

Bias and representation

  • AI learns from internet images, which contain biases
  • Default outputs may skew toward certain demographics
  • Be intentional about inclusive prompts

Deepfakes and misuse

  • Don't create images of real people without consent
  • Don't generate misleading or harmful content
  • Most tools have content filters to prevent abuse

Tips for better results

1. Generate multiple versions

  • Create 4-10 variations of the same prompt
  • Pick the best or combine elements

2. Iterate and refine

  • Start broad, then add details
  • Adjust lighting, style, or colors based on results

3. Study others' prompts

  • Communities share successful prompts
  • Learn what descriptors work well

4. Use reference images (where supported)

  • Upload a photo to guide the style or composition
  • Mix images with text prompts

Free vs. paid tools

Free options:

  • Stable Diffusion (via DreamStudio or local install)
  • DALL-E (limited free credits)
  • Bing Image Creator (powered by DALL-E, free with Microsoft account)

Paid tiers ($10-30/month):

  • More generation credits
  • Higher resolution
  • Faster processing
  • Advanced features (upscaling, editing)

Should you use AI image generators?

Great for:

  • Rapid prototyping and brainstorming
  • Custom illustrations when budget is tight
  • Personal projects and experimentation
  • Generating ideas to brief human artists

Not ideal for:

  • Final production work requiring perfection
  • Images with readable text
  • Replacing professional photographers/illustrators for high-stakes projects

What's next?

  • AI and Creativity: Can AI truly be creative?
  • AI for Content Creators: Use AI to enhance your creative work
  • AI Ethics: Navigate the legal and moral questions around AI art