AI has advanced rapidly over the past few years, making it possible to create videos effortlessly.
While AI image generation has been around for a while, it hasn’t always been easy to access. Yet today, if you want to create an AI image, all you have to do is look for a free generator on Google, and voilà.
The best thing about AI art is that your creativity is limited mainly by how well you can phrase your idea and sometimes by less than that.
What Is AI Art?
If generative AI is used to create a form of expression, it can be considered AI art. When you think of AI art, the first thing that likely pops into your head is AI images, but generative art can also include videos, poems, and even music.
However, it’s important to say that some people don’t consider artworks created by generative AI to be art at all. The main point is that generative AI can’t truly create something new. Instead, it can only recreate something from things it already knows.
But we won’t focus on that too much for now. What we will focus on is that AI art is pretty cool.
That being said, let’s look at how AI and human creativity evolve regarding everything happening.
How AI Is Transforming Creative Processes
Have you noticed how getting started is the hardest part of completing any project? Having the concentration to develop the initial ideas and figure out how the whole process will work.
In art, the creative process consists of 5 steps: preparation, then incubation, illumination, evaluation, and implementation. Now, let’s see how AI changes each step in this process:
1. Preparation
In the traditional approach, preparation is gathering information, reading up on the topic, and finding ideas or sources. However, with large language models (LLMs) being widely available, it’s rare to see someone put in that work instead of using the models.
There’s a simple example: Have you noticed how people now often say ‘Just ask ChatGPT’ instead of ‘Google it’?
On the other hand, the reliability of the information is a separate issue.
2. Incubation
The incubation phase of the creative process has not been affected by the development of AI. That’s because this is the part of the process where we digest the information gathered in the previous step and allow our thoughts to flow freely.
The difference between people and AI in conditions like these is that humans will often give different conclusions when given the same ideas, whereas AI tends to be much more resolute.
3. Illumination
The work completed in the first two steps comes together in the third stage, lighting. A strategy and a more tangible outcome vision may be developed at this point. Again, while AI can help during this stage, the source of most of the creative ideas will usually be real people.
4. Evaluation
AI seems to struggle with the evaluation phase of the creative process. It has trouble choosing metrics for judging and sticking to them, so at least for now, this part of the process is safe from AI.
5. Implementation
Implementation is the last and maybe most important part of the creative process. This is where AI truly shines. Generally speaking, if you’ve completed the previous steps correctly, AI can implement your idea and make it into whatever you imagined.
AI Art in Practice: Use Cases and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the creative process let’s focus on the part we said AI had the most significant influence on implementation. So, what can AI create if given the proper directions?
AI Creating Images
AI image generation is likely the first thing that comes to mind when you hear AI art. AI can create, repurpose, touch up, edit, and even wholly transform images, all with a simple prompt. With tools like MidJourney or DALL E, you are only limited by your creativity.
AI Creating Songs
You can use AI to create songs. Depending on your model, you can provide a narrative, the whole lyrics, or even just the beat. The most popular generators are Sounddraw and Udio.
AI Creating Videos
You can use AI to bring images to life through videos, and even though this results in things like deepfakes, which are pretty questionable, there are some fun things you can do. One of the most famous AI video generation models is Viggle AI.
AI Creating Text
It’s no secret that AI has taken over the world of creative writing, where tools like ChatGPT, Koala AI, and Notion AI have made it difficult for authors to keep up. Nevertheless, there are still many who prefer human-written content.
The Ethical and Philosophical Questions
Wow, AI sure can do a lot, but can we really call this creative art?
The official meaning defines art as expressing or applying human creative skill and imagination. But this leaves a bit of a gray area: if AI is created by humans and AI creates art, does that mean that piece of art was the product of human creativity?
Again, while most people say no, there is room for debate.
Opportunities for Artists, Tech Enthusiasts, and Educators
On a less serious note, is there a real-life application of AI art, or is it just a means of expressing digital creativity?
There is a use, especially for professional artists, tech enthusiasts, and educators looking to broaden their toolset.
Artists using AI Art
For artists willing to overlook the ethical and philosophical issues, AI can serve as a helper and even an inspiration source for new ideas or projects.
Imagine you’re an artist working on one of your paintings, and you need to fill in a portion of that painting. If you’re stuck on what to do, you can ask AI for suggestions!
Tech Enthusiasts and AI Art
It’s not very common for people to be a jack of all trades, so while someone might be a fantastic programmer, it’s not likely that they’re a good artist. Moreover, not everyone who is creative can be an artist, but that’s not the case with AI.
If you have an idea for a song you know will sound fantastic, AI can help you bring it to life and share your idea with others.
Educators and AI Art
Teachers and educators may also benefit from using AI while developing their curricula. AI can help create tests, develop fun project ideas, and give general tips on how to be a better teacher.
We’d like to take this chance to recommend that teachers shouldn’t discourage students from using AI for help. Instead, the focus should be on responsible use and show your students that AI is an aid, not a plagiarism tool.
Conclusion
That’s it for our article on the intersection of AI and creativity.
We hope we’ve shown you some AI models in creating something from nothing.
While debates continue about its role in true artistry, AI’s ability to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and open doors for artists, tech enthusiasts, and educators is undeniable.