The internet is filled with articles about the dangers of AI. We would like to share a few words on generative AI, and why we think it is a potentially useful creative tool. In the wrong hands, these tools can be used to spread misinformation, create fake images and video of people, copy other artists’ work without permission, or very quickly create a lot of art that is not great. Our social media feeds are filled with examples of this.

At Atomic Octopus Studios, we are taking a cautiously optimistic approach. We were initially hesitant to consider using this new technology, but something did not feel right about that. Humans have been using tools for millions of years. The right tools in the right hands can save time, and create amazing work that an artist might not have otherwise been able to create. As artists, we have been using cutting edge digital tools for years, we would be crazy not to explore the possibilities.

Imagine The Possibilities

Imagine having a magical art box that could help you draw and paint anything you can dream of. This isn’t just any art box; it’s a special kind called “Generative AI,” which is like a robot artist that lives inside computers and tablets. More accurately, the robot artist lives on big computer servers somewhere on the internet, and we give it instructions using an app or web site. This robot artist doesn’t get tired or run out of ideas. It can help you make all kinds of art, from pictures of dragons and spaceships to beautiful landscapes and funny cartoons.

Using Generative AI to create art is like having a super smart friend who knows something about drawing and painting. You can tell this friend, “I want to make a picture of a cat wearing a superhero cape flying in the sky,” and it will help you bring your idea to life. It’s fun because you can mix your imagination with the AI’s skills to make artwork that is unique and exciting. Sometimes, it might surprise you with what it comes up with because it can think of ways to make art that people might not think of.

Remember, generative AI is like a helper, not the boss. You are the real artist! You get to decide if you like what the AI made or if you want to change something. You can even mix parts of what the AI made with your own drawing to make something new. Adobe has recently been integrating their Firefly generative tool into many of their apps for creative pros, and the results have been promising.

Using generative AI to create art is a great way to learn and have fun with art. Adobe’s Firefly tool, for example, lets you easily explore different artistic styles, it has proven to be a great tool for learning about art. By using these technologies, individuals and organizations unlock a world of possibilities. The promise of generative AI tools is not just in the remarkable efficiency they offer but in the journey of discovery as we use them and play with imaginative prompts and test new ideas.