In 2021 Beeple sold a NFT version of his digital work ”Everydays” for $69 million at Christie’s. It wasn’t created with an AI art generator or using traditional oil and a canvas. It was created using a combination of 3D modeling software, graphic design software, and other digital tools.
But the potential of new age art in the form of tech inspired digital formats was revealed.
What is an AI art generator?
An AI art generator is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, such as machine learning and neural networks, to create or generate artwork automatically. These algorithms analyze and learn from large datasets of existing artwork to generate new and unique pieces of art.
The AI art generator can produce various forms of artwork, including AI paintings, drawings, sculptures, and even music. The process of creating art with AI involves feeding a large amount of data into the algorithm, training it to recognize patterns and features of the artwork, and then generating new pieces based on the learned features.
AI art generators have gained popularity in recent years and have been used in various fields, including advertising, design, and entertainment. They offer a unique way to explore creativity and push the boundaries of what is possible in art. However, some critics argue that AI-generated art lacks the emotional depth and human touch of traditional art created by human artists.
Do AI art generators matter? And why should you care?
Beeple (real name: Mike Winkelmann) created his “Everydays” digital art by committing to creating and posting a new digital artwork every day for over 13 years. The “Everydays” project began in May 2007 and continued until January 2021, resulting in over 5,000 unique digital artworks. The final “Everydays” artwork was a collage of 5,000 images created over more than a decade of creating a piece of art every day.
When photography was invented in the 19th century nearly 200 years ago it was initially seen as a threat to traditional artists. It was seen as science and not art.
Digital art has also been seen as a threat to traditional art.
But now AI art generators are seen as a threat to any art.
But what is art?
Art can be broadly defined as a form of human expression that is created to communicate a particular idea, emotion, or message. It encompasses a wide range of creative practices, including visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and photography, as well as performing arts such as music, theater, and dance.
Art is often characterized by its aesthetic qualities, such as its beauty or the skill required to create it. However, it can also be used to challenge or critique societal norms and conventions, to provoke thought and reflection, or to express complex emotions and experiences.
12 Popular AI art generators to use in 2024
Dall-E is perhaps the most popular AI art generator and a sibling of the now-famous ChatGPT, which is a generative AI tool and platform.
Here are some of the most popular and interesting AI art generators:
1. DALL-E by OpenAI
Pricing: $15 for 115 credits (1 credit = 1 prompt with 4 options)
DALL-E by OpenAI is a groundbreaking AI model that specializes in generating unique images from textual descriptions. Named after the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and the Pixar character Wall-E, DALL-E represents a fusion of artistic imagination and machine learning prowess. This innovative AI system takes text prompts—descriptions or combinations of concepts—and translates them into original, high-quality images that don’t exist in the real world.
One of DALL-E’s most exceptional features is its ability to understand and generate visuals based on textual cues, allowing users to describe complex and abstract scenes or objects and receive corresponding visual outputs. This includes creating images of fantastical creatures, conceptual designs, or unusual combinations that defy conventional imagery.
DALL-E’s performance is notable for its creativity and versatility. It excels in generating diverse and imaginative visuals that match the given descriptions, often producing surprising and novel results. The AI’s capability to understand nuanced textual prompts and translate them into coherent and visually appealing images demonstrates its robustness in capturing the essence of abstract ideas.
2. DreamStudio
Pricing: Free for 25 credits; $10 for 1,000 credits (enough for ~1,200 images with the default settings)
DreamStudio is a creative platform that utilizes AI algorithms to transform ordinary photos into visually stunning and artistic compositions. It offers users a range of filters, effects, and artistic styles to apply to their images, allowing for creative transformations that turn everyday pictures into captivating artworks.
DreamStudio’s performance revolves around its ability to provide users with an array of AI-generated filters and effects, allowing them to enhance and stylize their images in unique ways. It offers various artistic styles inspired by famous artists, enabling users to apply these styles to their photos and achieve results reminiscent of renowned art pieces or specific artistic movements.
The platform typically performs well in delivering a diverse set of artistic filters and effects that cater to different preferences and styles. It allows users to experiment with various transformations, from impressionistic renderings to surrealistic interpretations, depending on the selected filters and effects.
3. NightCafe
Pricing: Free, Paid plans start from $5.99 per month
NightCafe Studio is an AI-powered platform focused on transforming images into vibrant and dreamlike artworks. It specializes in offering users a range of creative filters, effects, and editing tools inspired by the aesthetics of famous artists and art movements. NightCafe aims to provide users with the ability to turn their photos into visually striking compositions reminiscent of various artistic styles.
NightCafe Studio’s performance revolves around its curated selection of filters and effects, designed to evoke the essence of renowned art movements and artists. It offers users the opportunity to apply these filters to their images, allowing for the creation of visually captivating scenes reminiscent of surreal landscapes, abstract compositions, or other artistic genres.
The platform typically performs well in delivering a distinct range of artistic filters and effects that enable users to infuse their images with creative interpretations. It provides users with an array of options to experiment with different styles, colors, and visual enhancements, resulting in unique and eye-catching transformations.
4. Bing Image Creator
Pricing: Free
Bing Image Creator harnesses the capabilities of DALL-E, functioning as a free AI-powered art generator focused on creating digital artwork through textual commands and prompts. Accessible at no cost, this tool requires users to have a Microsoft account for usage. As of now, it solely supports English language prompts and text, establishing an Image Creator profile for users. Unlike platforms with elaborate presets or editing tools, Bing Image Creator’s simplicity appeals to those seeking an uncomplicated and enjoyable personal creative experience. All generated images maintain a 1:1 ratio (square) with dimensions of 1024 x 1024 pixels. Its user interface is user-friendly and navigable, featuring an “Explore Ideas” tab on the homepage, allowing users to view creations made by others.
One distinctive feature is the “Surprise Me” button, which adds an element of spontaneity to the experience by randomly generating prompts for users to create digital art. It not only showcases the generator’s capabilities but also aids in understanding how specific terms translate within the tool, offering inspiration for structuring future prompts. Ideal for those seeking a quick and uncomplicated AI-generated art creation tool, Bing Image Creator lacks intricate functionalities but serves as an enjoyable outlet for personal digital artistry and experimentation.
In summary, Bing Image Creator, integrated with Bing and Microsoft accounts, stands out as an easy-to-use AI generation tool tailored for casual digital art creation. While lacking complex features, it invites users to explore and indulge in personal artistic expression, making it a suitable choice for those looking to enjoy a straightforward creative process.
5. Jasper Art
Pricing: 200 free images in the free trial, unlimited images after.
Jasper is an AI-powered art creation platform that specializes in generating digital artworks using sophisticated machine learning algorithms. By leveraging advanced neural networks and deep learning techniques, Jasper aims to assist users in crafting unique and visually appealing artworks.
Jasper’s performance centers on its ability to produce diverse and artistic visual outputs based on user input or prompts. The platform offers various artistic styles, filters, and effects that users can apply to their images or artworks. It operates on the principle of understanding and transforming images into different artistic renditions, from impressionistic paintings to abstract compositions, providing users with a spectrum of creative possibilities.
The platform typically performs well in delivering aesthetically pleasing and evocative visual transformations, showcasing its proficiency in generating compelling artworks. Jasper’s AI models excel in creating artwork interpretations that reflect different styles, moods, and artistic influences, offering users the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic expressions.
6. Fotor
Pricing: Free
Fotor AI is a versatile platform that integrates artificial intelligence to enhance and transform images. It offers a suite of AI-powered tools designed to assist users in editing, retouching, and enhancing their photos with ease.
Fotor AI’s performance revolves around its array of intelligent features, such as AI photo enhancement, background remover, portrait retouching, and more. The platform utilizes advanced algorithms to automatically enhance image quality, adjust colors, and improve overall aesthetics. It also provides users with the ability to remove backgrounds from images seamlessly and retouch portraits for a polished and professional look.
The platform generally performs well in delivering efficient and effective photo editing capabilities, especially for users looking for quick and easy enhancements. Fotor AI’s intuitive interface and automated tools enable users to achieve professional-grade edits without extensive manual adjustments, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced photographers.
7. StarryAI
Pricing: Free for 5 credits/day; from $11.99/month for 50 credits/month
Starry AI is an innovative platform that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to offer creative image enhancements and transformations. Primarily focused on photo editing and artistic rendering, Starry AI provides users with tools to apply various styles and effects to their images.
Starry AI’s performance revolves around its capability to transform ordinary photos into visually captivating artworks reminiscent of famous artists’ styles or specific artistic movements. The platform offers a range of artistic filters, enabling users to apply diverse visual interpretations to their images, such as impressionistic brushstrokes, surreal effects, or painterly renditions.
The platform typically performs well in delivering artistic enhancements that elevate images into unique and aesthetically pleasing creations. Users can explore different styles and effects, allowing for the generation of artwork that stands out with its artistic flair.
8. Runway
Pricing: Free trial; from $15/editor/month for the Standard plan, with 625 credits per month
Runway is a multifaceted creative platform that integrates a diverse range of AI models and tools aimed at empowering artists, designers, and creators to explore and experiment with AI-driven technologies. It serves as a hub for various creative applications, leveraging cutting-edge machine learning models to enable users to engage with AI in their creative processes.
Runway’s performance revolves around its collection of AI-powered tools, encompassing a wide spectrum of functionalities such as image generation, style transfer, text-to-image synthesis, and more. It provides users with the ability to generate images, manipulate visuals, apply artistic styles, and even create interactive projects using neural networks.
The platform typically performs exceptionally well in delivering a comprehensive suite of AI-driven creative tools, offering users access to a wide array of models and capabilities. Runway’s user-friendly interface and extensive range of tools cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals, facilitating creative exploration and experimentation.
9. Dream by Wombo
Pricing: Free; from $9.99/month for premium features like making multiple outputs from one prompt
Dream by Wombo is an AI-powered application designed to transform photos into vivid and dreamlike artworks. It incorporates advanced neural network algorithms to offer users a creative platform where they can apply imaginative filters and effects to their images.
Dream by Wombo’s performance centers on its ability to generate visually stunning and surreal interpretations of photos. The app provides users with a selection of artistic filters and effects that imbue images with dreamy and fantastical aesthetics. By leveraging AI-driven transformations, users can turn ordinary photos into visually captivating and artistic compositions.
The platform typically performs well in delivering artistic enhancements that infuse images with vibrant colors, unique textures, and surreal elements, offering users the opportunity to create imaginative and visually appealing artworks.
10. Canva AI
Pricing: Free (up to 50 image generations). $10 per month ($119.99 when paid annually) or $14.99 when paid monthly for Canva Pro Plan to generate 500 images per user.
Canva, a popular online graphic design platform, incorporates various AI-driven functionalities to assist users in creating visually appealing designs, presentations, social media graphics, and more. While Canva may not have a specific AI feature known as “Canva AI,” it integrates artificial intelligence across its platform to streamline design processes and enhance user experiences.
Canva’s AI-driven features and performance encompass several functionalities:
- Design Suggestions: Canva utilizes AI algorithms to offer design suggestions and templates based on user preferences, enabling users to quickly create designs tailored to their needs. It suggests layouts, fonts, color schemes, and elements that complement the user’s chosen design style.
- Background Remover: The platform employs AI-based background removal tools, allowing users to easily eliminate backgrounds from images to create transparent or customized backgrounds for their designs.
- Photo Enhancements: AI-powered photo editing tools assist users in enhancing images by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and applying filters to improve overall visual appeal.
- Brand Kit: Canva’s Brand Kit feature utilizes AI to help users maintain brand consistency by suggesting colors, fonts, and design elements aligned with their brand identity.
- Magic Resize: Canva’s AI-driven Magic Resize tool enables users to automatically resize designs or graphics into various dimensions suitable for different social media platforms or print formats.
Canva’s performance in incorporating AI features is generally appreciated for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design tools. The AI-driven functionalities within Canva aim to simplify the design process, providing users with intelligent suggestions and tools that enhance efficiency and creativity.
11. Shutterstock
Pricing: Subscription model: $29 per month for 10 credits, with higher credit packages available
Shutterstock, a popular stock media platform, offers various AI-driven functionalities to enhance its services, but there wasn’t a specific tool widely recognized as the “Shutterstock AI Image Generator.” However, Shutterstock may have integrated AI technologies to enhance search capabilities and provide innovative features for users.
The platform’s AI-driven features typically include:
- Visual Search: Utilizing AI algorithms to enable users to find similar images by uploading a sample image, allowing for improved search results based on visual similarity rather than just keywords.
- Recommendation Engines: AI algorithms analyze user preferences and search history to suggest relevant images, helping users discover content aligned with their interests.
- Auto-Tagging and Categorization: AI-powered tools that automatically tag and categorize images based on their content, facilitating easier search and discovery.
- Customized Image Suggestions: AI algorithms may provide tailored suggestions or curated collections of images based on user behavior or specified criteria.
- Smart Cropping: AI-based tools that assist in cropping or resizing images intelligently for better composition or adaptation to various formats.
The performance of Shutterstock’s AI-related features often revolves around their accuracy, efficiency, and user-friendliness. These functionalities aim to enhance the user experience by streamlining search processes, improving content discovery, and providing intelligent tools for image editing or customization.
12. Generative AI by Getty Images
Pricing: Custom
Getty Images, a renowned stock photography agency, was actively exploring and implementing Generative AI technology to enhance its services. Getty Images had been integrating AI-driven technologies into its platform to streamline image processing, improve search functionalities, and potentially explore generative models for content creation or enhancement.
The application of Generative AI by Getty Images might encompass various functionalities:
- Image Enhancement: Using AI algorithms to enhance the quality of images, improve aesthetics, and optimize visual content for better user experience.
- Content Creation: Exploring generative models to create or synthesize new visual content, potentially generating realistic images or visuals based on user input or predefined criteria.
- Search and Discovery: Leveraging Generative AI to enhance image search capabilities, enabling users to find more relevant and diverse content based on visual similarities or patterns.
- Personalization: Utilizing AI-powered recommendations to personalize user experiences, suggesting images that align with individual preferences or previous interactions.
The performance of Getty Images’ Generative AI features might center on their ability to provide high-quality, relevant, and diverse visual content, as well as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of search functionalities.
13. DeepArt Effects
Pricing: Subscription options are one month (costing $9.90), 3 Months (costing $25 – $8,33/month), and one year (costing $80 – $6,66/month). The One-time fee is $129 and includes all features, free software updates for minor versions, free support, and new art filters.
DeepArt Effects is an AI-based application that allows users to transform their photos into artistic masterpieces by applying various artistic styles and filters. It uses deep neural networks to analyze and reinterpret images in the style of famous artists, art movements, or custom patterns.
The performance of DeepArt Effects revolves around its ability to transform ordinary photos into visually stunning artworks reminiscent of renowned artistic styles such as Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Picasso’s cubism, or other famous paintings. Users can choose from a wide array of styles available within the application or even create their own custom styles.
The application typically functions by allowing users to upload their photos and select the desired artistic style. The AI algorithms then process the images, applying the chosen style to generate unique and personalized artworks. Users can preview and fine-tune the results before saving or sharing their transformed images.
14. PicsArt
Pricing: $5/mo – no-limit access to full suite of AI tools.
PicsArt is a versatile and widely-used mobile photo editing and creative app that offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features for editing photos, creating collages, and generating digital artworks. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and a wide array of creative options catering to both amateur and professional users.
The app’s performance is characterized by various functionalities:
- Photo Editing: PicsArt provides a robust set of editing tools that allow users to enhance photos, apply filters, adjust colors, add text, and create artistic effects, enabling users to customize their images extensively.
- Collage Maker: It offers a collage-making feature that allows users to combine multiple photos into creative collages, offering numerous layout options, backgrounds, and stickers for customization.
- Artistic Tools: PicsArt includes various artistic tools such as brushes, drawing, and painting features that enable users to create digital art from scratch or add artistic elements to their photos.
- AI-Powered Effects: The app integrates AI-driven features that offer smart suggestions, automated editing options, and effects based on user preferences or content.
- Community and Sharing: PicsArt has a strong community aspect, allowing users to share their creations within the app’s social network, discover inspiring content, participate in challenges, and engage with other users’ artworks.
The performance of PicsArt is generally lauded for its extensive range of tools and effects, ease of use, and the ability to cater to various creative needs. It’s favored by users who seek a comprehensive and accessible platform for photo editing, artistic creation, and social interaction centered around creative content.
15. Vance AI Art Generator
Pricing: Free for 3 images/month; from $5 for 100 credits
Vance AI Art Generator is an AI-powered platform that specializes in transforming images into artistic creations using various styles, filters, and effects. The platform leverages advanced neural network technology to enable users to generate artistic renditions of their photos or digital images.
Key features of Vance AI Art Generator might include:
- Artistic Styles: The platform offers a range of artistic styles inspired by famous artists, art movements, or customized patterns. Users can apply these styles to their images to create diverse and visually appealing artworks.
- Image Enhancement: Vance AI might provide tools to enhance images before applying artistic effects, allowing users to adjust colors, contrast, brightness, or remove imperfections to achieve better results.
- Customization and Control: Users may have options to fine-tune the level of artistic effects applied to their images, enabling customization and control over the output.
- Ease of Use: The platform may feature a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of transforming images into artistic creations, catering to both novice and experienced users.
The performance of Vance AI Art Generator is typically evaluated based on the quality and diversity of artistic styles offered, the accuracy of style transfer, user experience, and the level of customization available to users. Users often appreciate AI art generators like Vance AI for their ability to easily and quickly transform images into unique and visually striking artworks.
How can you make money using an AI art generator?
The term starving artist describes many artists who create art for love and passion rather than monetary reward.
But getting paid allows you to create more art and escape the anxiety of just surviving. Being rewarded for your creativity and being affirmed as an artist is exhilarating and life-changing.
As for how you can make money from an AI art generator, there are several potential ways:
- Selling prints or digital copies of AI-generated art online or in galleries.
- Offering commissions to create AI-generated art for clients.
- Licensing AI-generated art for use in advertising, design, or other commercial applications.
- Creating and selling custom AI art generators to individuals or businesses.
- Using AI-generated art as part of a larger project, such as a film or video game, and monetizing that project through traditional means (e.g. ticket sales or in-app purchases).
Disclosure and disclaimer
It’s important to note that the legality of selling AI-generated art can be a bit murky, as there are questions about who owns the copyright to the art, the AI, the person who created the AI, or the person who generated the art?
We are entering new territory and you have to decide whether to seek permission first or to beg forgiveness later.
Entrepreneurs and artists have often stretched the boundaries of society’s rules and perceived legalities.
Uber broke so many rules but it kept going because the world liked their solution. It fixed a problem that was frustrating for many. It challenged the entrenched and the traditional who were trapped in the past.
Sometimes we just need to get shit done!
Over to your creative journey.