How AI "Artists" are making money with Midjourney right now

Mango Street
30 Jun 202306:03

TLDRThe video script discusses the use of AI-generated images and the democratization of the creative process. It highlights the platform mid-journey, where users can generate art by engineering prompts, and challenges the notion that only a select few can profit from this technology. The video also touches on the value of human creativity and storytelling in photography, and how AI can serve as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than replacing it. Additionally, it promotes Squarespace as a platform for creators to showcase their work and monetize their content.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 The video discusses the impact of AI-generated images on the art and photography industry, challenging the idea that only a select few can create such content.
  • 🖌️ The script introduces 'mid-journey', a subscription-based Discord platform for generative art, which is accessible and affordable for creators.
  • 📸 The process of creating AI art is simplified by using descriptive prompts, which can include details like camera type, composition, and lighting.
  • 🌟 The video uses the example of creating a series inspired by American fashion icon Iris Apple, showcasing how to craft a detailed prompt for AI art generation.
  • 🎨 The importance of variation in AI art creation is emphasized, with suggestions to modify elements like color palette, outfit, and setting for diverse outcomes.
  • 😄 The script humorously addresses the concept of 'whimsy' in art, suggesting that AI-generated images can be playful and entertaining.
  • 💡 The video encourages the use of AI as a starting point for creativity, rather than a complete solution, highlighting the unique vision of human artists.
  • 💼 The role of Squarespace in providing platforms for artists and creators to showcase and sell their work is highlighted, with a focus on its customizable features and member areas.
  • 🌐 The script mentions the benefits of Squarespace for podcasters, including the ability to sell access to exclusive content and manage appointments through a professional website.
  • 🎁 A promotional offer for new Squarespace customers is included, with a discount code 'Mango Street' provided for website or domain purchases.
  • 🚀 The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to explore the possibilities of AI in art and the support provided by platforms like Squarespace.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic discussed in the video?

    -The main topic discussed in the video is the exploration of AI-generated images and their impact on art, beauty ideals, and the cultural fixation with youth.

  • How does the lady in the video spark a discussion about aging and beauty ideals?

    -The lady in the video sparks a discussion about aging and beauty ideals by prompting the viewer to reflect on societal standards of beauty and the overemphasis on youth, leading to a conversation about these topics at home.

  • What platform is mentioned for creating generative art?

    -The platform mentioned for creating generative art is Mid-journey, a subscription-based Discord service.

  • What is the basic plan pricing for Mid-journey?

    -The basic plan for Mid-journey starts at $10.

  • How does one become a 'prompt engineer' in the context of Mid-journey?

    -To become a 'prompt engineer' in the context of Mid-journey, one needs to message the Mid-journey bot, type 'forward slash imagine', press enter, and then type a descriptive prompt for the image they want to generate.

  • What are some elements to consider when creating a prompt for an AI-generated image?

    -Some elements to consider when creating a prompt for an AI-generated image include the camera and lens, image colors, composition, lighting, and other specific visual details.

  • Who is suggested as a model for the AI-generated 'spunky old' series?

    -Iris Apple, an American fashion icon, is suggested as a model for the AI-generated 'spunky old' series.

  • What is the purpose of using variations in AI-generated image creation?

    -The purpose of using variations in AI-generated image creation is to explore different visual outcomes and to increase the chances of creating a unique and appealing image that can potentially generate more revenue.

  • How does the video suggest using AI in the context of photography and filmmaking?

    -The video suggests using AI as a jumping-off point for creativity, particularly in mood and storyboard creation, rather than as a finished product. It emphasizes that AI can be a beneficial tool for photographers and filmmakers.

  • What features does Squarespace offer for podcasters and artists?

    -Squarespace offers features for podcasters such as member areas for selling access to exclusive content, and for artists, it provides a professional portfolio to showcase their work, with customizable layouts and booking appointments directly from the website.

  • What is the special offer mentioned for new Squarespace customers?

    -New Squarespace customers can save 10% by going to squarespace.com/mangostreet or using the code 'Mango Street' at checkout.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 AI and Art: The Democratization of Creativity

This paragraph discusses the impact of AI-generated images on the art world and the potential for individuals to generate income from it. The speaker shares their experience with a video that sparked a conversation about societal beauty standards and the obsession with youth. They introduce a platform called Mid-journey, which allows users to create generative art by being 'prompt engineers.' The process involves being descriptive with prompts, such as specifying camera types, composition, and lighting. The speaker uses Jonas Peterson's work as inspiration to create a series of images featuring Iris Apple, a fashion icon, in various settings and styles. They also mention the 'describe' function, which can help generate prompts based on an uploaded image, and the importance of the community aspect through Discord channels. The paragraph ends with a critique of those who claim that prompt writing is exclusive and overly commercialized, arguing that the real value lies in the tools, not the individual.

05:01

💻 Squarespace: Empowering Creativity and Business

The second paragraph focuses on the benefits of using Squarespace for creatives and businesses. The speaker praises the platform for its ease of use and versatility, highlighting personal experience with multiple Squarespace websites since 2013. They mention new features like member areas that allow for selling access to exclusive content, such as video classes and digital downloads, and the professional portfolio feature that can display photography effectively. Additionally, the speaker talks about the convenience of scheduling and booking appointments directly from the website, improving the workflow for client meetings. The paragraph concludes with a promotional offer for new Squarespace users, encouraging them to explore the platform's extensive options for building a personalized and professional online presence.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Squarespace

Squarespace is a website building platform that provides users with templates and tools to create and host their own websites. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a sponsor and is used as an example of a platform where the creators can showcase and sell their work, such as photography and podcast content.

💡AI generated images

AI generated images refer to visual content created using artificial intelligence algorithms. These algorithms can interpret prompts and generate corresponding images based on the input. In the video, it is discussed how some people are making money by creating and selling AI generated images, which challenges the notion that only a select few can create such content.

💡Mid-journey

Mid-journey is a platform for generative art that operates as a subscription-based Discord server. Users can interact with the Mid-journey bot to generate images based on the prompts they provide. The platform is highlighted in the video as a tool that allows users to become 'prompt engineers' and create their own AI-generated art.

💡Prompt engineering

Prompt engineering is the process of crafting detailed and specific textual instructions for AI algorithms to generate desired outputs, such as images. It involves using descriptive language to guide the AI in creating a particular visual outcome, including aspects like camera settings, colors, composition, and lighting.

💡Beauty ideals

Beauty ideals refer to the culturally influenced standards of physical appearance that are considered attractive or beautiful. The video script mentions a discussion about aging and beauty ideals, highlighting the cultural fixation on youth and how it impacts perceptions of beauty.

💡Cultural fixation with youth

The cultural fixation with youth is a societal tendency to prioritize and idolize youthfulness as the ideal state of being. This concept is often linked to the belief that younger individuals possess greater beauty, vitality, and potential. In the video, this fixation is critiqued as the creators discuss the importance of challenging such norms and embracing a broader range of beauty standards.

💡Generative art

Generative art is a form of digital art that is created with the help of algorithms, often involving randomness or artificial intelligence to generate patterns, images, or designs. It contrasts with traditional art forms by incorporating technology and computational processes to produce the final artwork.

💡Iris Apple

Iris Apple is an American fashion icon known for her unique and eclectic sense of style. In the context of the video, her name is used as an example of a 'spunky old bitty' to create an AI-generated image that challenges stereotypes about aging and beauty.

💡Wes Anderson color palette

The Wes Anderson color palette refers to the distinctive and vibrant color schemes often used in films directed by Wes Anderson, known for their aesthetic appeal and stylized visuals. In the video, this color palette is mentioned as an example of how to add creative variations to AI-generated images.

💡Squarespace site

A Squarespace site refers to a website created using the Squarespace platform. These sites are known for their professional design and user-friendly interface. In the video, the creators mention uploading their AI-generated images to their Squarespace site to sell prints, highlighting the platform's e-commerce capabilities.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making. In the context of the video, AI is central to the discussion of generative art and its potential to democratize the creation and distribution of digital art.

Highlights

The video discusses the impact of AI-generated images and their role in the art and business world.

The speaker's personal experience with AI-generated art sparked a discussion about aging, beauty ideals, and societal fixation on youth.

Mid-journey is introduced as an impressive platform for generative art, offering a subscription-based service on Discord.

The process of creating AI-generated art is demystified, emphasizing that it's accessible to more than just a select few with 'secret sauce'.

A detailed guide on how to use the Mid-journey bot is provided, including the importance of descriptive prompts.

Inspiration is drawn from Jonas Peterson's high-priced art series, suggesting the potential for financial success with AI-generated art.

The concept of using AI-generated art in practical applications like photography workshops and mood/board creation is explored.

The value of AI-generated art is debated, with the speaker arguing that the value lies in the tools, not the human input.

Squarespace is highlighted as a platform for selling art, with features like member areas for exclusive content and professional portfolio websites.

The speaker's personal experience with Squarespace is shared, mentioning multiple websites and the benefits they've found.

A specific example of a Squarespace website for a podcast is given, showcasing the customization and scheduling features.

A promotional offer for new Squarespace customers is mentioned, with a discount code provided.

The transcript concludes with a reflection on the potential of AI in the creative process, suggesting it's better as a starting point rather than a finish line.