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How to collaborate with AI like artist Claire Silver

Feel like you're falling behind with all the latest AI art developments? Did you totally miss out on the recent updates with Stability AI and Midjourney? We got you.

Since covering AI in both our January and May issues, we have been taking copious notes so you can continue to innovate your arts practice.

This week, we help you get caught up on the latest development in AI art tools, regulation, and share some special insights from leading AI artist - Claire Silver.

Let’s get started.

What AI artist Claire Silver has to say

We asked Claire, “What advice do you have for artists for working with AI?”

Inspired by Claire, and want to start experimenting with the very same AI tools she uses? Read on.

2 updated AI tools you should experiment with right now

#1: Stability AI

Stability AI just launched its latest image-generating model, Stable Diffusion XL 1.0.

This advanced model offers:

• Enhanced image quality with better colors, contrast, and lighting

• 1-megapixel resolution images that are generated quickly

• Various tasks like in-painting and out-painting

• An understanding of complicated, multi-part instructions given in short prompts (versus previous models that needed longer text prompts)

Want to start experimenting now? Check out Stability AI’s Dream Studio to get started.

#2: Midjourney

Earlier this summer, Midjourney announced the rollout of version 5.2 of its text-to-image AI model. This latest update includes a zoom out feature, a “make square” tool, stylize, variation command, and shortened prompts.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to use Midjourney, we suggest heading over to NFT Now’s tutorial, or check out their latest interview with artist ClownVamp on unlocking your prompting power in Midjourney.

Other people to follow include Nick St. Pierre who runs through his process on Twitter X, or our very own designer at HUG Sour Power who shares tips on her Instagram.

The latest regulatory discussions around AI

As exciting as AI is, there continues to be debate and concerns over the ethics behind using it in our everyday lives. In response, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic have founded the Frontier Model Forum to oversee the safe progression of advanced AI models.

This initiative focuses on:

• The "safe and responsible" development and research of cutting-edge AI technology

• Defining standards for the AI industry

• Collaboration with with political and academic entities to further our understanding of the implications of AI

Commitments from the meeting included watermarking AI content to make it easier to spot misleading material such as deep fakes, while also allowing independent experts to test AI models.

That said, artists still find themselves at the center of this issue with much of their work being used as training data for the generative AI models. While many companies claim they are shielded by law through the fair use doctrine, startups like Spawning have now emerged to allow artists to opt out of training models.

Lastly, while there are plenty of fear-stoking narratives that AI will destroy human civilization, venture capitalist Marc Andreesen offered an interesting counter narrative on Why AI Will Save the World, which is worth a read.

Closing Thoughts

In the midst of doomsday scenarios and excitement surrounding AI, it is important to remember its role and potential as a powerful ally for the artist.

Artists can leverage AI’s potential to push the boundaries of their craft, create thought-provoking work, and connect with audiences in profound ways. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we encourage you to continue experimenting with how AI both collides with and informs your craft. The results will be what shapes our collective imagined future.

In the News

Industry News

• Over two million humans have stared into the Orb, the flagship device from Worldcoin, the crypto-meets-AI project co-founded by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI). Learn more about what Worldcoin is, and whether we should be hopeful or terrified.

• Sotheby's Gen Art Program, featuring works by the 99-year-old pioneer artist Vera Molnár in collaboration with artist Martin Grasser, sold out in an hour via Dutch Auction.

• Reddit added to its 18 million NFTs minted by launching Gen 4 of its Collectible Avatars titled Retro Reimagination, which featured dozens of creators from Cool Cats to Micah Johnson and BearBrains.

• The British Museum is entering the metaverse via Sandbox, and will be building an interactive space, while also offering digital collectibles.

Tools and Resources

• Writers - ever wondered what literary NFTs are and how they could help? Check out this introductory guide and resource here.

• Adobe Photoshop’s generative AI feature effectively allows you to “uncrop” an image. Learn more here.

• Artist Grant Yun shares some much-needed advice and inspiration for how to navigate slower markets.

Notable Creators

• Artist Refik Anadol and the Yawanawá People of Brazil Are debuting an NFT Collection to protect the Amazon forest, leveraging technology to uplift sustainability and environmental protections.

• Beeple’s $29M sculpture Human One will be exhibited in the US for the first time at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas since it was sold at Christie’s in 2021.

• Dive into the cool, cute, and creepy world of Mumbot’s phygital art.

Artist Grants and Opportunities

• ☕️ Enter the Crypto Cafe with Jack Butcher! Join our conversation with Jack Butcher and get the opportunity to ask him for advice and guidance live. Learn more and submit here.

• 🇰🇷 Be a part of Korea Blockchain Week. We are teaming up with Avalanche to showcase 9 artists at the Avalanche House in Seoul, South Korea at a landmark location. Learn more and submit here.

• 🎲 Vegas is calling all illustrators! Get your work displayed in Las Vegas at the BREATHE! Convention, an emerging tech conference, in September. Learn more and submit here.

• 💰 HUG is offering $500 USD grants to two artists each month in exchange for unminted artwork to raffle off to our community. Learn more and meet all our HUG Visionaries here.

• 🖼 Take part in 404, August 2023 Art Catalog, where glitch artist Patrick Amadon will be acquiring $3,500 of submitted art, alongside a number of different collectors. Learn more and apply here.

This Week’s Art Drops

Did you know that these are just 8 of 300+ art drops on HUG? Get a full list of this week’s art drops from HUG here.