So Many AI Tools. Which One Should I Use?

06 December 2023 | Issue #26

Last second edit: Google just announced Gemini, its answer to ChatGPT. Go check it out!

Still trying to figure out where to start with AI image generators? You're not alone.

Marketing strategists Frank and Marci recently conducted an experiment pitting DALL-E 3, Firefly 2, and Midjourney 5.2 against each other. The survey, which I had the opportunity to participate in when it first launched, was a fascinating exploration into the preferences of users when it comes to AI-generated imagery. The setup was simple: 10 prompts were given to each tool in a blind test to see which images would resonate most with people. The results were quite revealing – Midjourney emerged as the winner in 4 out of 10 rounds, with Firefly and DALL-E closely following.

This survey opened my eyes to the distinct strengths and weaknesses of each tool. I've used them all, but I haven't created specific tests to determine strengths and weaknesses.

Midjourney, known for its artistic styles, requires some learning and interaction through Discord. DALL-E, integrated with ChatGPT, is adept at handling complex prompts and adding text to images. Firefly, with its user-friendly interface, is seen as a safe option for commercial use due to its training on licensed and public domain imagery. Each tool offers a unique approach to AI image generation, catering to different needs and preferences.

And here's the thing about AI in the creative field: it's not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. The best tool for your business or project depends on specific requirements, whether it's artistic diversity, ease of use, or legal safety. These AI tools are transforming the way we create visual content, turning ideas into high-quality images in seconds. Personally, I mix and match the tools based on what I need. I often pull the genAI images into Photoshop to finish them off.

For a deeper insight into this comparison and to understand how these AI tools can enhance your business's visual storytelling, I recommend checking out the full article on Frank and Marci's blog. It's an eye-opener into the evolving world of AI-driven creativity.

NEWS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MARKETING, DESIGN, & AI

✌🏻 Working with AI: Two Paths to Prompting

This article delves into the evolving world of AI prompting and how it's impacting the way we interact with AI tools like ChatGPT. This is a meaty article that goes deep.

Learning by Doing: The key takeaway is the power of just using AI to learn its capabilities. Consultants at Boston Consulting Company significantly improved their performance by using GPT-4 without special training, suggesting that hands-on experience is crucial in mastering AI application.
Evolving Prompting Techniques: The article also discusses the shift from structured prompting to more conversational approaches. As AI systems become more intuitive, they can better understand and anticipate user needs, simplifying the prompting process.
h/t to Dan Nestle

Explore the full insights on the dynamic approaches to AI prompting.

🤖 White House guidelines on AI offer a start — but more work is needed, AI expert says

Reading through this piece from WGBH, it's clear that the White House's new AI guidelines are a significant step, but there's a sense that they don't quite go far enough. It's a bit like setting the stage for a play without fully committing to the script. The guidelines aim to steer federal agencies towards responsible AI use, yet they stop short of being enforceable rules, leaving a gap in how AI's potential risks are managed.

The guidelines are important in directing federal attention to AI's responsible use, reflecting the government's role as a major consumer of AI technology.
The main concern lies in the non-binding nature of these guidelines. Without legal weight, there's a risk that issues like AI biases and errors might not be adequately addressed, especially in government applications.

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👩🏽‍🏫 Amazon aims to provide free AI skills training to 2 million people by 2025 with its new ‘AI Ready’ commitment

Amazon's "AI Ready" initiative is quite a game-changer. They're planning to offer free AI skills training to 2 million people by 2025. It's a big move, considering the growing demand for AI talent and the potential salary boost for those skilled in AI.

I went through an Amazon-led AI/ML bootcamp back in 2019 and it really opened my eyes to how these things work.

Amazon is launching eight new free AI and generative AI courses, accessible to everyone, and aligning with in-demand jobs.
They're also offering a $12 million AWS Generative AI Scholarship to over 50,000 students, plus a collaboration with Code.org for an accessible introduction to generative AI.

📽️ Pika’s Imagination Engine

Pika's launch is quite a milestone in the AI-driven video creation world. With a hefty $35M Series A funding led by Lightspeed, Pika, founded by Demi Guo and Chenlin Meng, is set to revolutionize the video-making and editing experience. It's all about making high-quality video creation accessible to everyone, not just the pros.

Pika's platform allows anyone to generate professional-grade videos using AI, breaking down the barriers of traditional video production.
With over 500,000 people already using Pika in its beta phase, it's clear that this tool has the potential to democratize the field of video creation, making it more accessible and less intimidating.
I'm already on the wait list!

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NEW RESOURCES FOR YOU

The recent story of Andrew Neely, as detailed in a Business Insider article, is a stark illustration of the profound impact AI is having on creative professions. Neely, a freelance writer, experienced a significant loss of income when one of his regular clients replaced his services with ChatGPT. This shift not only affected his financial stability but also prompted him to reconsider his career path, leading him back to school for a degree in environmental studies. Neely's situation is a clear example of the disruption AI is causing in fields traditionally reliant on human creativity and intellect.

Neely's experience aligns with the broader narrative I've been discussing about AI's role in reshaping job markets, particularly in creative sectors. His story is a real-world example of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI's advancement.

While AI tools like ChatGPT offer efficiency and cost-effectiveness, they also pose a threat to traditional job roles, compelling professionals to adapt and evolve. This situation highlights the importance of staying ahead in the AI game, understanding its capabilities, and finding new ways to integrate these advancements into one's skill set. It's a reminder that we're still in the early stages of AI's integration into the workforce, and there's time to learn and adapt to these changes.

For those interested in understanding the full scope of this issue and how it might affect their own careers, I recommend reading the full article on Business Insider. It offers valuable insights into the real-world implications of AI in the creative job market and serves as a wake-up call for professionals to stay informed and proactive in an AI-augmented world.

If you're curious about what your options are, click on the link below for coaching. I'm happy to spend some time talking through your skills and experience, and explore what options are out there where you can apply your skills to other areas that may be harder for AI to disrupt.