AI Explored Podcast Summary
Episode: MidJourney for Business: How to Quickly Create Professional AI Art
Host: Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner
Guest: Marshall Atkinson, MidJourney Expert and Business Coach
Release Date: December 31, 2024
1. Introduction
Michael Stelzner opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the AI Explored podcast, designed for marketers, creators, and business owners interested in leveraging AI technologies. He introduces Marshall Atkinson, a seasoned MidJourney expert, to discuss how businesses can utilize MidJourney to create professional AI-generated art efficiently.
[00:52] Michael Stelzner: "This is the podcast for marketers, creators and business owners who want to know how to use AI..."
2. Marshall Atkinson's Journey with MidJourney
Marshall shares his initial encounter with MidJourney during a presentation by Brian Fanzo at the Content CEX Expo in Cleveland. Inspired by the potential of MidJourney, Marshall swiftly launched his own MidJourney Experience newsletter to help creative professionals harness this AI tool.
[02:54] Marshall Atkinson: "I had a Mid Journey account, but it wasn't until I went to the Content CeX Expo in Cleveland a couple years ago..."
3. Understanding MidJourney and Its Advantages
Marshall emphasizes his background as an art director and artist, highlighting that MidJourney complements his skills rather than replacing them. He explains how MidJourney accelerates the creative process by generating tailored images based on specific prompts, eliminating the need for stock images and allowing for greater creative expression.
[04:47] Marshall Atkinson: "I'm a former art director. I have a degree in art. ... This is a tool that I've found really helps you get to the finish line faster..."
4. Business Applications of MidJourney
Marshall illustrates various business applications of MidJourney, including designing unique textures for apparel, creating illustrations for blog articles, book covers, video thumbnails, and newsletter graphics. He shares a compelling example of designing a Halloween-themed T-shirt for an amusement park, reducing the design time from 30 hours to just 2.5 hours, significantly increasing productivity and profitability.
[19:43] Marshall Atkinson: "If you're doing this by hand in Photoshop... I created 48 to 60 images at once and they all look different..."
5. Addressing AI Art and Plagiarism Concerns
The conversation delves into the debate on whether AI-generated art constitutes plagiarism. Marshall clarifies that MidJourney operates through algorithms that synthesize new images based on vast datasets, ensuring originality. He compares the AI's learning process to that of an art student studying various art forms, arguing that AI serves as a tool for inspiration rather than direct copying.
[13:20] Marshall Atkinson: "It's not copy and paste... It’s using the exact thing... it’s just been inspired by all those images that are on the Internet."
6. Practical Examples and Use Cases
Marshall shares practical examples demonstrating MidJourney's versatility:
- Industrial Design: Rapid iteration of product designs by generating multiple variations quickly.
- Apparel Design: Creating complex T-shirt graphics with intricate elements efficiently.
He emphasizes the importance of speed and variety in the creative process, allowing professionals to explore numerous ideas without the time-consuming manual effort.
[18:04] Marshall Atkinson: "Designing the next pair of Air Jordans... creating 48 to 60 images at once and discarding what doesn’t work."
7. Mastering MidJourney: Tips and Techniques
To maximize the effectiveness of MidJourney, Marshall provides several tips:
- Define Clear Objectives: Know what you want to create to guide the AI effectively.
- Use Specific Prompts: Detailed descriptions yield more accurate and desirable results.
- Experiment with Modifiers: Adjust lighting, camera angles, art styles, and colors to refine outputs.
He introduces the concept of "additive prompting," where prompts are progressively refined to achieve the desired image.
[27:04] Michael Stelzner: "Commas really don't make a difference. They make a difference to me because that's how I think."
8. Exploring SREF Codes
Marshall introduces SREF codes (Style Reference Codes), unique numerical identifiers that alter the art style of generated images. By appending an SREF code to a prompt, users can consistently apply a specific aesthetic, such as making an image resemble a watercolor painting or a vintage engraving.
[34:35] Marshall Atkinson: "SREF code 507... it makes the image look like Paul Revere engraved it on some piece of metal 200 years ago."
Marshall explains how SREF codes can transform the style of any image, providing creators with a vast array of unique looks that stand out as original art.
9. Upscaling and Editing in MidJourney
Marshall discusses methods to enhance and modify MidJourney-generated images:
- Upscaling: MidJourney allows doubling the image size, which can then be further refined using tools like Gigapixel to achieve higher resolutions suitable for professional use.
- Editing Tools: MidJourney offers basic editing functionalities, such as modifying specific parts of an image (e.g., correcting an extra finger on a character) and retexturing, which allows users to change the medium or finish of an image (e.g., turning a cartoon drawing into a photorealistic photo).
[39:31] Marshall Atkinson: "You can upscale... It’s just doubling it... Gigapixel uses AI to interpolate what it thinks it's missing."
These features enable creators to refine their work to meet professional standards, ensuring that AI-generated art seamlessly integrates into various business applications.
10. Conclusion and Resources
Marshall concludes by directing listeners to his resources for further learning:
- MidJourney Experience Newsletter: Weekly insights and tips for $12/month.
- YouTube Channel: Extensive library of unedited tutorials and demonstrations.
- Free MidJourney Survival Guide: A downloadable flipbook available at midjourneyexperience.com/SME.
He emphasizes the transformative potential of MidJourney in enhancing creativity and efficiency for business professionals and creators.
[46:12] Marshall Atkinson: "If you go to midjourneyexperience.com SME... I have a Mid Journey survival guide that I made and it's absolutely free."
Michael Stelzner wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Marshall's resources and stay connected through Social Media Examiner's platforms.
[48:42] Michael Stelzner: "Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today."
Key Takeaways
- MidJourney is a powerful AI tool that accelerates the creation of professional-grade images, tailored to specific business needs.
- Marshall Atkinson leverages MidJourney to enhance productivity, reduce design time, and maintain creative uniqueness.
- SREF Codes offer a unique way to apply consistent art styles across different projects.
- Upscaling and Editing features ensure that AI-generated images meet high-resolution and professional standards.
- Resources such as newsletters, YouTube channels, and free guides are available for those looking to deepen their understanding and mastery of MidJourney.
For more detailed insights and actionable strategies on utilizing AI in your business, subscribe to the AI Explored podcast and explore the resources shared by Marshall Atkinson.