AI image generators have been around since as early as 2014, but they’ve become increasingly mainstream. Today there’s no shortage of new image and video generation platforms to try, but it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start.
Our Futures team is constantly exploring new platforms to see which create the best quality visuals. The four we’ve been using lately are Midjourney, Leonardo, Firefly and ChatGPT. Given their different programming foundations, the tools create distinct images, each with their own flair. Let me show you what I mean.
I input the following prompt into each platform; “An illustration of three Generation Z figures.” Here are the outputs.
Each platform offers a unique, pre-determined style that creates differentiation even when using the same prompt. (Varying training data, model architectures, prompt interpretation and fine tuning are some of the factors behind these diverse outputs.) Here’s my take on some general differences in outputs from four leading image generation tools:
Leonardo AI: This platform presents images with a contemporary and relaxed feel, characterized by vibrant and bright colors. The style mimics a comic book graphic, featuring distinct black outlines around subjects.
Adobe Firefly: Images generated by Firefly possess a stylized illustration quality that comes across as very professional. The landscape’s muted colors contrast with the richer tones of characters’ clothing, effectively drawing the viewer’s attention to the three main subjects.
ChatGPT: Images here employ a muted color palette, emphasizing earth tones and subtle contrasts. The style is clean and modern, devoid of intricate details, and gives off a vibe of belonging.
Midjourney: With a bright color scheme similar to Leonardo, Midjourney’s images have softer outlines. The mood is a blend of playful and soothing energy, aligning closely with current fashion trends and youth culture.
Is one image generation platform better than another?
There is no one ‘best’ image generator; each platform provides distinctive strengths tailored to different stylistic needs and creative visions. Tool selection depends entirely on the type of output you envision, the purpose of the project and the vibe you want to establish.
(And no matter the platform, outputs are still only as good as the prompts you give the model and the iterations you engage in to refine them! Just a reminder to treat your work with platforms as a creative exchange, rather than a transaction, to maximize the possibilities for your work.)
Unleash your creativity by experimenting with multiple platforms, and hopefully you’ll find the perfect match to take your project to the next level.
FWIW, my fave at the moment is Midjourney. The bright colors and whimsical style best match my personal style and infuse an energetic feel into my work. How about you?
Lilly Callahan
