When learning a new technology, I like to drive right in and start using it without reading the manual. In part because of the challenge but also as a test to see how intuitive the interface is. Midjourney’s one of those tools you can pick up and use with very little instruction, but a little knowledge produces much better results.

I’d already experimented with name-dropping artists, materials, and styles. But adjusting the aspect ratio created the most remarkable diversity of images. The standard square box produces lots of portraits, landscapes, and abstracts. But taller ratios result in more figures, and wider radios create some actual scenes.

“a car chase in pyongyang, illustrated, pen and ink”

There’s something North Korean about this, and something like cars. The chasing is barely implied.

“spies by CGSociety”

CGSociety came from a lost of represented artists.

Including “spies” gave me a lot of overcoats, sunglasses, and fedoras. I had to stop using it.

Once again, Midjourney’s experimenting with gender here.

Artists shouldn’t worry about AI taking their job, at least not yet. Midjourney can draw, but it can’t interact. There’s no way to draft, no way to elaborate on one’s instructions, and no sending pieces back for changes. The only artists this will replace are the few who specialize in abstract landscapes reflecting little of the commissioner’s desires.