From Pixels to Paintings: The Rise of Midjourney AI Art

Are you curious about a revolutionary AI program that can generate high-quality images from text descriptions? Look no further than Midjourney, which is causing a stir in the world of artificial intelligence. Midjourney AI Art generator program uses cutting-edge technology to create images with a unique artistic style, unlike DALL-E

From Pixels to Paintings The Rise of Midjourney AI Art
From Pixels to Paintings The Rise of Midjourney AI Art

Are you curious about a revolutionary AI program that can generate high-quality images from text descriptions? Look no further than Midjourney, which is causing a stir in the world of artificial intelligence. Midjourney AI Art generator program uses cutting-edge technology to create images with a unique artistic style, unlike DALL-E 2 and Stable Diffusion.

Midjourney is designed to create images with its very unique style, making it an ideal tool for artists and creatives who want to express themselves through their work. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into what Midjourney is, how it works, and how you can access and use it to explore your creative side.

  1. What is Midjourney?
    1. History
  2. How is it Different from DALLE 2 and Stable Diffusion?
    1. Dalle 2 vs Midjourney
    2. Stable Diffusion vs Midjourney
  3. Possibilities
    1. Emotions
    2. Journey Through Time
    3. Art Medium
    4. Color Pallete
    5. Surrounding Environment
  4. How to Use Midjourney AI?
  5. Unleash the Artist in You!
    1. Prompt Engineering in Midjourney
    2. Advanced Prompts for Midjourney
    3. Midjourney Parameters
      1. Model
      2. Upscale
      3. Seed
      4. Stylize
    4. Variations
    5. Image Blending
    6. Using Images with Prompts for Blending
  6. Model Versions
  7. Remix
  8. Remaster
  9. Other Commands
    1. Info
    2. Settings
    3. Show
  10. Summary

What is Midjourney?

Midjourney is an independent research lab that has been making waves in the world of artificial intelligence with its eponymous AI program. The program is designed to create images from textual descriptions, much like OpenAI’s DALL-E and Stable Diffusion. While the underlying technology is speculated to be based on Stable Diffusion, Midjourney’s creators have developed their own unique style for the generated images that have garnered a lot of attention from both AI enthusiasts and artists alike.

Midjourney AI Art Showcase - midjourney images
Midjourney AI Art Showcase

The tool is currently in open beta, having entered this phase on July 12, 2022. Since then, it has been attracting a growing number of users who are fascinated by its capabilities. With Midjourney, users can create artwork using Discord bot commands, making the process of generating images quick and easy.

History

David Holz, the co-founder of Leap Motion, is the driving force behind Midjourney. Holz is a well-known figure in the tech industry, having co-founded Leap Motion in 2010. Leap Motion is a company that produces motion-sensing technology for computers and virtual reality headsets.

Midjourney first debuted on March 14, 2022, when the discord server was launched with a request to post high-quality photographs to Twitter/Reddit for the system’s training. The company has been working tirelessly to improve its algorithms and has released new versions every few months. Version 2 of their algorithm was launched in April 2022, followed by version 3 in July of the same year. On November 10, 2022, the alpha iteration of version 4 was released to users.

How is it Different from DALLE 2 and Stable Diffusion?

Although the working concept of these image generation tools is very similar, the results produced differ greatly from model to model, and one needs to find the right model that works for them.

Dalle 2 vs Midjourney

While Midjourney and DALL-E 2 both deliver exceptional quality, there is a significant difference in the style of images they generate. Images generated by DALL-E 2 are more photo-realistic. On the other hand, Midjourney chases after a more artsy style. 

Dalle 2 - a woman staring straight into the camera with cinematic lighting, chiaroscuro
Dalle 2 Prompt : a woman staring straight into the camera with cinematic lighting, chiaroscuro
prompt - young_woman
Midjourney Prompt : a woman staring straight into the camera with cinematic lighting, chiaroscuro

Although it lacks the very useful inpainting and outpainting features provided by DALL-E 2, Midjourney is more precise and accurate in creating detailed images.

Stable Diffusion vs Midjourney

Midjourney works better straight out of the box with less prompt tinkering required compared to Stable Diffusion, while the latter has the benefit of being Open Source and hence can be trained with specific datasets to get what you want. 

Stable Diffusion - an old medieval ruin of a giant ancient city fortress in the mountains
Stable Diffusion prompt : an old medieval ruin of a giant ancient city fortress in the mountains
MidJourney - an old medieval ruin of a giant ancient city fortress in the mountains
MidJourney prompt : an old medieval ruin of a giant ancient city fortress in the mountains

As Midjourney also comes with a subscription plan, Stable Diffusion will be a great choice if you are on a budget.

Midjourney certainly has the upper hand with the quality of images it produces. Also, Midjourney art styles are sought-after by artists is also one of the biggest reasons for it gaining such popularity in a short amount of time. But still, all these models are in the beta phase and continuously evolving.

Possibilities

Emotions

prompt - happy dog
Happy
prompt - shocked dog
Shocked
prompt - angry dog
Angry
prompt - sleepy dog
Sleepy

Journey Through Time

1700s era dog
1700s
1900s era dog
1900s
1960s era dog
1960s
2000s era dog
2000s
2050s era dog
2050s

Art Medium

Paper quilling style image dog
Paper Quilling
watercolor style image of dog
Watercolors
black light painting style image of dog
Blacklight Painting
charcoal style image of dog
Charcoal

Color Pallete

amethyst colored dog
Amethyst
chartreuse colored dog
Chartreuse
rainbow colored dog
Rainbow
sepia colored dog
Sepia

Surrounding Environment

beach dog
Beach
rainforest
Rainforest
mountain dog
Mountain
desert dog
Desert

How to Use Midjourney AI?

Currently, MidJourney can only be accessed on the discord server, so to start using it, you need an account on the discord. 

First, visit the MidJourney website and click on the join beta program. 

midjourney website screenshot

After this, you need to accept an invite to the Midjourney discord server. Now open your discord app and click on the boat shape icon of the MidJourney server. You can join any newcomer room with the name “newbie”.

midjourney discord server
midjourney newbies room

Use the prompt with the “/imagine” command and start creating images from your imagination and get the result from MidJourney.

midjourney prompt using imagine command
midjourney image generation process intermediate images
generated midjourney image using prompt: cat in hat
Midjourney Image Generation Output
Prompt : cat in hat

Unleash the Artist in You!

Prompt Engineering in Midjourney

Prompts are the game for generating unique and exciting images with the Midjourney Bot. They provide a text description of the image that you want to create and guide the bot in its generation process. Whether you want a photo, painting, or doodle, the prompt can help the bot produce the exact type of image you desire. The prompts are used with the “/imagine” command.

Midjourney ai art prompt - young woman
Prompt : young woman

Basic prompts are as simple as a single word, phrase, or even an emoji. The bot does not understand grammar or sentence structure, so word choice matters. More specific synonyms work better than generic ones, and fewer words mean each word has a more powerful influence.

Prompt : Beautiful young woman oblique shot, brown hair in single braid, hazel eyes, zendaya, high collar coat, post apocalypse fantasy, epic moody dark lighting
Prompt : Beautiful young woman oblique shot, brown hair in single braid, hazel eyes, zendaya, high collar coat, post apocalypse fantasy, epic moody dark lighting

In Midjourney prompts, to ensure the bot generates specific details. Think about the subject, medium, environment, lighting, color, mood, and composition. Anything left unsaid will be randomized.

Advanced Prompts for Midjourney

Advanced prompts can include one or more image URLs, multiple text phrases, and one or more parameters. Image URLs can be added to a prompt to influence the style and content of the finished result, and parameters can change how an image generates, such as aspect ratios, negative prompts, models, upscalers, and more.

Midjourney Advanced Prompt Structure
Midjourney Advanced Prompt Structure

It is also essential to focus on what you want in the image instead of what you don’t want. If you don’t want a cake at a party, instead of saying “no cake” in the prompt, try advanced prompting using the “–no” parameter to put “no cake” as a negative prompt.

Prompt : birthday party no cake
Prompt : birthday party no cake
Prompt : Birthday party using negative prompt --no cake
Prompt : Birthday party –no cake

Details matter in prompts and anything left unsaid will be randomized. 

Midjourney Parameters

Parameters are options added to a prompt that can change how an image generates in Midjourney. These parameters can change an image’s aspect ratios, switch between different Midjourney model versions, and alter which upscaler is used, among other things. Parameters are always added to the end of a prompt, and multiple parameters can be added to each prompt.

Basic parameters include aspect ratios, chaos, negative prompting, rendering quality, seed, stop, style, and stylize. We will explore some essential parameters.

Model

Midjourney periodically releases updated versions of its models to enhance efficiency, coherence, and image quality. Each model has its own strengths and is designed for specific types of images.

A model can be selected for a generation job by adding its respective parameter at the end of the image prompt. The available models are,

  • Niji: an alternative model focused on anime-style images, specified by using “–niji”.
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --niji model - best midjourney prompts
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –niji
  • High Definition: an early alternative model that produces larger, less consistent images. This algorithm may be suitable for abstract and landscape images, specified by using “–hd”.
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --hd high definition model
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –hd
  • Test: a special test model provided by Midjourney, specified by using “–test”.
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --test high coherence model
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –test
  • Testp: a special photography-focused test model provided by Midjourney, specified by using “–testp”.
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --testp midjourney photography model
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –testp
  • Version: users can choose to use earlier versions of the Midjourney algorithm by specifying the version number (1, 2, 3, or 4) or by using the shortcut “–v” followed by the version number. The current Midjourney V4 is the default setting.
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --v 4, midjourney version v4 prompts
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –v 4
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --v 3, midjourney version 3
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –v 3
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --v 2, midjourney version 2
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –v 2
Prompt : knight with diamond armor --v 1, midjourney version 1
Prompt : knight with diamond armor –v 1

Upscale

Midjourney generates a grid of low-resolution image options for each generation job and provides an upscaler for increasing the size and adding additional details to any grid image.

Multiple upscale models are available for upscaling images:

Prompt : adorable penguin in leather armor
Original image
Prompt : adorable penguin in leather armor
  • Uplight: an alternative “light” upscaler that results in an image closer to the original grid image. The upscaled image is less detailed and smoother. This upscaler can be selected using the “–uplight” option.
--uplight midjourney Upscaler
–uplight Upscaler
  • Detailed Upscaler: The Detail Upscaler enhances an image to 1024px x 1024px size by incorporating numerous intricate details. Furthermore, by clicking the Upscale to Max button, images upscaled with the detailed upscaler can be further upscaled again to a final resolution of 1664px x 1664px. The Detailed Upscaler is the default option for Midjourney Model Versions V1, V2, V3, and hd.
detailed midjourney Upscaler
Detailed Upscaler
  • Upbeta: an alternative beta upscaler that results in an image closer to the original grid image. The upscaled image has significantly fewer added details. This upscaler can be selected using the “–upbeta” option.
--upbeta midjourney Upscaler
–upbeta Upscaler
  • Upanime: an alternative upscaler specifically trained to work with the “–niji” Midjourney Model.
--upanime midjourney Upscaler
–upanime Upscaler

Seed

The seed number is a critical component of the Midjourney bot’s algorithm. The seed number creates a field of visual noise that serves as a starting point for generating the initial image grids. While seed numbers are generated randomly for each image, users can also specify a particular seed number using the “–seed” parameter.

cyberpunk cat --seed 1071856 run 1 model version 4
cyberpunk cat --seed 1071856 run 2 model version 4

Different runs with the same seed using model version 4
Prompt : cyberpunk cat –seed 1071856 –q 2

Seed can be any whole number between 0 and 4294967295. The same prompt+seed+parameters in Model Versions 4 and niji will produce identical images. The previous models are non-deterministic and will produce similar, not identical, images.

cyberpunk cat --seed 1071856 run 1 model version 3
cyberpunk cat --seed 1071856 run 2 model version 3
cyberpunk cat --seed 1071856 run 3 model version 3

Different runs with the same seed using model version 3
Prompt: cyberpunk cat –seed 1071856 –v 3 –q 2

Stylize

The Stylize parameter, denoted by the “–stylize” or “–s” parameter, influences how strongly the bot applies its training in artistic color, composition, and forms. By adjusting the Stylize parameter, users can create images that are both true to the prompt and artistically compelling.

midjourney stylize parameter 50 value
–stylize 50
midjourney stylize parameter 100 value
–stylize 100
midjourney stylize parameter 250 value
–stylize 250
midjourney stylize parameter 750 value
–stylize 750

Low Stylization values produce images that closely match the prompt but are less artistic. High Stylization values create images that are very artistic but less connected to the prompt. 

It’s important to note that different Midjourney Version Models have different stylize ranges. Therefore, users must be mindful of the version they are using and the range of Stylize values available.

Variations

Each midjourney image generation job created generates 4 images using the prompt. Once the images are generated, under the job, there are various buttons. If the results are not upto your liking, you can use the 🔄 button to regenerate all the images, and if you like any particular image, you can use the V1, V2, V3, and V4 buttons to generate variations of that respective image (from left to right and top to bottom).

generated image with upscale and variations buttons
Click the ‘V’ button for your respective image to generate variations
generated variations of the original image

Image Blending

Image blending in Midjourney allows users to quickly upload 2–5 images and merge them into a new, unique image.

To use the command, simply type the ‘/blend’ command followed by the images you want to merge. You can upload up to five images in total, and the blended image will be generated based on the concepts and aesthetics of each input image.

first image to use in blending
second image to use in blending

Source images to blend together

image blending command
Input links of both images with the ‘/blend’ command
the final blended image that has visual clues of both the original image
Blended Image

The /blend command includes several options for customizing your blended image. You can use the optional dimensions field to select between a square aspect ratio (1:1), portrait aspect ratio (2:3), or landscape aspect ratio (3:2). You can also add custom suffixes to the end of your “/blend” prompt, just like with any other “/imagine” prompt.

Using Image with Prompts for Blending

You can also use text prompts with the original images to guide the blended output. However, you must use image prompts and text with the ‘/imagine’ command instead, as discussed in the advanced prompts section above.

imagine command with image and text prompt to guide the generation
Input links of images with the text prompt to guide the generated image
final blended images guided with text prompt
Blended images guided with text prompt

Model Versions

Midjourney routinely releases new versions to enhance efficiency, coherency, and quality. Still, other models can be accessed by using the “–version” or “–v” parameter or through the “/settings” command, which allows users to select a model version. Each model performs differently, with some excelling in certain areas like handling image prompts or complex prompts with multiple characters or objects. 

The latest model is Midjourney V4, which is the default. Midjourney V4 features advanced functionality like image prompting and multi-prompts. It has more knowledge of creatures, places, and objects and is much better at getting small details right. Additionally, it supports three slightly different “flavors,” styles 4a, 4b, and 4c, with slight stylistic tuning tweaks.

Prompt: Still life

still life image generated with model 4a
Style 4a
still life image generated with model 4b
Style 4b
still life image generated with model 4c
Style 4c

The previous visions of the midjourney models (v1,v2, and v3) are also available. These models excel in different types of images and have varying degrees of coherency. 

still life image generated with model 1
Version 1
still life image generated with model 2
Version 2
still life image generated with model 3
Version 3

The Niji model is a collaboration between Midjourney and Spellbrush, specializing in producing anime and illustrative styles.

still life image generated with model niji
Niji

Midjourney also offers temporary test models that are released for community testing and feedback. Currently, two test models are available, “–test” and “–testp”, which can be combined with the ‘–creative’ parameter for more varied compositions.

still life image generated with model test
Test
still life image generated with model test photography
Testp

Remix

Remix is a feature that allows users to change prompts, parameters, model versions, or aspect ratios between variations. It can help modify the setting or lighting of an image, evolve a subject, or achieve tricky compositions. 

Note: Remix is an experimental feature that may change or be removed anytime.

To use Remix, activate it with the “/prefer remix” command or by using the “/settings” command and toggling the 🎛️ “Remix Mode” button. Remix changes the behavior of the variation buttons (V1, V2, V3, V4) under image grids. 

generated image of salad to use for remix
text prompt for image remix
Add the new text prompt to guide the image generation

When enabled, it allows users to edit their prompt during each variation. Variation buttons turn green instead of blue when Remix is enabled. You can also switch Model Versions when using Remix. To create a standard image variation while Remix is active, avoid modifying the prompt in the pop-up window.

final remixed image of bowl of ice-cream
final remixed image of bowl of ice-cream

Remix results in a new image generated with influence from the original image. Users can change aspect ratios with Remix, which will stretch an image. However, it will not extend the canvas, add missing details, or fix a bad crop.

Remaster

The Remaster feature is a useful addition for those who have previously upscaled images with the V1, V2, or V3 Model Versions. By utilizing the “–test” and “–creative” parameters, Remaster can upscale an image once again while blending the composition of the original image and the increased coherency of the newer ‘–test’ model.

Original Generated Image
upscaled image
Upscaled Image

To use Remaster, simply click on the 🆕 Remaster button located below the original upscale. For older jobs, you can use the “/show” command in Discord to refresh them.

final remastered image
Generated Remastered Image

It’s important to note that Remaster only works on aspect ratios up to 2:3 or 3:2. It may also yield inconsistent results with multi-prompts and does not work with image prompts.

Other Commands

Info

The “/info” command displays information about your account, current mode settings, subscription plan, and any running jobs.

info command output

Settings

Some of the settings and parameters we discussed, like model version, style value, quality value, and upscaler version, can be set globally by using the “/settings” command.

settings command output

Show

By utilizing the “/show” command along with the unique Job ID, it is possible to relocate a job to a different server or channel, recover a job that was lost, or update an older job by creating new variations, increasing the size, or incorporating newer parameters and features. You can find the job id in your profile on the website.

show job midjourney command
show job command output
show command output

Summary

Midjourney is a revolutionary AI program that has taken the world of artificial intelligence by storm with its unique style of generating high-quality images from text descriptions. Unlike its competitors, Midjourney has developed its own distinct style that is ideal for artists and creatives. With its easy-to-use Discord bot commands, users can create artwork quickly and efficiently. 

With its vast possibilities, Midjourney is a tool that can help bring out the artist in anyone. If you’re interested in trying out Midjourney, simply join their beta program and start creating!

Explore the AI art generation landscape further, and check out the other topics we have covered.

References

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