Nahuel Basterretche

nahbaste

new media artist

Self Portraits

September 2023

Digital identity is one of those topics I find myself returning to over and over again. In this case, with the goal of familiarizing myself with the latest Stable Diffusion model, I created a set of self portraits. I am particularly interested in how generative AI can enable new modes of performativity in the digital space.

These last couple of weeks, I finally had the time to delve into the world of SDXL and explore its incredible capabilities. I’ve been training models, testing ControlNet modes, and sketching animations. Today, I’m excited to share with you some observations about these tools and how I believe they will reshape the creative industries:

An Improved Baseline

While SDXL has certainly impressed with its capabilities, it’s important to note that it doesn’t claim the throne as the absolute best in the field. Fine-tuned models like Leika, Deliberate, and Cyberealistic still reign supreme in terms of image quality. However, this doesn’t undermine the significance of SDXL’s achievement—it’s an excelent new baseline from where to further fine-tune models.

A Shake-up for Midjourney

MidJourney, previously a frontrunner in the image generation landscape, faces new challenges. The emergence of powerful open-source models that offer comparable results for free has shifted the dynamics. These alternatives are a tempting choice, especially for those who value cost-effectiveness and customization. MidJourney might find its niche among creative professionals who prefer a more automated approach without the hassle of training and the requirement of more specific prompts.

The rise of custom models

What’s on the horizon? Brace yourselves for the rise of custom AI imaging models, which are poised to become as ubiquitous as custom typefaces. Studios and production companies are realizing the potential of tailor-made models that cater precisely to their needs. AI imaging is set to become a dedicated department within every studio—a testament to the transformative impact of AI technology in the creative landscape.

The triumph of Open Source

As we navigate this evolving landscape, the Open Source philosophy emerges as a clear winner. The collaborative power of the community is driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. Open-source models are not just competition; they are the catalysts for progress, fostering a culture of shared growth and mutual learning.

This field moves very fast, for sure, sometimes even unnervingly so. However, the creative capabilities that these technologies bring to the table provide such significant value that it’s unquestionably worth the effort to try and keep up. I firmly believe we’ve turned a new page in the history of visual production. The genie is out of the bottle, and it’s imperative that we make the most of these tools to better understand them. This understanding will pave the way for the important debates we need to have about their ethical and creative implications.

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