You may be wondering by now how many AI image generators the market can sustain, but the competition for top place is showing no sign of abating. After the entry of Flux, Google Imagen 3, and Ideogram 2, now comes Playground.

But Playground is an AI image generator that approaches things differently. It appears to be aiming directly at users who might like Adobe Express or Canva.

Playground’s tagline is ‘Design anything like a Pro’. That’s a little fallacious since users definitely won’t be designing anything the way a pro would. But both the browser-based app and native iOS app allow users to have a stab at a wide range of assets in a very accessible way. Rather than start from scratch with a text prompt like in the AI image generators such as Midjourney, Playground takes a template-based approach. 

You decide what you want to ‘design’, choosing from options like logo, poster, T-shirt, pattern, e-book cover, and meme. From there, you’ll be shown a bunch of templates that can be filtered by style. Once you’ve chosen a template you like, only then does the text-to-image generator appear, allowing you to change elements of the template to create the design you want.

Playground founder Suhail Doshi says the idea is that you can then “talk to it like a graphics designer to make changes”. I have to wonder if Suhail has ever listened in on conversations between clients and graphic designers because the tool doesn’t respond too well to the kinds of things clients tend to ask for. Ask Playground to “Make it pop” and it generates a completely different image.

Playground also provides the option to upload an image to start with and to use a combination of Apply Style and text prompts to remove, add, or swap elements of the scene.

Playground.com/design is essentially a wrapper around the Playground v3 foundation model, which is available to use in the manner of a traditional AI image generator at playground.com/create. The ‘Design’ approach could make the tool easier and more intuitive to use for non-designers, particularly casual users and small businesses who are likely to find starting with templates and customizing the results to be more intuitive than prompting an image from scratch. 

The ability to go back and forth between text prompts and ‘Apply Style’ allows for quick, endless experimentation. Some of the templates for logos look suspiciously like real designs, and the tool appears to work at least as well as some of the best free logo makers if not better.

But whether Playground can compete with Canva or Adobe Express remains to be seen. As ever with AI, the results are quite hit and miss, and text often suffers the kind of distortion that’s still common with most AI image generators. And while it’s free in theory, free access allows only a very limited number of edits or generations. That often won’t be enough to get a design anywhere near usable nor give you much of an idea of whether the tool is going to work for you. Some templates require a pro subscription from the start. That costs $15 a month.

While the creations may be usable if you’re not too concerned about originality or consistency, the platform provides no information about the company or how Playground v3 was trained. That contrasts with Adobe, whose Firefly AI model (see deals below) was trained on Adobe Stock images, a factor that Adobe claims makes it commercially safe, avoiding potential copyright infringement.

The post Playground May Be the Simplest Ai Image Generator Yet appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Homestead has created a handy infographic that explains how colors influence people and the role of color in branding and marketing. The graphic also offers tips on how to use contrast, vibrancy, and different color schemes in your designs. Check it out below after the quiz of the day.

Quiz of the day:

The color ______ is associated with royalty, wisdom, and respect.

It stimulates the problem-solving area of the brain as well as creativity.

It is often used for beauty and anti-aging products.

Which color is this? The answer is purple. Refer to the infographic below.

Here’s a color emotion guide by The Logo Company that shows what different colors represent and the brands that use them.

Share this post with a designer friend and voice your views in the comments below.

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Contracts are needed for you and your clients that lay out the obligations (including the results and payments) for each party from the beginning. Whether freelancing or working for an agency in-house, these well-made legal instruments save you from quarrels and support the working ties between all parties.

Identical actions are taken about client and copyright contracts; these activities also ensure that your work is secure and your business runs efficiently. This article will list five contracts that every graphic designer must possess to protect their business.

Customer Contract

Every design project revolves around a client agreement. This contract sets the scope of the project, defines the time frames, and establishes the terms of payment and revisions. It must be clear so clients know what to expect and when it will be ready. Most importantly, it ensures that you will get paid on time and outlines how many edits are included in the fee.

Without a contract, disputes can arise over deadlines, deliverables, and project requirements. Be clear in your agreement about what happens if additional work is required or if the project scope changes. Otherwise, time issues or additional costs could arise.

A well-written client contract projects professionalism for your design firm. It also helps avoid doubts and confusion that could impede project progress.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Normally, you will be involved in projects that require a high level of confidentiality. This includes launching new products or creating proprietary designs for a brand. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is important in this case.

This legal contract prevents both parties from revealing confidential information shared with them. It protects your client’s innovations and information and it enhances trust between both parties as a result.

When working on a project with other freelancers, contractors, or collaborators, you may also ask them to sign an NDA. This ensures everyone involved maintains the same level of confidentiality. Without such an agreement, both you and your client risk the disclosure of sensitive information. This could lead to lawsuits or litigation. The NDA assures that all parties understand the importance of confidentiality, which relieves anxiety about collaborations.

Business Insurance

Maintaining your business’s financial security through business insurance is vital for your continued success. As a graphic designer, you may face claims related to creativity disputes, client dissatisfaction, or even damages resulting from the use of your equipment. This is why cheap business insurance is a necessary safeguard.

A small fee can cover legal expenses, compensation, or other costs incurred if a client sues over a project. Business insurance also protects against the loss or damage of design tools, therefore preventing workflow disruptions.

With affordable business insurance, you have sufficient coverage in the event of issues like wrongful termination—allowing you to express your artistic talent while being protected against the unexpected.

Copyright License Agreement

Most of the time, graphic designers create works that can be reused in the future. A copyright license agreement is essential for clarifying the rights you retain as the creator and the rights granted to the client. It specifies the extent to which the client may modify or reproduce the work, if at all, and the conditions involved. This agreement also ensures that you can reuse certain design elements or control specific aspects of the work.

Without a copyright license agreement, conflicts may arise over who owns the creation. It’s crucial to clearly outline whether the client is receiving usage rights or exclusive restrictive rights. This way, both you and your client will be on the same page regarding how the design can be used, which helps to avoid any misunderstandings.

Work-for-Hire Agreements

Clients who wish to acquire full ownership of the design work often use work-for-hire contracts. In this type of agreement, the work is regarded as having been created by the client, while you, the designer, waive all ownership or IP concerns. This frequently occurs in branding projects when a client wants full rights to their logo, website, or marketing graphics.

The work-for-hire agreement should clearly state that the client cannot claim future rights to the work, and such terms should be agreed upon from the start. Remember that by assigning full rights to the client, you are giving up your rights to the work.

A work-for-hire agreement simplifies ownership issues, but it can limit your future use of the work created under the agreement. This makes it important to fully understand its implications.

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Are you looking for a logo for your business, artwork for a project, or an image for a report? You can create your image from various generative AI apps and sites. However, one service that offers awe-inspiring results is Midjourney. 

With this tool, you can describe the type of image you want by entering a text prompt. In return, the site delivers four high-quality renderings.

How to use: Crayon AI | Bing Image Creator | DALL-E 3 | Stable Diffusion

How Midjourney works

Initially, Midjourney required you to use Discord to create and fine-tune your AI-based images. That process required a fair amount of fiddling with text-based prompts, which was a clumsy and sometimes frustrating experience. To appeal to those who didn’t like the Discord method, Midjourney kicked off a dedicated website late last year.

At first, the website was limited to people who had generated at least 10,000 images via Discord, excluding a lot of folks. Now that the site is accessible to anyone, all Midjourney users can use it to generate images. One of the perks of the website, at least for now, is that your first 25 AI-generated images are free. After that, you’ll have to pay for a paid subscription.

A Basic Plan will run you $10 a month or $96 a year, a Standard Plan $30 a month or $288 a year, a Pro Plan $60 a month or $576 a year, and a Mega Plan $120 a month or $1,152 a year. Each tier gives you increasingly faster results, among other benefits. To get a taste of Midjourney, you may want to start with the Basic Plan to see how well it works for you.

How to get started using Midjourney

1. Sign up

Signing up for the website requires a Google or Discord account. If you’ve already created images via Discord, you can use that account to retrieve a history of the images you generated in the past. You can then merge your Discord and Google accounts to be able to sign in with either one. Otherwise, signing in with a Google account is easier.

To get started, browse the Midjourney website and click the Sign Up link in the lower right. At the next screen, choose Discord or Google. You’ll then be sent to the site. 

2. Explore the image library

After you sign in, a sidebar on the left displays tabs for different sections and tasks. Go to the “Explore” section to check out images that other people have created. 

You can view images by selecting different categories at the top, such as “Random,” “Hot,” “Top Day” (as well as Top Week or Top Month), and “Likes.”

3. View an image

You can click on an image you like to view it closer. You’ll also see the prompt that was used to generate the image. Click the X to return to the image gallery.

4. Watch the welcome video

Click the Create tab on the right to view a welcome video briefly explaining how to use Midjourney. You may also be prompted to join the platform with one of the paid subscriptions.

5. Create your first image

At the “Create” screen, request an image by typing your prompt in the “What will you imagine” field at the top of the page. Include the right details to specify the description and style for the image you want. 

Using the three-lined settings icon to the right of the prompt, you can change the size, model, aesthetics, and other options for the image. Play around with the various settings to see how they affect your image. When ready, place your cursor in the prompt field and press “Enter.”

6. View the results

In response, Midjourney creates four different images based on your prompt. Look at each image to see how Midjourney interpreted your description.

7. Create variations

Hover over an image, and you’ll see options for “Vary Subtle” and “Vary Strong.” Click on either. Midjourney will then create a new batch of similar images with subtle or strong variations based on which image you selected and which option you chose.

8. Modify your image with different actions

Your image then opens in a larger view. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see different categories for “Creation Actions.”

With the “Vary” category, you can again vary the image subtly or strongly. In response, Midourney will create a new image with subtle or dramatic changes. With the “Upscale” category, you can upscale the image a little or a lot. Upscaling generates a larger image that is suited for saving or printing.

With the “More” category, you can run the same prompt again or head directly to the editor. You can also use the image, a style, or a prompt to revise it. With the “Use” category, you can use the image, style, or original prompt to generate a new image.

Click the “More options” link for additional commands, like “Remix,” “Pan,” and “Zoom.”

Play with the different categories and actions. Each time you select an action, a new series of images will be generated. But don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with too many images.

9. Edit your image

Midjourney has a built-in editor through which you can make even more changes to an image. Click the “Editor” button on the right. In the editing screen, you can zoom in or out on the image by moving the slider at the top. You can then move the image around the canvas by dragging the four-arrow icon in the middle.

Next, you can change the aspect ratio based on how you want the image to appear. For example, you can shrink the image to add more content to the left, right, top, or bottom.

Coolest of all, however, is the ability to change parts of the image based on revisions to your prompt. For instance, you could add a new element to your image by tweaking the prompt, erasing the part of the image that you want to change, and then submitting your new prompt.

10. Download the image

Once you’re satisfied with your creation, open the image in its window. Click the “Download Image” button on the right and select the folder to save the file. Your image will download as a PNG file.

11. Organize your images

Finally, you can view and organize all the images you’ve generated by clicking the “Organize” category on the left. By default, you’ll see all the images you’ve created. Right-click on a specific image to access a menu where you can like, hide, modify, copy, or save the image. 

Click the “Organize” button on the right to display a sidebar. Here, you can create folders to save your images, filter the list of images by different criteria, and play with the layout and image size.

The post How to use Midjourney’s website to generate amazing images with AI appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

Designed by developer Boris Dayma as a free text-to-image AI tool, Craiyon advanced not only through internal improvements but through contributions from the open-source community. Beyond generating new images, Craiyon contains a library of existing images that you can access to help with your queries. Previously known as DALL-E mini, the site changed its name upon a request from OpenAI, which felt that the former name was too close to its own DALL-E image generator.

How to get started with Craiyon AI

1. Go to the Craiyon website

To get started, browse to the Craiyon website. You can sign up for a free account, but you may want to first try the site without an account.

2. Describe your image

Type a description of the image you want generated. You can also add negative words to specify any items you want excluded in your query. Choose the type of image you’d like to see — art, drawing, or photo.

Take a moment before you submit your query. Trying to describe the image you want can be challenging. How you phrase it and what words you include will determine the accuracy and quality of the results.

Craiyon reminds you to select the style that interests you the most. But you’re also able to play around with different keywords, such as “illustration,” “photorealistic,” and “high definition.” Plus, consider joining the Craiyon community on Discord to chat with other users and search for previous images requested by others.

3. Generate results

After you’ve entered your description and chosen a style, click the Draw button. With the free tier, you’ll have to wait a minute or longer for the image to appear. In response, Craiyon displays several images in their own thumbnails.

4. Select an image

Click an image you like, and it appears larger. From there, click the Upscale button to try to improve the resolution and quality. Click the Screenshot button to save it as a PNG file.

5. Try another prompt

Click the image to return to the set of thumbnails of all the results. Below the images, Craiyon may suggest another prompt to fine-tune or modify the results. 

If you think the new prompt is worth a shot, click the button to Try this one. Modify the prompt if necessary and then click the Draw button.

6. View new results

A new set of thumbnails is generated, allowing you to pick one you like and then upscale or save it. A new prompt will also be suggested, which you can modify and try again.

7. View your favorite images

To keep track of the generated images, sign up for a free account by clicking the Sign-up button at the top. To save an image, click its heart icon. After you’ve saved one or more images, click the Account button at the top and select the option for My Collection.

8. Buy a t-shirt with your favorite image (optional)

To help earn money and provide you with some cool swag, Craiyon will sell you a $26 t-shirt with your favorite image printed on it. For this, open an image and click the button for Print on a t-shirt. Confirm the image, choose the theme of light or dark, and then click Buy. Confirm your size and place your order.

 How to use the Android app

Beyond the website, you’re able to take Craiyon for a spin on an Android device. Download and install the app from Google Play. Sign into your account if you’ve created one. From there, the app works the same as the website. Type a description of the image you want, choose a style, and then tap Draw. Among the results, tap an image to see a larger version of it. From there, you can upscale it, download it to your device, or try a different prompt.

Disclaimer: You should consider the legal consequences (e.g. copyright) of using AI-generated images before implementing them into your work.

The post How to use Craiyon AI (formerly known as DALL-E mini) appeared first on GRAPHICERS.

The Power of Email Signatures: Making a Lasting Impression

Email signatures serve as digital business cards, providing essential contact information and showcasing your professional identity. They typically include your name, job title, company, phone number, and relevant social media links. A well-designed email signature conveys important details and leaves a lasting impression on recipients. It reinforces your brand identity and demonstrates attention to detail, separating you from generic or poorly formatted signatures.

Making Gmail Signatures with Canva

Unleashing Creativity with Canva: A Designer’s Paradise

Canva is a versatile and user-friendly design tool that offers a wide range of features to create visually stunning email signatures. To get started, simply sign up for a free account on the Canvas website. Upon logging in, you’ll be greeted with an intuitive interface that puts various design tools, templates, and elements at your fingertips. Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned professional, Canva empowers you to unleash your creativity and craft email signatures that truly represent your brand.

Crafting Your Perfect Email Signature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a professional email signature in Canva is a breeze. Follow these steps to design a signature that reflects your style and brand:

• Select a Template: Begin by searching for “email signature” templates within Canva. Browse through the available options and choose one that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and brand guidelines.
• Customize the Template: Once you’ve selected a template, it’s time to make it your own. Replace the placeholder text with your personal information, such as your name, job title, company name, and contact details. Ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.
• Add Visual Elements: Enhance your email signature by uploading your company logo or a professional headshot. Position these images strategically within the template to create a visually appealing layout. Canva offers a wide selection of graphics and icons that you can incorporate to further customize your design.
• Fine-tune with Design Tools: Use Canva’s extensive editing features to modify text, colors, and other design elements. Experiment with different font styles, sizes, and colors to achieve a cohesive and professional look. Ensure that the chosen fonts and colors align with your brand’s visual identity for consistency across all communications.
• Arrange and Organize: Take advantage of Canva’s layer functionality to arrange and organize the various elements of your email signature. This allows you to create a clean and structured layout, ensuring that each component is easily readable and visually appealing.

Finalizing and Implementing Your Email Signature

Once you’ve customized your email signature to perfection, it’s time to finalize your design. Give it a thorough review, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it looks polished and professional. When you’re satisfied with the result, download the signature in a suitable format, such as PNG or JPEG, which maintains the quality of the design.

Next, it’s time to apply your newly created signature in Gmail. Follow these simple steps:

• Access Gmail Settings: Open your Gmail account and navigate to the settings menu. Click on the “See all settings” option to access the full range of configuration options.
• Create a New Signature: Within the “General” tab, scroll down until you locate the “Signature” section. Click on the “Create new” button and provide a name for your signature.
• Upload Your Signature: Now, insert the Canva-created signature by uploading the downloaded image file. Gmail will automatically embed the image into your signature. If needed, you can adjust the size of the image to ensure it fits well within the email body.
• Set Signature Preferences: Determine when you want your signature to appear in your emails. You can choose to have it included in new emails, replies, or both. Once you’ve selected your preferences, don’t forget to save your changes.

Elevating Your Email Game: Additional Tips and Tricks

To further enhance your email signature and ensure a cohesive brand experience, consider the following tips:

• Consistency is Key: Make sure that the colors, fonts, and overall design of your email signature align with your brand’s visual identity. Consistency across all touchpoints, including emails, reinforces brand recognition and professionalism.
• Test and Refine: After applying your signature in Gmail, send a test email to yourself and others to see how it appears on different devices and email clients. If you notice any issues or areas for improvement, make the necessary adjustments in Canva and re-upload the updated signature.
• Keep it Concise: While it’s tempting to include every piece of information in your email signature, remember that brevity is essential. Stick to the most important details and avoid cluttering your signature with unnecessary elements. A clean and concise signature is more likely to be read and remembered.
• Regularly Update: As your contact information or job title changes, make sure to update your email signature accordingly. An outdated signature can lead to confusion and missed opportunities for communication.

By following this step-by-step guide and using the power of Canva, you can create a professional and visually stunning email signature for Gmail. A well-designed signature not only enhances the overall appearance of your emails but also reinforces your brand’s professionalism and attention to detail. It serves as a subtle yet effective way to make a lasting impression on recipients and strengthen your professional image in the digital realm.

So, take the time to craft a signature that truly represents you and your brand. With Canva’s user-friendly tools and a vast library of templates, unleashing your creativity and elevating your email communications has never been easier. Start designing your perfect email signature today and watch as it becomes a powerful asset in your professional toolkit.

Media Credit: Teacher’s Tech

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