How AI image generation changed art and design forever in 2023

AI image generation was everywhere in 2023. Text-to-image diffusion models had burst on to the scene in 2022, but this was the year that they started to become mainstream, and designers had to take notice. Of major significance for creatives, Adobe launched its own AI model, Firefly. But existing AI image generators also made leaps in the quality and reliability of their input, adding the ability to handle text and logos.

The number of apps proliferated, as did the amount of AI-generated content online: some of it good, much of it terrible. Inevitably brands and media outlets also began experimenting with a technology that is quickly becoming unavoidable. As we reach the end of the year, we look back at the major milestones in AI art and AI image generation in 2023 and consider where things are going. See our pick of the best AI image generators for a review of the tools available.

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Joe Foley

Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.

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