Substack Re-Stack (Nov 9-15)

Here is a breakdown of the articles by subject, a standalone summary of each article, and a contextualization of my Substack posts from this past week on the subject of AI and the Creative Professional.

Breakdown & Summaries of my Week’s Substack Articles

- by Brian Sykes

"Character Consistency in Midjourney, That's BETTER Than --cref? YES!" This article discusses a technique called the "SplitScreen Method" for achieving character consistency that I explored and produced a book for back in Midjourney v.5. There are portions of this technique that can be an asset in Consistent Characters in Midjourney V.6…

This method involves:

• Generating a character you like.
• Using the Midjourney editor to create a split-screen image with the original character on one side and variations on the other.
• Erasing the unwanted side and modifying the prompt.
• This technique helps professionals maintain a consistent character design throughout different poses and scenarios, which is useful for projects like comic books or animation.

"Consistent Characters, with External References... in Midjourney!"

This article builds upon the previous article by using external reference images to create even more realistic and consistent characters in Midjourney. Here you will find that I outline the process of:

• Taking a photograph of a subject.
• Using the photograph as a reference image with the --cref parameter.
• Using the Midjourney editor to upload an external image and expand the canvas.
• Modifying the prompt to focus on new details while referencing the original image.

This technique combines the power of AI with the specificity of real-world references, allowing professionals to create highly realistic representations of people or objects.

"Hyper-Realistic Image Generation Using FLUX + FLUX Prompt Generator"

This article explores an alternative AI image generation platform called FLUX. This article focuses on FLUX's ability to create hyper-realistic images and its user-friendly interface, which is accessible through a web browser.

The article highlights include:

• The different versions of FLUX available, including the free [schnell] version and the paid [pro] version.
• The ease of accessing FLUX through the together.ai platform.
• The FLUX Prompt Generator, which helps users create more effective prompts by providing pre-selections and refining prompts with an LLM.

This article introduces professionals to a different tool for generating high-quality images, expanding their options beyond Midjourney. It also emphasizes the importance of crafting effective prompts, a skill that is crucial for successfully using any genAI tool.

"This sentence has five words. What makes them WORK, is the Human Element." This Substack article emphasizes the importance of the "Human Element" in creative work, even with the increasing use of AI tools.

In this article, I argue that:

• AI is a powerful tool that can amplify creative output but should not replace the core skills and experience of a creative professional.
• Professionals should focus on using AI to enhance their craft, not define it.
• AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on higher-level work like ideation and problem-solving.
• GenAI can accelerate mastery and productivity by providing tailored tools and learning frameworks, but strong foundational knowledge and skills are still necessary.

This article encourages professionals to view AI as a partner in the creative process, emphasizing the need for a balance between human creativity and AI capabilities.

"Unlock Storytelling Secrets from the Ads That Make You Feel"

This substack examines the storytelling techniques used in Publix commercials to create emotionally resonant and relatable ads.

The article highlights:

• The importance of nuance and subtlety in storytelling, using intimate moments and relatable experiences to connect with viewers.
• Focusing on building relationships rather than simply promoting products, anchoring narratives to universal themes like family and togetherness.
• The dangers of bad storytelling, such as being too broad, product-driven, feeling forced or manipulative, and over-exaggerating scenarios.
• The potential for using LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude to summarize storytelling principles, refine ideas, and provide feedback on script development.

This article demonstrates how AI can assist with tasks like summarizing information and providing feedback, allowing professionals to focus on the creative aspects of storytelling while ensuring their narratives are effective and impactful.

"Ive been at this for 7 years and i still cant find a stable job....." (Reddit post)

Responding to a Reddit post, this Substack tackles the challenges of finding stable work in the creative industry, offering advice from various experts like Blair Enns, Chris Do, and Michael Janda.

The response emphasizes:

• Defining a niche and specializing to stand out in a competitive market.
• Building a strong personal brand that showcases unique skills and a professional identity.
• Leveraging content marketing to share knowledge and position oneself as an expert.
• Networking and building relationships to open doors to new opportunities.
• Revamping portfolios with case studies that tell compelling stories of success.

This article, while not directly about genAI, highlights the importance of adapting to industry changes, which includes embracing new technologies like AI. By mastering these skills and strategies, creative professionals can increase their chances of finding stable and fulfilling work in an evolving landscape.

The common thread through these articles is that AI should be seen as a tool to empower creative professionals, not replace them. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of genAI, professionals can leverage these tools to enhance their workflows, improve their output, and navigate the ever-changing creative landscape.