Medium – Joe Amditis – Published in Center for Cooperative Media: “I’ve been experimenting with AI image generation tools Midjourney and DALL-E over the last few months in my capacity as assistant director of products and events at the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. Several people asked me to give them tips and advice on how to use these and other AI-related tools after DALL-E 3 was released, so I decided to put together this guide as a one-stop resource for beginners who are interested in doing some image generation experiments of their own. For me, the creation of this guide and my use of tools like DALL-E 3 for image generation stems from a practical necessity rather than any desire to overshadow the irreplaceable contributions of artists. The world of art, with its vast traditions, techniques, and emotions, is a realm that machines can mimic but never truly replicate. The genuine touch of an artist, the personal experiences that influence their work, and the years of honed skill and emotion they pour into each piece are unparalleled. My goal in creating this guide is to empower individuals and publishers who may be operating with limited resources. For small teams or independent creators, sometimes all that’s needed is a fitting visual accompaniment to elevate their written content or event page. In such scenarios, tools that generate images act as a bridge, offering a quick solution to a common challenge. Think of it as having a customizable stock image generator at your fingertips, allowing you to craft that ideal featured image for a blog post or event within minutes. It’s crucial to understand that while these tools offer convenience, they aren’t a replacement for the artistry and expertise that professionals bring to the table. Nobody should be under the illusion of receiving accolades or recognition for merely generating an image via these platforms. I view these generated images as a canvas for further enhancement. When paired with advanced editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and others, the possibilities are endless…”