From Concept to Creation: Using Leonardo AI for Image Generation

10 min readMar 2, 2024

Exploring the Possibilities of AI Art

Explanation of AI image generators

AI image generators are advanced computer programs designed to create pictures from scratch. They work based on patterns they’ve learned from thousands of existing images.

To use them, you need to input text describing what you want, known as a “prompt.” These generators have the capacity to create original, realistic visuals based on textual input provided in natural language. They are trained on extensive data, comprising large datasets of images. AI image generators utilize machine learning models, specifically neural networks, trained to understand and translate text input into corresponding visuals.

They can be used for various purposes, such as creating visual content for branding, promotional materials, educational aids, and even medical imaging. The Leonardo AI is a prominent AI image generator that offers an advanced image generation interface and the ability to train models according to individual artistic styles.

Using AI image generators involves typing in a text prompt and waiting for the images to be generated. The process can be as simple as that, and some models even offer the flexibility to adjust parameters like the number of images or the canvas size.

Training your own image generation model with Leonardo.AI can be an extremely rewarding process, allowing you to personalize the model according to your specific needs and preferences.

Overview of Leonardo AI and its features

Leonardo AI is an innovative platform that uses artificial intelligence to generate images and art pieces. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to create custom data sets and models by uploading their own photos.

The AI canvas is a remarkable editor that seamlessly melds power with user accessibility, allowing users to experience the creation and modification of AI art images.

Leonardo AI offers various tools and features for users to create jaw-dropping art and images faster, such as pre-trained generative AI models or the ability to train their own models.

The platform is ideal for game developers, designers, artists, and content creators who want to produce consistent artwork. Leonardo AI is a free-to-use platform that prioritizes the creation of game assets including textures, objects, and concept art.

Getting Started with Leonardo AI

To get started with Leonardo AI, you can follow these simple steps:

Introduction to Leonardo AI: Understand the basics of Leonardo AI and its features, such as image generation, AI canvas, and 3D texture generation.
Exploring the Interface: Familiarize yourself with the web interface by watching tutorials or videos that explain the different options and toggles available.
Training Your Own Model: Learn how to train your own image generation model with Leonardo AI. This process involves model fine-tuning and generating images based on your specific prompts.
Best Practices: Delve into the fundamental principles of AI and machine learning to optimize your model training experience. This includes pre-training considerations and the importance of image datasets.

By following these steps, you can quickly grasp the basics of using Leonardo AI for image generation and unleash your creativity.

Choosing the right model

Choosing the right AI model for your project can be a challenging task. It involves understanding the problem you want to solve, the type of data you have, and the resources you have available.

There are different types of AI models, such as linear regression, deep neural networks, decision trees, and generative adversarial networks (GANs). Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Some factors to consider when selecting an AI model include the complexity of the model, the performance required, the size and type of data, and the resources needed for training and inference.

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your objectives and use case. You can also seek guidance from experts or follow best practices to optimize your model training experience. Leonardo AI offers various pre-trained generative AI models or the ability to train your own models, making it easier to choose the right model for your project.

(left)
Keri Lynn Pratt, japanese pop, scribble design

(right)
Keri Lynn Pratt, realism, sketch

At very first creation, I was using prompt above, no fancy thing like ‘negative prompt’ or trained model. Just type the name and let DreamShaper do the rest.

Exploring the community feed

The community feed in Leonardo AI is a place where users can discover and share updates, recommendations, and personalized suggestions. It includes updates from other users, businesses, and third parties, as well as posts from people that you follow.

The content in the feed is personalized and ranked based on your preferences and past activities. It’s a great way to stay informed about nearby places and find the latest reviews and photos shared by the community. You can access the community feed by navigating to the “Explore” tab and swiping up on the placesheet. This feature allows users to engage with the community, discover new content, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the Leonardo AI platform.

I have got some ideas from the community as well.

Training Your Own Model

Pre-training considerations

Before you start training your model, it’s important to consider the specific goals you want to achieve with the generated images. This includes defining the style, theme, or characteristics you want the model to capture.

Pork movie

The importance of image datasets

Selecting the right image dataset is crucial for the success of your model. The dataset should contain a diverse range of high-quality images that are relevant to the desired output. For example, if you want to generate images of cars, the dataset should include various car images from different angles and perspectives.

I used images of some isometric building to create concept art of Space Station for the game my company expected for.

chibi 3d Colorful Decorated Space Station, space background

Model fine-tuning

Fine-tuning the model allows you to personalize its output according to your specific preferences. This step involves adjusting the model’s parameters to achieve the desired style, level of detail, or other characteristics in the generated images.

Leonardo Diffusion XL
This is the flagship model of Leonardo.ai, known for its high image quality and detail. It’s a good all-rounder for various tasks.
Leonardo Kino XL
This model focuses on creating images with a cinematic style and atmosphere. It’s great for creating scenes with a moody or dramatic feel.
Leonardo Vision XL
This model prioritizes realism and detail, making it ideal for generating photorealistic images.
AlbedoBase XL
This model excels at 3D rendering and depth, making it suitable for creating images with a strong sense of space and dimension.
DreamShaper v7
This model is known for its artistic style and creativity, making it perfect for generating unique and abstract images.
Absolute Reality v1.6
This model aims for photorealism and accuracy, making it well-suited for tasks that require high fidelity images.
3D Animation Style
This model specializes in creating images that resemble 3D animation, making it ideal for concept art and illustration.
SDXL 0.9
This model is based on Stable Diffusion, but with improvements in speed and quality. It’s a good option if you need a fast and efficient model.
Stable Diffusion 1.5
This is the original Stable Diffusion model, which is still a powerful and versatile tool.
Stable Diffusion 2.1
This is an improved version of Stable Diffusion with better image quality and control. It’s a good choice if you need the most advanced features.

Advanced concepts in training

As you become more familiar with the training process, you can explore advanced concepts such as metadata input, prompt instances, and retraining the model based on the output results.

Your Personal Trained Models

Training your own AI model allows you to create a personalized artificial intelligence that reflects your unique preferences and style. By using annotated datasets, you can train the model to associate visual patterns with specific keywords, enabling it to generate content tailored to your individual characteristics.

This personalized AI model can be utilized for various purposes, such as organizing and sharing work, communicating effectively, and even assisting with messaging and content creation. The process of training your own AI model is becoming more accessible, with platforms offering user-friendly interfaces and tutorials to guide you through the training process.

Creating your own images with AI image generation

Creating your own images with AI image generation is an exciting process that offers various possibilities. Platforms like getimg.ai provide revolutionary tools that allow you to easily generate images from text, edit photos with words, and train custom AI models.

By uploading a few pictures, you can obtain a personalized AI model hosted on the platform, enabling you to create AI avatars, render product images, or generate ideas with your unique style. These AI image generators are designed to unleash your imagination and offer unlimited creative possibilities. Additionally, AI image generators utilize trained artificial neural networks to create original, realistic visuals based on textual input provided in natural language.

This technology has diverse applications, from creating art and branding visuals to supporting educational content and improving the quality of diagnostic medical images. The creative potential of AI image generators is continuously expanding, offering new ways to generate and modify images based on personalized input.

chibi, astronaut, wondering in the dark space, no planets behind, one person only, colorful

Inputting prompts

Inputting prompts into an AI image generation tool involves entering descriptive text or questions to guide the AI in creating the desired images. The quality of the input prompts significantly influences the quality of the generated outputs.

To improve the effectiveness of the prompts, it’s recommended to provide detailed and specific instructions, correct any mistakes, and give feedback to the AI based on the generated results.

Additionally, asking the AI to create prompts for you or seeking inspiration from existing prompts can enhance the overall image generation process. Good prompts are essential for obtaining the desired outputs from AI image generation tools.

Concept art of following keywords: Repetitive, Party Game, Farm Simulation, Building, Resource Management, Colony Sim, Space Theme

Selecting and generating images with models

To select and generate images with AI models, you can follow these simple steps:

Train Your Own Model: Utilize platforms like Leonardo AI to train your own image generation model. This involves providing annotated datasets and fine-tuning the model to align with your preferences and style.
Input Desired Prompts: Once the model is trained, you can input specific prompts or descriptions to guide the AI in generating the desired images. It’s important to be detailed and specific in your prompts to obtain the best results.
Generate Images: After inputting the prompts, the AI model will generate images based on the provided instructions. You can observe how the generated images align with the style and preferences of your dataset.
Retraining if Needed: If the generated images are not what you want, you can retrain the model by adjusting the dataset or the model’s parameters and then generate new images based on the updated training.

By following these steps, you can effectively select and generate images with AI models, allowing you to create customized visuals aligned with your specific requirements and style.

Concept art of following keywords: Repetitive, Party Game, Farm Simulation, Building, Resource Management, Colony Sim, Space Theme

Conclusion

Leonardo.ai is a valuable AI tool that significantly aids in bringing ideas to life, particularly in providing clear and detailed references for game concept art. The platform’s AI-based instruments enable the rapid iteration and generation of unique, production-ready assets, offering creators greater control in producing concept art with a consistent style and high quality.

By using Leonardo.ai, individuals can unleash their creativity, redefine the impossible, and cultivate originality, making it a game-changer for artists of all levels.

The platform’s features, such as image generation, AI canvas, 3D texture generation, and prompt generation, provide a simplified and powerful fusion, catering to the needs of creative minds across various fields, including character design, game assets, concept art, graphic design, fashion, marketing, advertising, product photography, architecture, and interior design.

Leonardo.ai’s user-friendly interface and diverse pre-trained models make it an accessible and efficient tool for generating distinctive art and visual assets.

Future possibilities for AI in art and design

The future possibilities for AI in art and design are vast and promising. Platforms like Leonardo.ai are using artificial intelligence to rapidly generate unique, production-ready assets, providing creators with greater control in producing concept art with a consistent style and high quality.

This technology is transforming the creative process, offering artists the ability to ideate and create unique assets from pre-trained AI models or by training their own models.

Additionally, AI art generators like getimg.ai are empowering users to easily create images from text, edit photos with words, and train custom AI models, opening up new and exciting opportunities for artists and designers. As AI continues to advance, it is expected to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing and streamlining the art and design process, offering limitless creative possibilities for professionals and enthusiasts alike.