Leonardo AI vs Midjourney for Ai Art

Wade McMaster - Creator Impact
11 Sept 202309:51

TLDRIn this comparison, Leonardo AI and Midjourney are evaluated as leading platforms for AI art and image generation. Leonardo AI stands out with a free trial and user-friendly interface, making it a good starting point for beginners. Midjourney, while initially more challenging due to its Discord operation, offers simplicity once mastered. Both platforms have their strengths; Leonardo AI excels in image editing with advanced tools like Canvas, while Midjourney provides more control over image generation with its parameters and the ability to train models. When it comes to image quality, both produce high-resolution images, but Leonardo AI has more flexibility. However, Midjourney is favored for its ease of use and quick generation once familiar with the platform. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the user's needs, preferences, and budget.

Takeaways

  • 🆓 Leonardo AI offers a free trial, unlike Midjourney which does not.
  • 💵 Pricing for both platforms is similar, with Leonardo AI's lowest tier at $12/month and Midjourney at $10/month.
  • 🖌️ Leonardo AI has a simpler interface, making it more beginner-friendly compared to Midjourney's Discord-based operation.
  • 🔍 Midjourney is easier for intermediate users once they get the hang of it, as it comes down to what you type for image control.
  • 🎨 Leonardo AI provides more advanced image editing capabilities with features like Canvas, which is more advanced than Midjourney's in-painting and zoom-out features.
  • 🛠️ Midjourney offers more control over image generation with various codes and parameters, and the ability to train your own models, which is not yet available in Leonardo AI.
  • 📸 Leonardo AI can produce higher resolution images by default compared to Midjourney, which is limited to around 1024x1024 pixels.
  • 🤩 Both platforms perform well in generating human faces, but Midjourney might be slightly easier to achieve good results with.
  • 🦖 In a specific test with a T-Rex, Leonardo AI produced a more photorealistic image, while Midjourney's output was still good but not as impressive.
  • 🌈 For abstract and specific style images like anime, both platforms have their strengths, with Leonardo AI providing more accurate depictions and Midjourney offering more vibrant colors and layouts.
  • 🚗 When generating a purple Ferrari, Leonardo AI produced a realistic image but with the wrong color, while Midjourney got the color right but the overall image was different from what was requested.
  • ✅ Both platforms have their strengths and it's difficult to avoid errors completely, but Midjourney seems to require less model or algorithm changes for satisfactory results.

Q & A

  • Which AI art platform offers a free trial?

    -Leonardo AI offers a free trial, while Midjourney does not.

  • How do the pricing tiers of Leonardo AI and Midjourney compare?

    -The pricing of both platforms is quite similar, with Leonardo AI's lowest tier being $12 per month and Midjourney's starting at $10 per month.

  • Which platform is easier for beginners to use?

    -Leonardo AI is considered easier for beginners due to its simple and straightforward interface, whereas Midjourney operates on Discord, which can be a barrier for new users.

  • What is the difference in image resolution capabilities between Leonardo AI and Midjourney?

    -Leonardo AI can produce higher resolution images with its default settings compared to Midjourney, which typically generates images around 1024 by 1024 pixels.

  • What is the advantage of using external AI upscalers like Topaz Gigapixel?

    -External AI upscalers can enhance the resolution of images generated by both platforms, as neither Leonardo AI nor Midjourney currently produce ultra-high resolution images on their own.

  • How do the two platforms compare in terms of ease of generating human faces?

    -Both Leonardo AI and Midjourney are capable of generating high-quality human faces, but it is often easier to achieve good results with Midjourney.

  • What additional features does Leonardo AI offer that Midjourney does not?

    -Leonardo AI provides features like prompt generation, prompt magic, Alchemy for paid users, and a more advanced image editing tool called Canvas, which is not available in Midjourney.

  • Which platform allows users to train their own models?

    -Midjourney allows users to train their own models, a feature that is not yet available in Leonardo AI.

  • What is the author's personal preference between Leonardo AI and Midjourney?

    -The author personally prefers Midjourney due to its simplicity once the user gets past the initial learning curve and the ability to quickly generate images by typing a prompt on their phone.

  • What is the conclusion regarding which platform is better, Leonardo AI or Midjourney?

    -There is no clear winner as it depends on the user's needs. Both platforms have their strengths, and the author suggests trying them out for oneself to determine the best fit.

  • How does the author suggest enhancing the resolution of images generated by these platforms?

    -The author recommends using an external AI upscaler like Topaz Gigapixel to increase the resolution of the images to the desired size.

  • What is the main factor that makes Midjourney simpler to use in the long run according to the author?

    -The main factor is the ability to simply type a prompt on a phone, hit enter, and get a good result without needing to change models or algorithms, making it simpler to use once the user is past the beginner stage.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 AI Art Platforms Comparison: Leonardo AI vs Mid-Journey

This paragraph introduces a comparison between Leonardo AI and Mid-Journey, two leading AI platforms for art and image generation. The author begins by highlighting the key difference of a free trial offered by Leonardo AI, which is not available with Mid-Journey. Pricing is noted to be quite similar, with Leonardo AI's lowest tier at $12 per month versus Mid-Journey's $10. The usability of the platforms is discussed, with Leonardo AI's straightforward interface being favored over Mid-Journey's Discord-based operation, which can be daunting for beginners. However, once users become intermediate, Mid-Journey's text-based control is praised for its simplicity. Advanced users find both platforms easy to use once they are familiar with them. Features are compared, with Leonardo AI offering different models, prompt generation, and advanced image editing tools like Canvas, while Mid-Journey provides more control through codes and parameters and the ability to train custom models. The paragraph concludes with a slight preference towards Leonardo AI for its advanced editing capabilities and the use of personal photos.

05:01

🖼️ Image Generation Quality and Ease of Use: Mid-Journey vs Leonardo AI

The second paragraph delves into the quality of image generation and the ease of use of both platforms. It starts with a comparison of resolution capabilities, where Leonardo AI is noted to produce higher resolution images by default compared to Mid-Journey. The author then shares personal experiences with generating different types of images, including human faces, a T-Rex in a playground, a rainforest scene, an anime character, and abstract art. While both platforms produce good results, Mid-Journey is found to be easier to achieve quality results most of the time, especially with human faces. However, Leonardo AI is praised for its ability to upscale images and avoid errors, although it requires more precise model and option selection. The author also notes that while Leonardo AI's interface is user-friendly initially, Mid-Journey becomes simpler to use after the initial learning curve. The paragraph ends with the author's personal preference for Mid-Journey due to its simplicity and the ability to quickly generate a variety of images, often followed by upscaling with an external tool like Topaz Gigapixel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Art

AI Art refers to the creation of art using artificial intelligence. It is a form of digital art that leverages algorithms and machine learning to generate images or visual designs. In the video, AI Art is the central theme as the comparison is made between two platforms, Leonardo AI and Midjourney, that specialize in AI image generation.

💡Leonardo AI

Leonardo AI is one of the platforms being compared in the video. It is a service that uses AI to generate images based on user prompts. The platform is highlighted for its user-friendly interface and advanced features, such as different models and image editing tools, which are crucial for creating various styles of AI art.

💡Midjourney

Midjourney is another platform for AI art generation that operates on Discord. It is noted for its simplicity once users get past the initial learning curve. The platform is compared to Leonardo AI in terms of ease of use, features, and image quality, with a focus on its straightforward approach to generating images through text prompts.

💡Free Trial

A Free Trial is a period during which users can access a service for free to evaluate its features before deciding to pay for it. In the context of the video, Leonardo AI is mentioned to have a free trial, which is an advantage for users who want to test the platform without any financial commitment.

💡Pricing

Pricing refers to the cost of using a service or product. The video discusses the pricing of both Leonardo AI and Midjourney, noting that while Leonardo AI's lowest tier is slightly more expensive, the pricing is generally comparable between the two platforms.

💡Interface

The Interface in the context of software refers to the design and layout through which users interact with a system. The video compares the interfaces of Leonardo AI and Midjourney, with Leonardo AI being praised for its straightforward and beginner-friendly design, whereas Midjourney's use of Discord might be a barrier for some users.

💡Resolution

Resolution in digital imaging refers to the number of pixels in an image, which determines its clarity and detail. The video mentions that Leonardo AI can produce higher resolution images by default compared to Midjourney, which is an important factor for users seeking high-quality AI-generated images.

💡Photoreal

Photoreal is a term used to describe images that are highly realistic and resemble photographs. In the video, the use of 'photoreal' and 'Alchemy' settings in Leonardo AI is discussed as a way to achieve high-quality human faces and realistic images.

💡Anime

Anime is a style of animation that originated in Japan, characterized by colorful artwork, fantastical themes, and vibrant characters. The video includes a comparison of how each platform handles the creation of anime-style characters, noting the differences in color vibrancy and detail.

💡Abstract Art

Abstract Art refers to artistic creations that do not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of the physical world, often using shapes, colors, and forms in non-representational ways. The video discusses the platforms' ability to generate abstract art, such as glitch art with dripping colorful ink.

💡Upscaling

Upscaling is the process of increasing the resolution of an image while maintaining or improving its quality. The video mentions the use of external AI upscalers like Topaz Gigapixel to enhance the resolution of images generated by both Leonardo AI and Midjourney, as neither platform produces ultra-high resolution images on their own.

Highlights

Leonardo AI and Midjourney are considered the best platforms for AI art and image generation.

Leonardo AI offers a free trial, unlike Midjourney.

Pricing for both platforms is similar, with Leonardo AI's lowest tier at $12/month and Midjourney at $10/month.

Midjourney operates on Discord, which may be a barrier for beginners.

Leonardo AI has a simpler and more straightforward interface.

Leonardo AI allows for more direct exploration of styles with its different models.

Leonardo AI offers advanced image editing tools like Canvas, which is more advanced than Midjourney's painting feature.

Midjourney provides more control over image generation with its codes and parameters.

Leonardo AI can produce higher resolution images by default compared to Midjourney.

Midjourney is easier to use once you get past the beginner stage.

Leonardo AI's image generation can be more complicated due to the need to select the right model and settings.

Midjourney's image quality for human faces is generally better and easier to achieve.

Leonardo AI's photoreal and Alchemy features can produce high-quality human faces.

Both platforms produce good images, but Leonardo AI has a higher propensity for errors.

Midjourney's simplicity and quality make it the preferred choice for quick image generation.

Leonardo AI is more suitable for those on a strict budget or needing a complete platform with training capabilities.

Resolution is an important factor, and Leonardo AI can produce higher resolution images than Midjourney.