In the craft industry and Generative AI, where tradition meets innovation, Generative AI can redefine creativity, design, and production processes. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, artisans and creatives can explore novel possibilities, create personalized arts and crafts, and push the boundaries of their craft to the next level. In this article, we delve into the intersection of Generative AI and the craft industry, examining its applications, challenges, and exciting future.
What is Generative Artificial Intelligence
Generative artificial intelligence (Generative AI) is the type of artificial intelligence that identifies patterns and structures in existing data(training data) and can produce new data like text and images, which have characteristics similar to those of training data.
Famous ChatBots built using Generative AI include ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing AI, which can produce text and images based on user prompts.
On the other hand, many image-creation tools from text prompts are using generative artificial intelligence. Some popular tools include Dall-E and Midjourney.
Many Craft Experts like Abby Glassenberg (co-founder of the craft industry alliance) and Stephanie Carswell (owner of Hawthorn Handmade) use ChatGPT as a brainstorming tool.
Etsy CEO Josh Silverman, in her recent call, said, “There are many opportunities for generative AI.”
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Kevin Kelly on Generative AI and Art
Kevin Kelly, who has been in the art and photography field for around 50 years, said, “Artificial intelligence can now make better art than most humans.”
Kevin Kelly has integrated ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, Dall-E, Midjourny, and sound diffusion into his creative pursuits.
He further said it is easy to generate something related to art instantly. But it is easy to create specific art and images. To push these AI tools to the next level, you must provoke them to do better than average.
Midjorney and Dall-E can produce any possible image. But they can’t make a lot of stuff because there is no language. There is a lot of great art in the world, but if you try to reduce it to description, you can’t; that’s great art.
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Human-Made Vs. Neural Network Made
Human Creativity is limitless. But Generative Artificial Intelligence tools like Midjounny and Dall-E are also smart enough.
Below is a quiz conducted to distinguish AI-generated designs from handmade designs.
Few gave correct answers, while some felt it was challenging. At the same time, some find flaws in designs created by Generative Artificial Intelligence.
From this, we conclude that AI is smart enough to generate some awesome designs but still has some flaws.
A handmade thing is a human’s soul, but Generative Artificial Intelligence does not have a soul and never will.
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Generative Artificial Intelligence in Design and Needlework
Recently, a test has been performed to check the permanence of the Generative Artificial Intelligence chatbot ChatGPT and text-to-image generator tool MidJourney in design and needlework. Below are the results achieved.
Dress Design
We asked Chatgpt to work as a designer and develop ideas for creating a design for a women’s dress. Further, we asked for a step-by-step guide to make this design.
Here is what we got from ChatGPT.
Then, these instructions from ChatgPT are fed into another Generative Artificial Intelligence tool, Midjourney(text-to-image generator). Below are the results from MidJourney:
Chair design
This time, we asked Chatgpt to prepare a design for a high-quality tech chair.
ChatGPT provided detailed instructions.
These instructions from ChatGPT are then fed into Midjourney. Below are what the mid-journey generated.
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Women Earning Design
This time, we ask ChatGPT to design unusual women-earning designs.
Output from the ChatGPT:
Below are the results from the MidJourney Tool:
From these designs, you can easily judge the strengths and weaknesses of designs created by modern technology tools.
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Crochet Patterns
After the launch of ChatGPT, Alexandra Woolner, who has been crocheting since 2019, decided to give it a try to create a crochet pattern for Narwhal. She gave the ChatGPT the following prompt.
“Write me a crochet pattern for a narwhal stuffed animal using worsted weight yarn.”
Worsted weight yarn is thick yarn commonly used for crochet. After receiving a pattern from the chatbot, Alexandra Woolner expected the results to be interesting.
The results are cursed. A strange type of animal formed due to following ChatGPT crochet patterns. This is different from the actual Narwhal.
Alexandra Woolner named it Gerald and shared it on Tiktok. It went viral on Tiktok.
On the other hand, Ruth Brasch asked Chatgpt to prepare a crochet pattern for a double crochet worsted weight hat. According to her, it was perfect. According to Rurh Brasch, Chatgpt is good at doing the math involved in pattern writing.
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Generative Artificial Intelligence for Sewing Instructions
Here, I ask ChatGPT to provide instructions on sewing the leather crossbody.
ChatGPT gave me a detailed list of instructions, which look good. But these instructions have many flaws, like
- Did not mention the type of Leather needles and threads for sewing leather crossbody
- Also, ChatGPT should have told me to finish the leather edges. These edges cause the leather to fray.
- These instructions did not mention the application of leather wax or conditioner to the bag, which is essential to maintain the leather’s appearance for the long term.
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Woodworking
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for woodworking-related projects. Below are some ways to use ChatGPT and Google‘s Bard for woodworking projects.
Safety and Best Practices
Generative AI tools can be used for specific safety and best practices related to particular situations in woodworking.
For example, when we gave the prompt, ” I’m working with power tools in a small workshop. How can I ensure good ventilation and reduce dust accumulation?” to ChatGPT
We got the following comprehensive safety measures from the tool:
Design Assistance
If a woodworker has a rough design idea, he can use ChatGPT’s assistance to refine and visualize it using tools like Dall-E, Midjourney, or Bing Image Creator.
Wooden Chair Design Created using Midjourney
Wooden Bed Design Created using Midjourney:
Further, ChatGPT helps provide suggestions for improvement in design and feedback.
Technique and Tool Recommendations:
Generative AI can be helpful for woodworking techniques and tool recommendations for specific tasks and conditions. For Example
I asked Chatbot, “What’s the best technique to create strong and seamless joints in woodworking?” It provided me with step-by-step guidelines.
Troubleshooting
Generative AI capable of troubleshooting complex woodworking-related issues. For example, when Chatgpt was given the prompt, “I’m staining a wooden project, but the stain is blotchy and uneven. How can I fix it?”
It troubleshoots the problem and gives me the following comprehensive solution, which is in the attached image.
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Generative Artificial Intelligence and Ceramics Industry
Ceramic artists can use Generative AI to take their productivity and business to the next level. We’ll discuss ways ceramic experts can benefit from generative tools like Google Bard and Bing Image Creator.
Brainstorming new product ideas and designs
The aboaabovelhelpsaainstorm new ideas for ceramic products. For example, new shapes, colors, and designs.
New Ceramic Shapes Ideas By Bing Image Creator:
New Ceramic Design Ideas By Bing Image Creator:
Creating Product Specifications:
Along with brainstorming product ideas, Generative AI tools help create product specifications for ceramic artists. For example, they can help in
- Selection of material
- Dimensions
- Firing temperatures
Troubleshooting Ceramic Problems
Tools like Google Bard and ChatGPT can be helpful in troubleshooting problems that may occur during the manufacturing process of ceramic products.
For example, when we ask “Why did the color of my ceramic piece change after firing?” to a generative AI chatbot, it troubleshoots the problem and gives possible reasons in detail, like
- Chemical Reactions: Various chemical reactions occur inside the ceramic material during the firing process. Color variations might come from these reactions changing the makeup of the glazes, oxides, or pigments employed. For instance, certain metal oxides may experience reduction or oxidation reactions, which can change how they appear colored.
- Temperature and Firing Conditions: The firing temperature and environment can considerably affect a ceramic piece’s color. Different colors may manifest at certain temperatures or in particular kiln atmospheres (oxidizing, reducing, neutral). The final color can also be affected by variations in the cooling process, such as rapid or gradual cooling.
- Glaze and Surface Reactions: Glazes are frequently used to give ceramic objects color and surface features. Color variations can be caused by the glaze’s contact with the underlying ceramic material and by reactions occurring inside the glaze during burning. Elements like thickness, chemical makeup, and application methods can influence the final color look.
- The color of the ceramic body or glaze can be affected by the raw materials used in their creation. The output of color might differ even slightly depending on the composition or quality of the raw components.
- Consistency in Firing: Consistency in firing conditions is essential for consistent color outcomes. Color variations may result from changes in temperature, heating or cooling speeds, or kiln environment between firings.
- Effects of the Surface: Surface characteristics like bubbles, fissures, and unevenness can affect how light reflects off the ceramic surface. These texture changes can provide visual effects that change how the piece’s color is perceived.
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Process Optimization
Generative AI tools can also be used for ceramic process optimization if appropriate.
For example, these tools can provide recommendations to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
You can check some examples below.
User Query: What is the most effective approach to avoid glaze flaws on my ceramic pieces?
ChatGPT Response: “Before applying the glaze, ensure the surface of your ceramic pieces is clean and clear of dust or impurities to optimize your glazing process and minimize glaze defects. To achieve more even and consistent coverage, experiment with various glaze application techniques, including spraying or dipping. Glaze flaws can be reduced by carefully managing the drying time and temperature before firing.
User Query: What can I do to make my kiln firing procedure more effective?
Response from ChatGPT: “If you want to increase the effectiveness of your kiln firing procedure, think about installing a programmable controller or kiln management system that enables you to accurately regulate and track temperature profiles. Doing this allows you to create the desired firing curve more precisely, use less energy, and get reliable firing results. Optimizing how your ceramic pieces are stacked in the kiln can help with heat dispersion and uniform fire.
It is important to note that while Generative AI tools can be helpful in the Craft Industry, these should be used with human expertise and judgment.
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Automation and Efficiency
In the craft industry, AI can automate different processes like cutting, carving, and engraving. Typically, these skills require much time and effort from professional artists.
For example, in woodworking, CNC machines can interpret design specifications and accurately cut and carve wood. In the same way, generative AI tools can carve or etch ceramics efficiently.
But AI can still replace the need for skilled artisans. Human intervention is still needed to oversee and maintain the AI systems.
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Handcrafted Wooden Products
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