Can DALL-E 2 Outperform My Two Decades-Old Photoshop Skills?
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Chapter 1: A Journey Back in Time
Recently, I felt inspired to revisit my two-decade-old Photoshop creations, prompted by the buzz surrounding DALL-E 2.
But first, I invite you to ponder: who do you believe will emerge victorious—my teenage self or DALL-E? Few people are aware that I was once an avid Photoshop enthusiast, eager to enhance my classmates' graduation photos. In those days, the tools and applications were limited; either you hired a professional or took on the challenge yourself, and I chose the latter. I spent countless hours crafting what I referred to as "digital art and photo manipulation." Now, with DALL-E gaining acclaim, I'm curious to see who would outperform the other—my youthful creativity or this celebrated AI. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
I delved into my DeviantArt account and retrieved seven pieces of my old work, giving both myself and the AI a fair shot at victory. The selections vary in complexity, yet I believe they all showcase unique ideas, especially for a teenager. Reflecting on these pieces still brings me joy, and I approached this challenge with an open mind, ready to concede if DALL-E outshone my past endeavors.
P.S. My artist alias was "Easycom," inspired by my fondness for frogs, which I found to be versatile subjects for my art. One of my pieces features Sigmund Freud transformed into a frog, complete with a monocle and a cozy armchair.
Chapter 2: The Art of Comparison
As I reflect on my creative past, I can't help but compare my works with DALL-E’s interpretations.
The first piece I revisited was Frogenbier, inspired by a whimsical idea of frogs enjoying a beer in a pub setting. My prompt asked for two frogs sharing a lager in a dimly lit bar.
Then there’s The Rainmaker, which was inspired by Yanni’s evocative song. My goal was to translate the emotions stirred by the music into a visual representation.
The next piece, Let Me Out!, reflects my darker side, shaped by past heartbreaks and the transition from childhood. The prompt depicted a green figure trying to escape from within a man's chest.
Chapter 3: The Verdict
Ultimately, after putting my work against DALL-E's interpretations, I found that, while DALL-E produced some interesting results, I still believe my creations hold their own.
The AI performed respectably with the frog images but fell short on others. Although DALL-E's versions have their merits, I feel my artistry still shines through.
What are your thoughts? Did I outperform DALL-E, or did the AI take the crown? I’d love to hear your opinions on which pieces resonated most with you!
In closing, I’ve recently launched a new publication called Bricks n’ Brackets, focused on LEGO, technology, and coding. If these topics interest you, I would greatly appreciate your support. You’re also welcome to contribute as a writer if you have something to share on these subjects. The publication also has a YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok. Thank you for your support, and may creativity guide your day!
Attila Vago — A software engineer dedicated to enhancing the world through code. A lifelong fan of technology and creativity, with a passion for craft beer and vinyl records.