Bear in mind when Midjourney was only a easy Discord bot? As of late, they’re dreaming larger — method larger. Like, “let’s create a complete universe with prompts” larger.
See, this is the factor about AI artwork: for all its controversy, there are some areas the place it simply is sensible. Assume idea artists needing fast iterations, or storytellers wanting to visualise their worlds with out breaking the financial institution. That is the place Patchwork is available in — Midjourney’s bold new software that guarantees to vary how we method visible storytelling.
However is Patchwork really value your time? Or is it simply one other Midjourney characteristic that we’ll overlook in a few months?
What’s Midjourney Patchwork?
Everyone knows what Midjourney is, so I gained’t waste quite a lot of time speaking about it. However in case you don’t, Midjourney is an AI picture technology mannequin that at the moment has greater than 21 million energetic customers. Beginning out as a easy Discord bot, they finally grew to have their very own platform and introduce many new options. You’ll be able to learn our full evaluate of their newest mannequin right here.
So, now that we acquired that out of the best way, what’s Patchwork?
Midjourney is looking Patchwork an “infinite canvas.” It’s their try at making a storytelling software that mixes a number of LLMs and Midjourney, permitting customers to assemble visuals and keep a basic fashion. Merely put, Patchwork offers you the ability to create worlds utilizing prompts.
Supply: Midjourney
How To Use Midjourney Patchwork?
There’s no a method of utilizing Patchwork. One of the simplest ways I might describe it’s like taking part in an open-world recreation — positive, you may observe guides, however on the finish of the day, you’re higher off exploring and selecting up issues alongside the best way.
So, as a substitute of a standard step-by-step information, right here’s a rundown of all the pieces you are able to do with Patchwork:
The Starting
When you “create a world,” you’re going to be requested two issues: the setting of your world (the premise of your story) and a basic fashion (or the theme of your story). This can set up how your world will appear to be.
The Toolbox
So, we’ll speak about this extra after we get to the demo, however after you have your world, Patchwork directs you to an empty canvas with a toolbox. This can allow you to create, edit, or editorialize all the pieces in your world. Right here’s a fast rundown of all the pieces on this toolbox:
- Character: Creates a picture of a personality.
- Occasion: Creates an outline of a sure occasion.
- Place: Creates a setting inside your world.
- Prop: Creates an object inside your story.
- Faction: Creates a basic theme for a gaggle of characters.
- Notice: Attaches a textbox (containing data, storylines, or author’s notes) to a block to assist with storytelling.
- Picture: Means that you can add a third-party picture.
- Portal: Makes a portal in your canvas that results in one other canvas.
Creating My Personal World With Patchwork
Earlier than I proceed: I want to return clear with one thing. As a lot as I really like Midjourney, utilizing Patchwork might be some of the irritating issues I’ve ever finished. When I attempt to log in, 95% of the time, I’m hit with a Gateway Error. After I efficiently sign up, I’m typically disconnected from the server.
I virtually give up so many instances. I do know that this model of Patchwork is only a analysis preview (and that they’re conscious of this concern, simply that it’s a decrease precedence for them as they give attention to releasing Midjourney V7), however I want they’ve put some extra effort into the UX.
Nonetheless, I ultimately managed to log in with none disconnections. So, right here’s my expertise utilizing Patchwork.
Worldbuilding with Patchwork
Even at instances after I didn’t disconnect, Patchwork wasn’t actually producing pictures as quick as I hoped. I spent two days attempting to evaluate this software, and greater than three-quarters of these was wasted on this:
However I’m getting side-tracked.
So, again to the world I used to be attempting to create: a contemporary tackle sorcerers — a narrative the place they’re compelled into hiding after getting hunted by the federal government and bounty hunters. We have now our protagonist, a novice sorceress. An antagonist, a robust sorcerer who operates within the shadows by controlling the federal government. And our setting: twenty third century New York Metropolis, which is now a mixture of futuristic dystopia and spaghetti westerns.
First, I needed to create 4 characters: the protagonist, the antagonist, the mentor (kind of like Obi-Wan Kenobi), and an anti-hero (so, on this case, our personal Boba Fett).
When you choose “Character” within the toolbox, a block seems whereby it’s important to enter the identify of your character and their description.
When you’ve typed within the identify and outline, you may press the outline field and choose the paint brand, routinely creating 4 depictions of the character. The one you choose may also function the principle avatar of the block.
So, I went forward and created all the opposite characters as effectively.
The method was largely the identical for props, occasions, and locations — you create, identify, and outline them and generate pictures utilizing the paint button. So, I rapidly populated my world with all the pieces I might consider. That is the consequence:
It’s barebones, however after a number of server disconnections, the expertise was really fairly enjoyable and immersive. The fashion remained considerably constant all through too. Would I do that once more or increase my world? Positively, however provided that Midjourney fixes the issue.
Execs & Cons of Midjourney Patchwork
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Right here’s The Deal
I stated it earlier, however I’ve by no means been extra annoyed attempting a product than with Midjourney’s Patchwork. It took me two days simply to get an uninterrupted session.
For what it’s value: though it could appear that Patchwork was rushed and has a decrease precedence of their timeline, they nonetheless have huge plans for this software. Midjourney’s final objective is for the customers to have the ability to import creations from Patchwork to different storytelling apps — one thing that I consider could be wonderful for storyboarding.
However past that, I discovered Patchwork to be a terrific subsequent step for Midjourney. I’ve seen different critiques whose backside line is a query: is there even a necessity for Patchwork? And my reply to that’s, not essentially, however that doesn’t imply it shouldn’t be made. I really prefer it when platforms increase and introduce new issues.
Put it this manner. As somebody who’s 50-50 on AI artwork, there’s two areas that I wholeheartedly welcome the concept: idea creation and tabletop RPGs. With Patchwork, storyboarding for somebody with none artwork expertise can grow to be straightforward. It additionally offers hobbyists operating a D&D or Dread recreation an expansive canvas to create their world and share it with their gamers.
Server points apart, this was a blast and I can’t wait to attempt Patchwork as soon as they formally roll it out as a characteristic. When you have a Midjourney account and many endurance, I recommend you give it a attempt as effectively. Have enjoyable!
