avatarJerry Keszka

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er based on the prompt “A Dan Flavin art of a rabbit”.</figcaption></figure><p id="2b9b">It’s a beauty. Simple, poetic, surprising. The reference to Dan Flavin creates an atmospheric, illuminated render of the rabbit. I could see this as a piece in my own space.</p><p id="16cf" type="7">“An Isamu Noguchi art of a rabbit”</p><figure id="8d22"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*gj4fxhoA7HyROuRpYyb8Ig.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the prompt “An Isamu Noguchi art of a rabbit”.</figcaption></figure><p id="113c">Stunning. There is a bit of surrealism in the form itself, but it’s an impressive concept of a rabbit.</p><p id="03ce" type="7">“A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit”</p><figure id="4eee"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*7LOC2oigQDzizr7kBf2stg.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the prompt “A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit”.</figcaption></figure><p id="7855">This render looks right out of the imaginary sculpture park itself. The texture is amazingly realistic, the composition is dynamic. In its poise, the rabbit displays a big personality.</p><h1 id="830a">Defining the three-prong prompt: A sculptural reference, persona, and an action</h1><p id="5b77">Now that we’ve explored a basic static DALL-E render of a sculptural reference, we can expand the prompt with a third contextual element, <b>action</b>.</p><p id="56be">We’ll ask for the rabbit to be active, jumping, or leaping.</p><figure id="3b09"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*lYLI6loWGLuEmEit8uZNKw.png"><figcaption>Adding ‘action’ to the initial prompt. This defines the 3-prong approach for the prompt.</figcaption></figure><p id="2f0c">Defining an action for our persona will add fluidity and spatial aspects. We can describe the action as leaping, or jumping through the air.</p><p id="360c">The prompts for DALL-E are thus:</p><p id="e870" type="7">“A Dan Flavin art of a rabbit leaping through the air”</p><figure id="a91c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*OhgL44MaPkgu2NcnBBcPwA.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the 3-prong prompt “A Dan Flavin art of a rabbit leaping through the air”.</figcaption></figure><p id="1c1b">DALL-E rendered this beautifully based on the 3-prong input. The image has a cinematic, ethereal quality. While we’re not sure where this narrative is going, it can be the take-off point for the rabbit hero story.</p><p id="ac7b" type="7">“An Isamu Noguchi sculpture of a rabbit jumping through mid air”</p><figure id="5b4e"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*-tfcnwiVkpOpni9ziPb53Q.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the 3-prong prompt “An Isamu Noguchi sculpture of a rabbit jumping through mid air”.</figcaption></figure><p id="9b64">In this DALL-E image, the hero, the rabbit is taking on a playful personality, jumping into the air, escaping the picture, leaping into his freedom. Action here defines the hero as having energy and aspirations.</p><p id="6506" type="7">“A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit jumping”</p><figure id="60fc"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*tn92Rom8N8RRMEy5-MTVvg.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the 3-prong prompt “A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit jumping”.</figcaption></figure><p id="c4a3">This DALL-E rabbit seems to be dancing on his concrete cube, excited to be in this park-like environment. The action here adds delightfulness and subtlety.</p><h1 id="0612">Defining the four-prong prompt: The sculptural reference, persona, action, and environment</h1><p id="600e">We can expand a 3-prong set-up to include any other attribute. We can set the stage by defining the surroundings, colors, expression, background, textures, and so many other aspects.</p><figure id="44e0"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*_LiLU-WRYZnBBdfaLNyXCQ.png"><figcaption>An illustrative outline of a 4-prong approach to crafting the prompt. This includes the sculptural style reference, the hero (rabbit), the action, and the environment.</figcaption></figure><p id="b24a">For this exploration, we define the environment on the Barbara-Hepworth-inspired dancing rabbit.</p><p id="5bd8" type="7">“A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit diving into a big swimming pool”</p><figure id="cc8

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f"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*VM3eVfQ3YmXeriXWTUAQBA.png"><figcaption>A DALL-E render based on the 4-prong prompt “A Barbara Hepworth sculpture of a rabbit diving into a big swimming pool”.</figcaption></figure><p id="0744">It’s a nice rendering, although it took a few rounds to get a render of the rabbit’s entire body. The form of the sculpture is lovely, smooth, and artistic. I could see this sculpture in someone’s swimming pool.</p><p id="3c60">This can become an idea for a prototype. Or it can be a visual cue for a story that yet has to be written.</p><p id="58a0">Expanding on the prompts can add interesting dimensions, although it will take several tries before DALL-E can loosely match one’s expectation, even on a rudimentary level.</p><h1 id="f09d">Learnings and takeaways</h1><p id="e758">DALL-E renders take time (and money). They need a meaningful prompts to make a render valuable to the designer.</p><p id="ea35">Crafting a prompt takes a conceptual input. We need to define our expectations of a DALL-E render. (Randomness is fine, but unsurprisingly, the outcome is unpredictable).</p><p id="4faf">It is important to know the artistic style references well. Read up about artists’ and their work and look images of their oeuvre. Delve into their universe that took them decades to create.</p><p id="6c89">Study art history, visit museums, attend art lectures, research art movements. It will come in handy when you need to write design inputs.</p><p id="47f6">Keep being amazed by what you see around you and make a note of it.</p><p id="2ce2">Experiment with the prompt, but don’t ask for the impossible. Remember, DALL-E pulls from open source databases. DALL-E doesn’t have the human ability to bend its mind around corners.</p><p id="5f04">Remain humble and always remember, DALL-E does not replace the human imagination and creative mind. DALL-E is a tool. We can use it to explore.</p><p id="bd7b">Above all, enjoy the journey into AI.</p><p id="87ca">And then, take a break from it all.</p><p id="734f"><b>Interested in learning more about UX design, AI, design tools & trends, and art? Join Medium with <a href="https://evaschicker2012.medium.com/membership">this link</a>, and support my future writing. Thank you! </b>✍️🧡</p><p id="7ff8"><i>All images created with DALL-E ©Eva Schicker 2023.</i></p><p id="be5c">Read more about AI and design:</p><div id="f8f5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://evaschicker.medium.com/applying-abstract-art-references-to-dall-e-as-stylistic-concepts-55a000660f8c"> <div> <div> <h2>Applying abstract art references to DALL-E as stylistic concepts</h2> <div><h3>5 explorations on how DALL-E’s AI is interpreting modernist art styles</h3></div> <div><p>evaschicker.medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*FJxhtMEaieIBKV-Tqsu18w.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="144e" class="link-block"> <a href="https://evaschicker.medium.com/how-to-explore-the-golden-ratio-in-design-and-typography-b124331ba378"> <div> <div> <h2>How to explore the golden ratio in design and typography</h2> <div><h3>The secret lies in 1.61803398875</h3></div> <div><p>evaschicker.medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*6VIjPYDeIFm-JvSKNYg50g.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="770e" class="link-block"> <a href="https://evaschicker.medium.com/creating-steam-in-css-d8641ba7525c"> <div> <div> <h2>Creating steam in CSS</h2> <div><h3>Think hot, delightful, freshly brewed coffee</h3></div> <div><p>evaschicker.medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*VuQaTsutYWfyUueWNHz2aQ.gif)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="0bce">Thank you.</p></article></body>

7 Free, Must-Have Writing Tools

How to write well without spending any money

Everybody writes ( texts, emails, sales copy, etc.), but few people write well. Having the right tools can make all the difference. That is why I put together the list of seven free writing tools that will make your life much easier and writing more enjoyable and of better quality.

There are a lot of great writing tools out there, but sometimes the cost can be prohibitive. Not to worry, though, because there are a ton of great free tools that you can start using immediately. Here are seven of my favorites. Enjoy!

Image from Canva selected by the author

1. Power Thesaurus

Writer’s block is a common affliction, but thesauruses have been around for centuries as a way to break through it. In the past, however, thesauruses were bulky books that were difficult to search.

Power Thesaurus is a free online thesaurus that helps you find the right word for your writing. Type in a word and Power Thesaurus will provide a list of synonyms.

You can also search for words by topic, so if you’re stuck for a word about “nature,” you can find a list of related words to choose from.

In addition, Power Thesaurus includes a handy word-of-the-day feature, which can help expand your vocabulary over time. With Power Thesaurus at your fingertips, writer’s block will be a thing of the past.

2. Grammarly Keyboard

Grammarly Keyboard is an absolute must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time typing on their phone.

This app provides real-time feedback on your grammar, spelling, and punctuation, so you can be sure that your text is always accurate and error-free.

Even better, it offers a wide range of customization options, so you can adjust the level of feedback to suit your needs. And for those worried about battery life, Grammarly Keyboard has a unique “low power mode” that conserves energy while still providing all the same great features. So if you want to ensure your text is always looking its best, download Grammarly Keyboard today.

Grammarly for desktops is quite popular. But most people don’t know about a free mobile version.

3. QuillBot

This free paraphrasing website is straightforward to use:

  • Input text and hit Rephrase
  • Get AI-suggestion on how to rewrite
  • Scan text for plagiarism (built-in feature )
  • Credit sources

It will help you get the job done quickly.

4. Otter AI

Anyone who tells you they don’t need any help with writing is either a) a liar or b) someone who has never heard of Otter AI.

Otter AI is a revolutionary tool that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe and edit written content.

Whether you’re working on an essay, a blog post, or a novel, Otter AI can help you to get your thoughts down on paper faster and more accurately than ever before. And the best part? Otter AI is free to use! So why not give it a try? You might find it the best writing tool you’ve ever used.

It has a mobile app so you can capture ideas while walking with your dog.

5. Evernote Web Clipper

Research is crucial for writing. It allows you to save articles, web pages, and even whole sections of text to your Evernote account with just a few clicks.

Use this Chrome extension to clip articles, reference sources, and organize your writing projects.

You can then access those notes from any device, making it easy to research and write on the go. The Web Clipper also makes it easy to organize your research materials.

You can create different notebooks for different projects and tag each note with relevant keywords. That way, you can quickly find the information you need when you need it.

And if you ever need to cite a source, the Web Clipper can generate a formatted citation. So if you’re looking for a way to streamline your writing process, the Evernote Web Clipper is worth checking out.

6. Hemingway

There’s no shortage of writing tools out there. But if you’re looking for a tool to help you write like a pro, then Hemingway is a must-have.

Named after Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, Hemingway is designed to make your writing clear, concise, and easy to read.

And it does this by highlighting common errors and suggesting ways to improve your style. For example, it will flag words and phrases that are unnecessarily long or complex and suggest simpler alternatives.

It also highlights passive voice and overuse of adverbs, two major no-nos in writing.

Hemingway is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

So whether you’re a student struggling with an essay or a professional writer aiming for perfection, Hemingway is worth a try.

7.MyBib Free: Citation Generator

It is a Chrome extension that generates citations automatically.

Any academic paper worth its salt will require citations.

Whether quoting another source directly or summarizing someone else’s work, you need to give credit where it’s due. But formatting all those pesky citations can be a pain — that’s where MyBib Free: Citation Generator comes in!

This free online tool can help eliminate the guesswork of creating accurate citations in popular formats like MLA, APA, and Chicago. Search for the source you wish to cite by title, author, DOI, URL, or ISBN, and MyBib will do the rest.

In just a few clicks, you’ll have a correctly formatted citation that you can copy and paste into your paper. It just might make writing your following essay a little bit easier.

What is your favorite writing tool?

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