We explain how this neural network works, what it can do, and how to get started with it.
Neural networks make human work much easier: they can drive cars, write music, create meaningful texts, and even diagnose diseases from images.
One of the most notable recent projects is the Midjourney neural network. Let’s take a look at what it is and how to work with this network.
What is Midjourney
Midjourney is a neural network that draws images based on a text description from the user. Just describe what you want, and the program will give you the result in the specified style.
Midjourney can create paintings, stylize images in the spirit of popular films, and invent the appearances of fairy-tale creatures. Whereas previously, talent or special education was required to work in graphics, thanks to Midjourney, even those who cannot draw at all can now bring their graphic ideas to life.
How neural networks work
A neural network is a program that is structured according to the principle of neural connections in the human brain. The term first appeared in the mid-20th century, when scientists decided to try to create a technology that could replicate the workings of the human brain.
Neural networks mimic the structure of the nervous system. They consist of a multitude of neural processors—nodes similar to neurons in the brain. Each node can analyze data obtained through interactions with humans or other nodes. As a result, modern neural networks can learn independently, find errors in their work, and apply previous experience.
Neural network developers rarely use the term “artificial intelligence”; they prefer the concept of “machine learning.” The essence of this is not to solve a problem using a specific algorithm, but to create an algorithm based on many similar problems. Another term is “deep learning.” This is one of the areas of machine learning that works with large amounts of data (big data) to find patterns and relationships.
But in the 20th century, technological capabilities were insufficient. In-depth study of neural networks began in the early 2000s. At that time, powerful processors appeared, and with them the ability to process large amounts of information.
The surge of interest in neural networks among ordinary users came when the results of artificial intelligence became tangible and everyone had the opportunity to influence it.
The Midjourney neural network is based on two scientific achievements in the field of AI: the ability to recognize human speech and the ability to create images and pictures. The program uses deep learning and builds connections between a user’s query and data from a huge library loaded into it.
There have been previous attempts to create a similar program. For example, the Prisma app turned photos into “paintings” using the styles of famous artists. Despite Prisma’s success, Midjourney wins in both popularity and functionality. This neural network can not only copy and apply styles, but also create its own images from scratch and even imitate photos.
There are analogues to Midjourney, but they are inferior to it. For example, the DALL-E 2 neural network developed by OpenAI does not have the same level of detail. And to work with the desktop version of Stable Diffusion, you need a powerful computer and programming skills.
How much does Midjourney cost?
The first beta version of Midjourney appeared in 2022. Initially, the program offered 25 free attempts, which was enough for a maximum of 12 images. But recently, Midjourney introduced restrictions for new users, reducing the time for free image generation to 15 minutes, and even this option is not always available.
Currently, there are three paid plans listed on the website. Their cost is primarily determined by the amount of time you have access to accelerated task processing and the number of tasks that can be processed simultaneously.
The basic plan allows you to generate images for a total of just over three hours, and only in accelerated mode. The Standard plan costs $30 per month and includes a slow processor option, with no limit on image generation time.
The neural network is constantly learning, and users are involved in this process. By evaluating the neural network’s images, you can earn yourself additional time with increased power for image generation — this option is available on all paid plans.