Artisse can create AI photos of you from reminders, templates or even reference photos | TechCrunch

Image credits: Artist

Artisse is the latest AI photo maker to challenge recent viral app Remini and others by allowing users to create their own AI photos by first uploading a series of selfies. However, Artisee claims to improve the current range of AI photo applications by providing a wider range of both input and output capabilities, and bring greater realism to the resulting images, right away. even when placed in imaginary realms.

Similar to other apps, users will upload 15 images of themselves to train the AI ​​on their images. Once the upload is complete, you can use text prompts or image prompts to create a new AI photo of yourself. With the latter option, you can choose to choose from a template or upload your own reference photo to create your own in a variety of settings, poses, and styles. When using a template, you can also modify the image by tapping the buttons to change the style or by adding additional prompts.

Essentially, the company says it’s using its own asset model, but has incorporated elements and best practices from existing open-source models and tools.

Image credits: Artist

The company says it’s working to make the app more flexible in terms of body shapes and skin tones – an area where other AI photo apps have not yet reached, including Remini, where many women complain that they are much thinner than in real life. or with larger breasts. Artisse faces similar challenges – especially if you use a reference image of a thinner person.

The startup was founded by William Wu, who previously worked in investment and strategy with roles at McKinsey & Co. and Oaktree Capital. He said he was inspired to work on an AI application after seeing how many people with “perfect” photos of themselves posted on Instagram or on their dating profiles.

“But to be able to create these types of photos you need to get the privilege or affordability, a lot of patience and time, or very high level of expertise,” Wu told TechCrunch. For example, people need to know how to take pictures or how to pose well, he explains. “With the advent of AI, our goal is to give everyone the perfect personal photo, regardless of your background or level of experience. Everyone can create the perfect photo for themselves,” said Wu.

In fact, this app takes longer to process selfies and train the AI ​​than other apps – about 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, AI images only take a few minutes to create. This system, Wu claims, beats the competition in terms of created realism. Within the app, users can also seek inspiration from photos of men or women with various styles, poses and backgrounds, or they can upload photos from their own gallery.

“Remini, which features popular AI, has relatively low quality images, low input flexibility,” noted Wu, adding that its app requires users to choose from a set of templates. In addition, he adds, it has low output flexibility because it mainly consists of monochrome backgrounds.

Artisse currently offers the first 25 photos for free, then charges about 20 cents each after that. After this, they plan to launch a subscription model in the next version which will also include sizing and HD features. For B2B clients, Artisse also offers a comprehensive consulting style service, including model selection, image creation and post-production, priced based on time and subsequent work involved. .

Wu said the app is a product of Hong Kong-based Mumu Labs and is currently being launched. But he noted that the startup is negotiating a terms sheet with a UK-based VC and is in discussions with others.

Artisse is available on both iOS and Android, with the goal of reaching around 800 million users of the photo editing app. The company plans to go live on the web next month.