Exactly.ai: Founder Tonya Samsonova on a neural network for artists

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Exactly.ai is an innovative AI-powered tool specifically designed for artists and designers. It allows users to create custom models by training them on their own creative work, and also sell licenses for these models and the resulting generated images. This British startup shows great promise in the field of creative technologies. Recently, Exactly.ai was selected to participate in the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, highlighting its significance and potential in the market.

We met with Tonya Samsonova, founder of Exactly.ai, formerly known as the creator of TheQuestion, a TV presenter, and journalist. Tonya shared information about how Exactly.ai functions, what opportunities it provides to artists and how, in her opinion, copyright will develop in the context of the growing influence of artificial intelligence on various fields of activity.

The idea of ​​​​creating this neural network was born from a desire to improve the interaction between people and technology. We noticed that modern data processing and artificial intelligence solutions could significantly improve the efficiency of various processes. Our team wanted to create a tool that would not only simplify tasks but also ensure highly accurate and reliable results. We conducted extensive research, analyzed existing technologies, and identified user needs, which formed the basis for the development of our neural network.

Before creating Exactly, I worked on the development of TheQuestion service. This project was acquired by Yandex, after which I joined their team.

Yandex actively uses machine learning technologies, which play a key role in search engines and other products. I have encountered these technologies repeatedly in my work. Artificial intelligence, in particular generative models, has become the subject of significant attention in recent years. These models are capable of creating images and works of art, which has become a real breakthrough in the field of technology. The development of generative AI opens new horizons for creative industries and improves user experience.

The situation with neural networks is reminiscent of the media industry's clash with new technologies two decades ago. Back then, print publications and journalists found themselves competing for advertising budgets and audience attention with search engines and social media. This conflict led to a decline in content quality: it became more profitable to create a plethora of dubious materials with clickbait headlines than to conduct in-depth investigations. As neural networks begin to actively influence the creation and distribution of information, it is important to consider the quality of content and its value to the audience.

It immediately became clear that creators would face challenges related to neural networks. Screenwriters are currently protesting with signs against new technologies, and artists are expressing dissatisfaction with the fact that their images are being used without permission to train models. They also note that artificial intelligence tools are being used against them. Previously, companies turned to creators to purchase illustrations, but now they can create them through platforms that compete for creators' income. This creates significant challenges for creative professionals, who are already feeling the pressure of modern technology.

I can easily understand these emotions. It is important to me that Exactly genuinely contributes to improving people's lives, not hijacking their achievements. There is no need to stage protests against ineffective mathematicians and data scientists. There is an opportunity to find a win-win solution where technological advancement benefits everyone.

By opening Instagram and following artists, you can see the diversity of their work. Some create watercolors, others sew dolls, and still others work in digital illustration. However, when we pay attention to images generated by neural networks, they often seem homogeneous and similar. This is because neural network algorithms rely on certain stylistic patterns, which affects the uniqueness of the works. As a result, despite technological advances, art created using neural networks may be perceived as less diverse than the work of living artists.

I don't strive for a world where everything is presented in the same style. I value a world filled with individuals who perceive it differently. Each view is unique and enriches our perception, creating variety and beauty in the surrounding reality.

Reading is an important part of our lives; it enriches our inner world and develops critical thinking. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials helps improve vocabulary, broaden horizons, and promotes personal development. In addition, reading helps reduce stress and improve concentration. In today's world, where information is available in vast quantities, it is important to be able to distinguish quality sources. Maintain the habit of reading by choosing a variety of genres and topics to not only gain knowledge but also enjoy the process. Thus, reading becomes not only a useful but also a fascinating activity.

Neural Networks and Copyright: Litigation, Limitations, and Ambiguities

In recent years, the use of neural networks in creative processes has become a subject of active debate in the field of copyright. Court cases related to the rights to content created using artificial intelligence raise many questions about the legitimacy of such works and their protection. On the one hand, neural networks are capable of generating unique works, which challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality. On the other hand, there is uncertainty in the legislation regarding the copyright of these works.

Limitations associated with the use of neural networks are also becoming an important topic of discussion. Uncertainty regarding the rights to the data used to train the models creates risks for developers and users. Many creators fear that their works may be used without an appropriate license, which creates a "gray area" in law enforcement.

Court cases involving neural networks highlight the need to revise existing copyright laws to adequately reflect the realities of the digital age. It is important to consider both the rights of authors and the innovative opportunities offered by neural networks. Developing clear rules and standards will help avoid conflicts and ensure the protection of the interests of all parties in this rapidly changing field.

Exactly.ai is a platform based on advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Exactly.ai's primary function is to analyze data and provide valuable insights for businesses. The platform uses sophisticated algorithms to process large volumes of information, enabling users to obtain accurate and timely results. Exactly.ai focuses on process automation, which significantly improves company efficiency and reduces costs. An intuitive interface and powerful analytical tools make Exactly.ai accessible to users of various skill levels. The platform is suitable for both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses, providing them with a competitive advantage in the market.

Our team's engineers work closely with art historians, allowing us to effectively evaluate the final results of our work. Our goal is to extract patterns from a limited number of images. For example, if a user uploads ten of their paintings, we can analyze them and identify that person's unique style. This allows us to create personalized recommendations and improve the quality of the visual content experience.

The task of object recognition using computer vision technology is complex, but highly relevant. For example, Google offers users the opportunity to tag images of traffic lights. Computer vision technologies have made significant advances today. If you provide a computer with an image of a traffic light, it can accurately identify it as a traffic light. Similarly, if the system processes an image of a person, it can recognize their gender, hair color, and even attempt to identify their name. Advances in computer vision are opening up new horizons in a variety of fields, including security, transportation, and medicine. All existing models are trained on data collected from the internet. Companies have powerful computing resources to process this data and train models for object recognition. However, these technologies require further development for real-world applications, such as self-driving cars. Key to this is the ability to accurately determine what's happening on the road: whether a bus is moving, or whether it's snowing or raining. Numerous models capable of solving these problems exist, as numerous companies are actively developing them.

Artificial intelligence doesn't always accurately recognize the technique used to create a work of art. For example, it may struggle to identify the colors used, the palette, and the brushstroke technique. Questions about whether pencil or pastel was used, as well as the specific pastel used, may remain unanswered. Similarly, recognizing oil and acrylic paints, as well as the tools used to apply them, such as a spatula or brush, is a complex task. To gain a deeper understanding of an artist's style, all these nuances must be taken into account.

This is a massive market, with companies annually investing a trillion dollars in the time and talent of image-creation specialists. Globally, 200 million people earn money in this market, and the sector will continue to grow thanks to the development of various tools. However, businesses aren't simply investing in technology; they are seeking the talent and uniqueness of artists. Therefore, when creating artificial intelligence for professionals, a key aspect is ensuring that this intelligence can understand and reflect the individuality of each specialist.

Regular neural networks can create images of vases based on many different images. However, if I design vases professionally, I need not just a random vase, but one that is unique and specific to my style. I have the skills to create original vases, so I need a personalized artificial intelligence model that can take into account my preferences and requirements. This approach will allow me to effectively develop my creativity and offer exclusive solutions to clients.

In our product, artists can create their own unique model, similar to DALL-E. Even if you don't have a degree in machine learning or are not an engineer, you can develop your own model with simple and accessible tools.

To train the model, you need to provide your own images. This model is not owned by Exactly and remains the property of the artist. All images created using this model also belong to the creator. If the images you upload are your property, which we always check, then all works created using our tool will be your intellectual property.

If a user wants to create a model based on images found on the Internet, he can use various tools and programs Image processing. There are many platforms that allow you to upload images and convert them into 3D models or other formats. It's important to consider the copyright of the images you use to avoid infringement. You should also review the image quality and format requirements, as this may affect the outcome of the model. A proper approach to selecting and processing images will significantly increase the chances of a successful project.

In this case, a person will not be able to obtain copyright. For example, if I go to another artist's Instagram, take screenshots of their work, and use them to train the Exactly model, I will not be able to verify my rights to the uploaded images. However, we do not prohibit you from using such a model if you are learning to draw and need references.

You cannot become the copyright holder of images created using a model if it was trained on someone else's work. However, if you use your own images to train a model, you own the rights to both the created works and the license. This allows you to sell these licenses to clients, ensuring the legal use of your work.

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Exactly.ai — creating your own models in a neural network: goals and advantages

Creating your own models in a neural network, such as Exactly.ai, opens new horizons for business and scientific research. It is important to understand why it is necessary to develop custom solutions based on neural networks and what benefits this brings.

The first thing worth noting is the ability to adapt the model to specific tasks. Customized neural networks can effectively solve unique problems that standard solutions cannot take into account. For example, in data analysis, marketing, or image processing, creating a specialized model can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of information processing.

Furthermore, developing your own models allows you to control the quality of your data and algorithms, which is essential for achieving high results. You can optimize the model training process and adapt it to changing market conditions.

It's also worth mentioning the ability to integrate the created model with existing systems and processes. This makes the implementation of neural networks in business smoother and less expensive.

As a result, creating your own neural network models, such as Exactly.ai, provides unique opportunities to increase business efficiency, improve service quality, and speed up processes.

You organize exhibitions and currently have a project in Shoreditch, a borough of London. Can you share more details about this project?

We organize exhibitions because we believe it's important to provide artists not only with the necessary tools but also with the opportunity to achieve recognition and success. On the Fiverr platform, artists can sell their work for as little as 5 euros, while renowned illustrators can receive up to 5,000 euros for their pieces. Supporting talented creators and creating conditions for their growth contributes to the development of the art market and increases the value of art in society.

The difference in artist success can be significant and is often not related to the level of talent. Factors such as solo exhibitions, museum participation, and commissions from prominent clients play a significant role. These aspects can significantly impact an artist's reputation and commercial success, opening up new avenues for creativity and self-expression.

Building a successful artistic career can take decades. We organize exhibitions so Exactly platform users can gain recognition and exposure, attracting clients willing to pay not €5, but €5,000 for their artwork. Our goal is to help talented artists achieve financial success and become known in the art world.

In Shoreditch, we present not just images, but unique models. Visitors to our gallery can go to the Exactly public models page, choose any of them, click a button, and create an image, which is then displayed on the wall. In this way, we illustrate that only a person with an individual style is capable of creating a truly original model.

Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence are challenging traditional drawing and copying skills. If you're simply good at drawing and copying other people's ideas, your talent can quickly become irrelevant. Today, uniqueness and an individual approach to creativity are valued. With this exhibition, we aim to highlight the importance of human creativity, demonstrating that personality and originality are far more important than the ability to quickly create images using technology. Creativity is not only a result, but also a process that reflects your unique perspective and emotions.

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