The Pitfalls of AI Art: Testing PMAX's AI Assets

The Pitfalls of AI Art: Testing PMAX's AI Assets

Quick, cheap and customisable – AI-generated images are poised to be a game changer for marketers. We explore the highs and lows of PMAX's new AI image generation feature and why you shouldn't fear the rise of AI art just yet.

Headshot of Luke Ashmore-Delany

Published

29 May 2024

Categories

Marketing

SEM

Acquisition

Asset created with PMAX AI generated art feature

Table of Contents

AI in digital marketing

What jobs are safe: AI in digital marketing

As AI continues to advance, concerns about job security loom large. While some roles are at higher risk of automation, others remain relatively safe.

Recent reports indicate that jobs in creative industries and strategic planning are less likely to be taken over by AI, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

In digital marketing, AI plays a pivotal role in revolutionising advertising strategies and optimising campaign performance. From generating targeted ads to streamlining Facebook ad campaigns, AI-driven solutions empower marketers to reach new heights of efficiency and effectiveness.

How does AI art work?

AI's prowess extends beyond producing marketing copy; it delves into the realm of visual content creation, offering tantalising possibilities in AI art and photography.

By harnessing sophisticated algorithms, AI image generator tools seamlessly transform written prompts into captivating imagery.

Animation of how Google's Pmax AI image generation works
Source: Google

What is the best AI image generator?

AI image generators have been around for some time now, from OpenAI's DALL-E 3 to Image Creator by Microsoft Designer. While they continue to impress mainstream audiences, there's yet to be a fully-fledged, all-in-one AI image generator tailored specifically to the needs of digital marketers.

What is PMAX?

Enter Performance Max's new AI image feature. Touted as Google's latest advancement in AI image generation, it promises unparalleled quality and convenience.

Set to be released for all U.S. advertisers by the end of the year, marketers will soon be able to use PMAX's AI tool to generate image assets for their campaigns using prompts within a matter of seconds.

Screenshot of settings for PMAX's AI image generation feature
A screenshot of the initial information we gave PMAX for our AI experiment.

Why is AI bad for image generation?

From plagiarism and copyright concerns to ethical issues like racial biases – AI-generated art certainly has its fair share of controversies.

Despite lofty promises, PMAX's AI image generation tool doesn't always deliver either. Our paid media team recently got their hands on the new feature to trial a mock-up campaign for our client, ADT Security. While the assets generated weren't morally problematic, they do cast doubt on the tool's reliability and effectiveness.

9 Performance Max examples

Take a peek into our PMAX test ADT Security, where AI-generated images took an unexpected turn.

From oversized security cameras to illogical placements, these PMAX examples highlight the tool's shortcomings and remind us that AI art is far from perfect.

Example 1 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with security cameras outside a house
Test #1: Okay, we've got 3 human-sized sized cameras taking over this poor house.
Example 2 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with security cameras outside a house
Test #2: Slightly more realistic camera sizes now but they're hovering mid-air...
Example 3 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with security cameras outside a house
Test #3: What are we even selling here? Too much house, not enough camera.
Example 4 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with a security camera outside a house
Test #4: Almost useable but looks like a dodgy photoshop attempt.
Example 5 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with a security camera outside a house
Test #5: Now we're getting somewhere!
Example 6 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with a security camera outside a house
Test #6: A lot more realistic (minus the alien-esque umbilical cord).
Example 7 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with a security camera outside a house
Test #7: Very avant-garde but not bad quality for a close up shot.
Example 8 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with security cameras inside a house
Test #8: Indoors this time and we're back to human-sized camera world domination.
Example 9 of PMAX's AI Image Generator with a security camera inside a house
Test #9: Okay...where does the throw blanket begin and end?

How to use PMAX's AI for your paid marketing campaigns

Despite PMAX's current flaws (hello, umbilical cord!) AI image generation isn't going anywhere.

We need to embrace the learning curve and use AI tools wisely to stay ahead. With time and practice, mastering AI for your marketing campaigns could unlock new creative potential and save humans a whole lot of time and money.

5 Performance Max best practices

AI image generator tools like PMAX's will only improve with time and so staying informed and adapting to emerging technologies is crucial for any marketer looking to keep their job. To maximise PMAX's potential, follow these best practices:

1. Make the most of your prompts

AI tools can only work with what they're given. Craft clear, descriptive and concise prompts at the very beginning of your AI image generation process.

2. Check and check again

Review your generated assets thoroughly before incorporating them into your campaigns. Zoom in and be on the lookout for any errors and abnormalities hidden in your PMAX asset.

3. Tweak and refine

AI-generated images are often imperfect but can provide you with a great starting point. Experiment with different settings and other editing tools to refine your image.

4. Stay up-to-date

We've all seen how quickly AI can advance. Keep on top of new updates and improvements to PMAX's AI features to ensure you're always working with the latest version.

5. Get help from an expert

If you don't have the time to investigate how your business could leverage AI image generation, don't worry – we do. As an AI marketing agency, we're at the forefront when it comes to harmonising our team's expertise with the latest AI tools.

Conclusion

While AI won't be taking over marketing jobs just yet, those who can collaborate effectively with AI tools will become increasingly valuable.

Need help navigating AI-driven assets like PMAX? Our team blends AI innovation with human creativity to deliver outstanding results for our clients.

Book in a quick chat today to get started!

The dog and bone.
Subscribe and be the first to hear about news and events.
Headshot of Luke Ashmore-Delany

Written by

Luke Ashmore-Delaney
The dog and bone.
Subscribe and be the first to hear about news and events.
View our last posts
Realistic robot pondering how to steal traffic with GA4 logo

How to Identify AI-Referred Traffic in Google Analytics 4

Preet Singh - 5 min read
Google Agency Awards 2024 Indago Finalist

Indago Celebrates Google Agency Excellence Nomination

Indago Digital - 5 min read
Woman working on creatives for Google Ad's Demand Gen campaign

How to Optimise Your Demand Gen Campaigns in Google Ads

Brooke Eager - 9 min read
Team members thinking together
Get in touch
Ready to get the ball rolling? Drop us a line.
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Phone number*
Company*
Your message