AI models have a seemingly magical ability to construct a story, image, or even a brief film out of mere instructions. But, as Weber Wong points out, the creators of these models are often not creatives themselves, making the tools potentially unsuitable for true creative professionals.

To address this, Weber Wong has launched Flora, hoping to revolutionize the relationship between AI and creatives. The petition of the company emphasizes their goal to move beyond 'AI toy' status and focus on crafting a powerful tool capable of significantly influencing the creative industry.

Image Provided By:Flora

As opposed to merely improving existing generative AI models, Wong emphasized that Flora focuses on an interactive platform. This visual interface enables users to build text, images, and videos - all while integrating with current models.

It’s not necessarily the technology that matters, but rather the interface and its ability to encourage creativity. With Flora, users could generate an image, get more details about it, ask for varied versions, and map all of these steps on a shareable canvas for team collaboration.

Notably, though aimed at all creatives, Flora is initially targeting visual design agencies, and the prestigious agency Pentagram is already providing feedback.

A logo design created in Flora can, in a matter of seconds, generate dozens of unique variations, providing an efficiency boost to designers. Wong likens this to the evolution of music composition, where an entire orchestra isn't needed anymore - a musician can now create and share their music right from their garage.

Image Provided By:Flora

Wong is well aware that not everyone in the art field embraces the use of AI. Nevertheless, he hopes that Flora's capabilities will entice those who are “AI curious” and even convert some of those who are “AI haters.”

In response to concerns about AI being used without regard for copyright and intellectual property, Wong clarified that Flora uses other companies’ models and will adhere to societal norms relating to IP.

Passionate about maintaining artistic integrity, Wong sees Flora not as a tool to mass-produce uninspired AI content ('AI slop'), but as a platform that offers potential for discovering fresh aesthetic and creative possibilities, akin to how Kodak’s casual, accessible Brownie camera revolutionized photography.

Although financial details are under wraps, Flora has support from various venture capital firms and angel investors. There's a free tier with limited access to projects and generated content, while professional pricing starts at just $16 per month.