It took a couple tries to get ChatGPT to generate what I really wanted, and each time, it was shocking how it worked so well.
The AI action figure trend took the social world by storm last week, and I admit, I was here for it. I am a novice ChatGPT user, free version only, and I went through four emails not only creating one for myself, but for my fellow Boss Mares, Inc. ladies and with my Freelance Remuda co-host, Abigail Boatwright. In addition, I created the Bud Lyon Performance Horses Team of action figures, and that was the biggest learning curve.
The fun trend is also dubbed the “Barbie Box Challenge” or “AI Barbie Doll Trend” but I prefer action figures, kind of like superheroes! The first one I saw included the prompt in the comments, and if any user only initiated the AI with the prompt, they would still have a fun figure made. But, this is where AI got smart, if the user got smart.
Adding a photo to the prompt drastically changed the game. It made the figures more realistic, associated clothing and accessories, and more. As post after post popped up, I saw that other more advanced users were manipulating the prompt for enhanced customization, like background colors and scenes. It was wildly entertaining and incredibly fun to watch this trend catch on like wildfire through the Western industry. It was also funny when Chat got it wrong, or what would be changed, like spelling that was accurate and now misspelled. In the long run, I even used Photoshop to replace my work logo over a second phone, if you look at the far left figure at the top of the page.
As a social media manager, it felt great to watch clients have their account insights peak due to interest and engagement. As a writer and photographer, it gave me a little moment of sadness. In the media industry, we are already seeing AI overstep its bounds to create images – though they are often wildly inaccurate – and I’ve seen several AI prompted or flat AI-generated pieces written. It doesn’t make my job feel secure until I see those poorly created results.
Along with Abigail, we visited about “Where Equine Media Meets AI” in our 50th episode of The Freelance Remuda. Some of the things we discussed in the episode still ring true. AI can be fun, and heck, I have utilized the Photoshop and Lightroom AI options to remove a stray fence or add a little bit more sky, but I do think there is a responsibility to create responsibly. But creating fun action figures? That I was all for, for fun!
The BLPH team sure saw a lot of views when posted, and a lot of hilarious comments from their followers. It also resulted in new followers, showing that hopping on a trend early can benefit a social account.