A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow.
What will we cover?
We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including:
An overview of current tools and technologies.
What can and can’t be done with AI.
Issues of ownership, copyright and the law.
Getting set up with tools and techniques.
A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine.
A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month).
A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan.
Editing, extending and refining results.
Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser.
We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai.
We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month.
You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click here to view our courses.
Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software
AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.
City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.
We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.
Examples of sensitive information include:
Personal information
Student information
Confidential information
Sensitive information
Information about other people without their consent
Craig Kirkwood is an Australian software instructor and design consultant now living and working in London. He has more than 3 decades experience as a professional designer where his recent clients include Apple Computer, the United Nations, Penguin Books, the HMRC, the Ministry of Defence, London Met Police, the National Audit Office and University College London. He is an Adobe Certified Instructor in most Adobe applications including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Captivate and After Effects. He also teaches and consults on user experience (UX) design, web design and development in CSS, HTML and WordPress. Prior to moving to the UK, he was the Managing Director of Fearless Media which was, for a decade or so, Australia’s leading Adobe training provider with training rooms around the country. Craig is also completing a PhD where his research examines the science of colour perception and its practical implementation in interface design and user experience.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-ai-image-generation3037720Introduction to AI Image Generationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Technology_1.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/AI & technology/Technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/AI & technology/Courses/New courses22851211158713526174312285121113526<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>003044572Introduction to AI Image Generation149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Technology_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Business, marketing & technologyCMART85149149Introduction to AI Image Generation11997149Craig Kirkwoodintroduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart85-2627<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-02 00:00:00<p>Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow. </p><p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p><ul><li>We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including: </li><li>An overview of current tools and technologies. </li><li>What can and can’t be done with AI. </li><li>Issues of ownership, copyright and the law. </li><li>Getting set up with tools and techniques. </li><li>A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine. </li><li>A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month). </li><li>A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan. </li><li>Editing, extending and refining results. </li><li>Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. </li><li>Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection. </li></ul><p>By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future. </p><p>The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser. </p><p>We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills. </p><p>The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.</p><p>We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai. </p><p>We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month. </p><p>You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Technology_courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses. </p><p><strong>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software</strong></p><p>AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.</p><p>City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.</p><p>We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.</p><ul><li>Examples of sensitive information include:<ul><li>Personal information</li><li>Student information</li><li>Confidential information</li><li>Sensitive information</li><li>Information about other people without their consent</li></ul></li></ul><p>Please also refer to our <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/16569136276637-Students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit policies</a></p>AI & technologyTechnologyvirtual3044575Introduction to AI Image Generation149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Technology_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Available courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2027-02-20T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersFeb 2027Business, marketing & technologyCMART87149149Introduction to AI Image Generation11997149Craig Kirkwoodintroduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart87-2627<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>0000-Available|2027-02-20 00:00:00<p>Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow. </p><p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p><ul><li>We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including: </li><li>An overview of current tools and technologies. </li><li>What can and can’t be done with AI. </li><li>Issues of ownership, copyright and the law. </li><li>Getting set up with tools and techniques. </li><li>A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine. </li><li>A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month). </li><li>A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan. </li><li>Editing, extending and refining results. </li><li>Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. </li><li>Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection. </li></ul><p>By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future. </p><p>The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser. </p><p>We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills. </p><p>The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.</p><p>We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai. </p><p>We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month. </p><p>You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Technology_courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses. </p><p><strong>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software</strong></p><p>AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.</p><p>City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.</p><p>We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.</p><ul><li>Examples of sensitive information include:<ul><li>Personal information</li><li>Student information</li><li>Confidential information</li><li>Sensitive information</li><li>Information about other people without their consent</li></ul></li></ul><p>Please also refer to our <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/16569136276637-Students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit policies</a></p>AI & technologyTechnologyvirtual3094465Introduction to AI Image Generation149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Technology_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Available coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Business, marketing & technologyCMART109149149Introduction to AI Image Generation11997149Craig Kirkwoodintroduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart109-2627<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-15 00:00:00<p>Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow. </p><p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p><ul><li>We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including: </li><li>An overview of current tools and technologies. </li><li>What can and can’t be done with AI. </li><li>Issues of ownership, copyright and the law. </li><li>Getting set up with tools and techniques. </li><li>A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine. </li><li>A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month). </li><li>A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan. </li><li>Editing, extending and refining results. </li><li>Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. </li><li>Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection. </li></ul><p>By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future. </p><p>The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser. </p><p>We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills. </p><p>The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.</p><p>We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai. </p><p>We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month. </p><p>You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Technology_courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses. </p><p><strong>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software</strong></p><p>AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.</p><p>City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.</p><p>We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.</p><ul><li>Examples of sensitive information include:<ul><li>Personal information</li><li>Student information</li><li>Confidential information</li><li>Sensitive information</li><li>Information about other people without their consent</li></ul></li></ul><p>Please also refer to our <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/16569136276637-Students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit policies</a></p>AI & technologyTechnologyvirtual3094468Introduction to AI Image Generation149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/Technology_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-19T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Business, marketing & technologyCMART84149149Introduction to AI Image Generation11997149Craig Kirkwoodintroduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart84-2627<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-19 00:00:00<p>Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow. </p><p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p><ul><li>We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including: </li><li>An overview of current tools and technologies. </li><li>What can and can’t be done with AI. </li><li>Issues of ownership, copyright and the law. </li><li>Getting set up with tools and techniques. </li><li>A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine. </li><li>A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month). </li><li>A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan. </li><li>Editing, extending and refining results. </li><li>Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. </li><li>Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection. </li></ul><p>By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future. </p><p>The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser. </p><p>We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills. </p><p>The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.</p><p>We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai. </p><p>We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month. </p><p>You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Technology_courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses. </p><p><strong>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software</strong></p><p>AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.</p><p>City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.</p><p>We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.</p><ul><li>Examples of sensitive information include:<ul><li>Personal information</li><li>Student information</li><li>Confidential information</li><li>Sensitive information</li><li>Information about other people without their consent</li></ul></li></ul><p>Please also refer to our <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/16569136276637-Students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit policies</a></p>AI & technologyTechnologyvirtual11914997CMART85,CMART87,CMART109,CMART84NONEFri,Sat,Mon02/10/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:001 session1One-off only,1 to 4 weeksWeekday,WeekendKSKeeley Street,Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)Craig KirkwoodBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-02T00:00:00+00:00,2027-02-20T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-19T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeOct 2026,Feb 2027,Jan 2027Business, marketing & technology149149Introduction to AI Image Generationintroduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart85-2627,introduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart87-2627,introduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart109-2627,introduction-to-ai-image-generation/cmart84-2627<p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-02 00:00:00<p>Learn how to create photographs, illustrations, diagrams and simple animations using the latest AI image generation tools. This course explores the rapid rise of generative AI and how it’s transforming visual creation for everyone - from designers and marketers to small business owners producing social media content, posters or web visuals, as well as artists using AI in their creative workflow. </p><p>A beginner friendly introduction to AI image generation. Explore how tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini (Nano Banana), Grok and NotebookLM can create images from text prompts. You’ll learn the basics of prompt writing, text to image workflows, and how generative AI is transforming digital creativity.</p><ul><li>We’ll be covering a broad range of topics related to creative AI including: </li><li>An overview of current tools and technologies. </li><li>What can and can’t be done with AI. </li><li>Issues of ownership, copyright and the law. </li><li>Getting set up with tools and techniques. </li><li>A deep dive into several best-of-breed free imaging apps such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok Imagine. </li><li>A deep dive into some popular paid services: Midjourney and krea.ai (note that an account with these tools is not needed for the course but probably worth subscribing for at least one month). </li><li>A deep dive into animation and video creation using the apps indicated above along with dedicated motion tools such as Sora, Runway, Kling and Wan. </li><li>Editing, extending and refining results. </li><li>Exporting and saving results for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. </li><li>Exporting results for websites, printing, or your own personal collection. </li></ul><p>By the end of this course, you will feel confident creating images and short video pieces using a range of easy to access AI applications. You’ll gain a practical understanding of how generative AI tools work, what they can help you achieve right now, and how these technologies may continue to develop in the future. </p><p>The course is suitable for beginners and does not require prior knowledge. However, you will need to be a reasonably confident user of a Mac or PC and feel confident navigating a web browser. </p><p>We will also cover some more advanced topics, so even if you already have experience with digital graphics or image creation, you will still find plenty to challenge and extend your skills. </p><p>The course is delivered in an active, participatory way. Your instructor will introduce each topic, explain key concepts, and then guide you through practical tasks during the session, with support available as needed. There will also be some optional homework between sessions, and we will work towards a personal project that you can continue developing according to your interest.</p><p>We’ll spend most of our time working with free applications such as Google Gemini, Grok Imagine, ChatGPT and NotebookLM. Please ensure you have a Google account (e.g., for Gmail or Google Chrome) and a free or paid account with ChatGPT and Grok.ai. </p><p>We will also demonstrate two additional services-Midjourney and Krea.ai-which are not free. These are optional, but you may wish to take out a monthly subscription (approximately £10 each) even if you decide to cancel after the first month. </p><p>You may choose to bring your own laptop if you prefer.</p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Technology_courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses. </p><p><strong>Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software</strong></p><p>AI tools (such as Gemini, Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, etc.) can be valuable for learning and productivity. However, many of these services-particularly those offered free of charge-may use the information you input, along with generated responses, to train and improve their models.</p><p>City Lit does not support, control or accept responsibility for these tools. Students should use personal email addresses when signing up for any software and are advised to review the provider’s privacy policy and terms of use to understand how their data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.</p><p>We do not recommend inputting sensitive, confidential, or personal information into these tools unless you have reviewed the product’s terms and conditions and are confident that its privacy and security measures meet your requirements.</p><ul><li>Examples of sensitive information include:<ul><li>Personal information</li><li>Student information</li><li>Confidential information</li><li>Sensitive information</li><li>Information about other people without their consent</li></ul></li></ul><p>Please also refer to our <a href="https://help.citylit.ac.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/16569136276637-Students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit policies</a></p>AI & technologyTechnologyconfigurable
