Still underconstruction.
It’s the end of the week, and I’ve spent it vibe coding my website.
It’s already changed a little, but it’s still a long way from finished. There are plenty of projects missing from the portfolio. Since I decided to document the work properly, each one means tracking down the material, preparing edits, choosing images and explaining a little of what went into it. AI helps me a lot, but there’s still quite a bit of work between ‘I’ll add this project’ and a page that’s ready to show.
As for the side projects, I still have a few legal issues to sort out before I can launch a completely stupid online game. The concept is ridiculous; the paperwork, less so. I’m also working on a service I can’t say much about yet: I’d like to finish finding the right partners before taking it any further.
Midjourney 8.2
I did find a little time to test Midjourney 8.2, which I hadn’t had a chance to try yet. For this version, the team says the main focus is aesthetics, image quality and personalisation that’s more responsive to individual tastes.
What I like about these first experiments is the range of looks: from photographic black and white to print textures and outright surrealism. The grain, materials and lighting offer some interesting directions. The Paris portrait leans into the analogue photography look, while the gorilla in sunglasses feels closer to a screen-printed poster.
I also like images built around a simple idea: a moon pouring itself into the sea, for example. A handful of tests isn’t enough to judge how precisely the model handles a demanding brief, but there’s plenty to explore when it comes to atmosphere.
And then there’s this dog in a pink bunny suit, who looks like he’s also done with the week.
Links of the day
TypeSafe AI
Among today’s links, TypeSafe AI has caught my attention. Their model, Jev, is designed to make decisions that software can use directly, with an estimate of how confident it is. The appeal: automating certain tasks while sending uncertain cases for human review. It’s an approach I’d like to try. I’ve joined the waitlist and hope to get my hands on it soon.
Cringey stock photos
Another discovery, in a considerably less technological vein: some painfully cringey stock photos. I’d love to have been in the room for the original brief.
One last track
And to bring the week to a gentle close, a beautifully chilled track: Dana Margolin — Big Beautiful Sound.
Have a good weekend!