Turn Old Photos into Digital Art with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide

The global AI image generator market was valued at $257 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $917 million by 2030. With this growth rate, AI is making its way into our everyday lives, including how we interact with old memories. Most of us have boxes or albums filled with old photos that are gathering dust. 

But now, thanks to AI-powered tools, you can breathe new life into those forgotten snapshots. You can do it with just a few clicks. It’s easier than you think, and AI is making it possible. 

1. Digitize Your Old Photos – Old-School Meets New-School

Before you can turn your photos into digital art, you need to digitize them first. Here’s how you can do this.

Scan Your Photos 

If you have a scanner at home, you can digitize your photos the traditional way. Set the resolution to at least 300 dots per inch for clear, high-quality results. The higher the DPI, the more detail you'll retain in the scanned image. This method is ideal if you want top-notch quality, especially for large prints or intricate details.

Use a Photo Scanning App 

No scanner? No problem. All you need is a smartphone app. You can digitize photos directly using your smartphone with apps like Google PhotoScan. Apps like this intelligently detect and adjust for glare and distortion, ensuring your photos are captured in the best possible quality.

2. Pick Your AI Art Tool

AI tools can turn ordinary images into unique artwork, helping you visualize how different artistic styles or moods would change your home's look. Here are some popular tools you can use. Each of these tools offers different types of artistic transformations, so you can experiment with them to see what best suits your space.

1. Prisma

This tool leverages filters inspired by the styles of iconic artists like Van Gogh and Picasso. By applying these artistic effects to your photos, you can add a classic, museum-like touch to your interior. Prisma is perfect for those who want to add a classic, artistic touch to their room's decor.

Key Features

• Huge Style Library: Choose from over 300 artistic filters inspired by renowned art styles.
• Easy to Use: No technical skills required, just upload your photo, choose a style, and let Prisma do the rest.
• Customizable Intensity: You can control how strongly the effect is applied to your photo.

Pros:

• Huge Style Variety: Prisma offers over 300 artistic filters, from famous painter styles like Van Gogh to comic book effects. There's no shortage of creative options to experiment with.
• User-Friendly Interface: Prisma is simple to use—just upload your photo, select a filter, and apply. It’s designed for quick results without any learning curve.
• Adjustable Intensity: You have the ability to control how strong or subtle the artistic effect is, allowing for more customization in how your photo looks.

Cons:

• Limited Free Access: Many of Prisma’s advanced filters are behind a paywall. To unlock the full suite of styles, you’ll need a subscription.
• No Desktop Version: Prisma is only available as a mobile app, which may limit use for those who prefer editing on a larger screen.

2. DeepArt.io

Using advanced neural networks to generate fine art from photos, DeepArt.io is a great choice for those seeking a sophisticated transformation that resembles high-end, gallery-worthy artwork. Whether you're aiming for something traditional or contemporary, this tool provides polished, professional-looking results.

Key Features

• AI-Generated Artwork: It uses deep learning to analyze and apply artistic techniques.
• Custom Art Styles: This feature allows you to upload your own artwork as a style to apply to your photo.
• Batch Processing: You can apply effects to multiple photos at once.

Pros

• High-Quality Artistic Transformations: DeepArt.io’s neural networks offer highly sophisticated results that often look like genuine artwork inspired by famous painters.
• Custom Style Uploads: You can upload your own artwork to use as a custom style for your photos, giving you more control over the final look.
• Batch Processing: You can apply effects to multiple images at once, saving time if you’re working on a series of photos.

Cons

• Slow Processing Time: Because DeepArt.io uses complex neural networks, it can take longer to process images, especially for high-resolution files.
• Limited Editing Tools: Beyond applying styles, DeepArt.io doesn't offer much in terms of fine-tuning or additional photo editing features.

3. Fotor GoArt

The tool focuses on transforming your photos into painting-like artwork with various artistic styles, including oil paintings, watercolors, and modern abstract designs. This versatility of Fotor GoArt makes it a go-to option for those looking to experiment with different aesthetic approaches for their home decor.

Key Features

• Variety of Filters: It offers numerous painting styles, including impressionism, oil painting, and abstract.
• High-Resolution Output: The feature allows for printing without loss of quality.
• One-Tap Conversion: You can get instant conversion with just one tap.

Pros

• Simple to Use: Fotor GoArt is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface and one-click conversion. Even beginners can create impressive art in seconds.
• High-Resolution Output: It ensures that your transformed images are saved in high resolution, making them perfect for printing or framing.
• Quick Processing: The tool applies filters quickly, allowing you to see results in real-time without long waits.

Cons

• Limited Free Filters: The number of free artistic filters is relatively small, and many advanced features require a subscription to unlock.
• Lacks Style Diversity: While the filters are good, the range of artistic styles is more limited compared to competitors like Prisma or DeepArt.io.

4. Runway ML

Runway ML is A powerful AI platform that offers creative tools for more advanced transformations. From artistic renderings to complex 3D visualizations, it provides a wide range of AI models to explore. It’s ideal for users who want deeper customization and experimentation in their design process.

Key Features

• AI Model Marketplace: Choose from hundreds of pre-trained models to transform your photo.
• Advanced Customization: You can easily fine-tune your artwork with detailed adjustments.
• Real-Time Processing: It allows instant feedback and results for quick experimentation.

Pros

• Advanced Creative Control: Runway ML offers more customization than most AI tools, giving users control over how effects are applied and allowing for more experimental outcomes.
• Real-Time Processing: You can see your creative changes in real-time, which is great for making tweaks and adjustments quickly.
• AI Model Marketplace: It gives you access to hundreds of AI models, offering a wide variety of styles and effects to apply to your photos or videos.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: While powerful, Runway ML is less beginner-friendly. It can be overwhelming for casual users or those unfamiliar with AI tools.
• Requires Subscription: Most advanced features and tools are only available with a paid subscription, making it less accessible for hobbyists.

5. DALL-E

Developed by OpenAI, DALL-E, excels at generating imaginative and surreal interpretations of your photos. This tool is perfect for those looking to break away from traditional design concepts and create something truly one-of-a-kind, pushing the boundaries of creativity in interior design.

Key Features

• Text-to-Image Generation: You can easily create entirely new artwork based on textual prompts, allowing you to generate images that never existed before.
• AI-Powered Photo Editing: Upload your own photos and use DALL-E’s AI to alter them in creative and unexpected ways, giving your existing images a surreal or imaginative twist.
• Inpainting and Outpainting: Extend existing photos or fill in missing areas, allowing DALL-E to blend new elements seamlessly into your original images for imaginative expansions.

Pros

• Innovative Text-to-Image Capabilities: DALL-E can create entirely new and imaginative artwork based on just a text description, offering endless creative possibilities.
• Surreal Photo Transformations: You can upload a photo and have DALL-E transform it in unexpected ways, adding surreal or whimsical elements that you couldn’t achieve with typical style transfer tools.
• Image Modification and Expansion: DALL-E allows you to modify parts of an image or extend the canvas beyond the original photo, seamlessly blending new elements with the existing image.

Cons

• Not Ideal for Simple Edits: DALL-E is highly creative but may not be the best tool for simple, straightforward photo editing or enhancements.
• Limited Availability: Access to DALL-E’s full suite of features may be restricted depending on availability or the specific platform being used.

3. Upload Your Photo

Once you've chosen your AI tool, it's time to upload your photo. Most platforms offer easy upload options, either through drag-and-drop or a traditional "Upload” button. Simply select your digitized photo and upload it to the tool. Make sure your photo is in "JPEG” or "PNG” format for the best compatibility.

4. Pick an Artistic Style

Now comes the fun part, choosing the artistic style for your photo. Each tool has its own library of styles to choose from. Whether you want your photo to resemble a watercolor painting or a bold oil masterpiece, this step is all about exploring different creative possibilities.

Popular Styles to Explore:

Experiment with a few styles to see which one brings out the best in your photo. You can any of the styles listed here to give the touch of your choice to your photos.

• Watercolor: It creates soft, flowing effects that mimic delicate brush strokes, perfect for dreamy, artistic transformations.
• Oil Painting: If you want to add bold, textured strokes for a rich look, you can go for this style. It makes your photos resemble classic gallery pieces.
• Sketch: This style gives your photo a hand-drawn appearance, focusing on lines and shading, ideal for a raw, artistic feel.
• Abstract: It uses unconventional shapes and vibrant colors to give your photo a modern, creative twist, perfect for bold, statement pieces.

5. Fine-Tune the Output

After applying a style, most AI tools will give you the option to refine the output. Adjusting settings like intensity, brightness, and contrast can help you get the perfect balance. Fine-tuning these details will ensure your final artwork is exactly how you envisioned it.

Key Adjustments to Try:

Here are a few key tweaks you can make to refine your digital masterpiece:

• Intensity: Adjust the strength of the artistic effect to make it more prominent or subtle, depending on the look you're going for.
• Brightness & Contrast: Enhance the overall tone by increasing brightness or adjusting contrast to bring out more detail and clarity in your image.
• Crop & Resize: Refine the composition by cropping or resizing the image to focus on key areas or improve the framing of your subject.

6. Save and Share

When you're happy with the result, it’s time to save your masterpiece! Download your digital art in high resolution so you can print it or share it online. Most tools will offer JPEG or PNG formats for download, making it easy to use your artwork for printing, posting, or gift-making.

Ways to Share Your Art:

Once you’ve transformed your old photos into digital masterpieces, it’s time to show them off! Whether you want to display them at home, share them online, or create personalized items, there are plenty of ways to share your new artwork. Here are some ideas to consider.

• Print It: Turn your digital art into physical prints by creating posters, canvas prints, or even framed pieces. These make great additions to your home decor or unique gifts for loved ones.
• Post on Social Media: Share your artwork with friends and followers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and get feedback from others.
• Personalized Gifts: Use your artwork to customize products like mugs, T-shirts, or phone cases. These personalized items make for fun and memorable gifts or keepsakes.

Bonus Tips for Amazing Results

Here are a few bonus tips to help you get the most out of your transformation. Whether you're working with crisp, modern photos or restoring old, damaged ones, these pointers will ensure your final artwork looks its best.

1. Choose Quality Photos

The quality of your original photo plays a huge role in how your AI-generated art turns out. High-resolution, well-lit images are the best candidates for AI tools, as they provide more detail for the software to work with. When selecting photos to transform, make sure they're sharp, in focus, and free from clutter or distractions. If possible, choose photos taken in natural light for better color accuracy and depth.

2. Edit Photos Beforehand

Prepping your photos before uploading them to an AI tool can make a big difference in the final result. Basic photo editing can enhance the overall quality, giving the AI a better starting point for its transformations. Here are a few quick edits to consider.

• Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Boosting brightness and contrast can bring out more detail in your photo, making it easier for the AI to capture important elements.
• Crop or Straighten: If there’s unnecessary clutter or distracting elements around your subject, use a cropping tool to focus on the main subject. 
• Fix Imperfections: Use basic tools to correct any small imperfections like red-eye, blemishes, or color inconsistencies. 

3. Restore Old Photos

If you're working with old, damaged, or faded photos, AI-powered restoration tools can breathe new life into them before you apply artistic effects. These tools use advanced algorithms to fix common problems like scratches, fading, and low resolution, giving your old memories a fresh, high-quality look. Here are two powerful tools to consider for restoration.

Remini

This app specializes in enhancing old or low-resolution photos by sharpening details, improving clarity, and removing imperfections. Remini is a great tool for restoring blurry or faded images, making them look as clear as they did when they were first taken. By improving the base image, you’ll get better results when you turn it into digital art.

Topaz Labs

Topaz Labs offers a range of AI-powered tools like Gigapixel AI and Topaz Photo AI to restore and enhance your photos. It can boost resolution, repair damaged areas, and improve color accuracy. Topaz Labs is ideal for older photos that have suffered from years of wear and tear. With enhanced details and color, your restored photos will make for an even more impressive transformation into digital art.

Final Word

Turning old photos into digital art is a great way to preserve and refresh your cherished memories. Whether you’re printing them, giving them as gifts, or sharing them online. AI tools make it easy to add an artistic touch to your past. With just a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your old photos adding a unique, creative flair that gives them a modern twist.