Weber Wong, founder and CEO of Flora, believes that current AI models are designed by non-creatives for non-creatives, lacking the creative control and intuitiveness that professional artists and designers need. To address this gap, Flora has launched a revolutionary AI-powered creative tool that integrates with existing models, offering an "infinite canvas" for users to generate and manipulate blocks of text, images, and video.

Flora's manifesto declares that "AI creative tools should be more than toys for generating AI slop," positioning the startup as a game-changer in the industry. Unlike existing AI tools that prioritize ease of use over creative control, Flora's platform is designed to provide users with a high level of control and flexibility. Wong argues that the model itself is not the key to creative tools, but rather the interface that enables users to harness its power.

The "infinite canvas" is a visual interface where users can start with a prompt, generate content, and then iteratively refine and manipulate it. For example, a user could ask Flora to create an image of a flower, then request details about the image, leading to more prompts and varied images. This process is mapped out on the canvas, which can also be shared for collaborative work with clients. Wong envisions Flora being useful to any and all artists and creatives, but the company is initially focusing on working with visual design agencies, including the renowned Pentagram.

Wong's background in both art and technology has informed Flora's development. He worked as an investor at Menlo Ventures before leaving to pursue his own entrepreneurial venture. Wong joined New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program, a graduate program focused on using technology to create art, to develop his skills and vision. When Flora launched an alpha version in August, Wong showcased the platform's real-time AI technology with an art project that allowed website visitors to stylize footage from a GoPro camera on his head.

Flora's approach is designed to win over artists and professionals who are skeptical or opposed to the use of AI in art. Wong acknowledges that existing models have been embraced by "AI natives," but he hopes Flora can appeal to the "AI curious" and eventually even the "AI haters." He emphasized that Flora will follow societal standards regarding copyright and intellectual property, as it doesn't train its own AI models but rather integrates with existing ones.

Flora's pricing model includes a free version with limited projects and generated content, with professional pricing starting at $16 per month. The startup has secured funding from backers, including A16Z Games, although the exact details remain undisclosed. As Flora continues to evolve and improve, Wong is confident that it will unlock "new aesthetic and creative possibilities" for artists and designers, much like Kodak's Brownie camera transformed photography.

In conclusion, Flora's innovative approach to AI-powered creative tools has the potential to revolutionize the industry. By prioritizing control, intuitiveness, and creative freedom, Flora is poised to become an essential tool for professional artists and designers. As the startup continues to iterate and improve, it will be exciting to see the impact it has on the creative landscape.