The Rise of AI-Generated Art
In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool, challenging businesses and artists. Although a large number disagree with the morality of using AI to create art, it shouldn’t be completely demonized.
Some people indeed use it to replace their lack of skill, but for others, it allows them to express ideas visually or conceptually. However for professionals who rely on commissions or sell unique work, it might pose a threat. This is why I think it’s important for certain regulations to be placed.
Creative Boost or Artistic Theft?
There is mostly outrage because AI takes its information from other artworks on the internet and uses it to create a given prompt. But what I see as more problematic is people who use it for the wrong reasons like winning a design competition or art contest, etc.
Like journalist Craig Boehman states its uses, “You can use AI to create the basic piece by using prompts or samples of original works. Or you can use AI to assist you in modifying, editing, or improving the work you initially created on your own.”
I think it’s fine for artists to use AI as a collaborative tool to brainstorm ideas, try out different things, or jumpstart what they already have. This can make things much easier and efficient. So I don’t necessarily have an issue with people using AI for already existing work to assist them.
Overall Impact
Financially, AI-generated art can undercut human artists. Commission-based illustrators, concept designers, and freelancers could find themselves competing with AI alternatives because it’s fast and cheap. A discussion concerning regulations needs to happen.
Nazifa Tahir, a sophomore at Colonia High School believes, “AI art hurts the already struggling art industry, and on top of that, it’s bad for the environment because of its usage.”
However, others argue that AI will just change the demand, shifting it toward artists who can combine AI creatively into their work or offer something AI cannot: human nuance, storytelling depth, and emotional authenticity.
The Future of Artistic Identity
As the line between human and machine-made art blurs, it begs the question of what makes art “art”? Can something created by code ever replicate human expression?
It begs the question of whether people view photography as art, even though it also relies on technology. Would it still be discounted like anything else that needs the assistance of technology?
In reality, people use AI without even knowing it and it will become more prominent. From Amazon and Apple to the majority of photo editing apps as well. And as an artist myself, I encourage people not to completely shun it away, but rather expand their horizons.
Conclusion
In the words of Atreya Mathur’s article about artists and AI, she says, “Clearer guidelines and legal frameworks are needed to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-assisted creativity, ensuring that both human and machine contributions are recognized and protected appropriately. Additionally, increased transparency and accountability in AI platforms’ terms of service can empower artists to assert their rights and negotiate fair terms for collaboration.”
AI is a forever-changing medium, creating new opportunities while taking some. For artists, the challenge is not only adapting to it but advocating fair use and ethical practice. Its future is highly dependent on what we do to preserve artistic integrity.
