AI-Generated Art: What Visual Artists Need to Know About It

AI-generated art isn’t the end of human creativity; it’s a new beginning. It challenges us to redefine artistry, pushing the boundaries of imagination and technique. For visual artists, it’s not a threat but a call to evolve.

In recent years, the art world has been buzzing with discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the creative process, including AI-generated art. Many artists are understandably concerned about the rise of AI in art, feeling that machinery will marginalize their unique skills and vision.

Artists’ worries are valid and deserve our attention. However, as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, it’s crucial to consider a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the challenges and the exciting opportunities AI presents for artists.

The Truth about AI-Generated Art, Ice Cream, and Me

We have been using AI-generated art and tools for many years. CGI and green screen technology are commonly used in films, while ubiquitous grammar checkers have evolved into AI writing and research assistants. Therefore, it’s no surprise that technology has advanced, including AI-generated art tools. I frequently use AI-generated art because it yields better results than overused, outdated, free-to-use stock photos. Unfortunately, it does take longer to generate the most satisfying images.

To be a contrarian, for the banner of this post, I chose to use unaltered stock photos of mint chip and Neapolitan-flavored ice cream because they are my favorite flavors, and it’s hot everywhere in mid-August. So, if AI-generated art has you hot and bothered, I invite you to chill with your fave ice cream and enjoy this post.

Understanding the Concerns about AI-Generated Art

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room: the fear that AI might replace human artists. This concern is rooted in our incredible advancements in AI-generated art. From DALL-E to Midjourney, these tools can create stunning visuals in seconds, leading some to question the future role of human creativity.

Artists have spent years, often decades, honing their skills and developing their unique styles. The idea that machines could replicate or surpass their abilities in mere moments is unsettling. There’s a fear of devaluation—that the market might be flooded with AI-generated art, potentially undercutting the value of human-created works.

Moreover, there are valid concerns about copyright and originality. As AI models train on vast datasets of existing artwork, questions arise about the originality of AI-generated pieces and the potential infringement on artists’ intellectual property. These concerns accurately reflect the artists’ passion and commitment to their craft. We must acknowledge and address these fears as we move forward.

An Upside Trend Worth Noting

There is a growing interest in vinyl records for their fidelity and faithful reproduction. A similar yearning for authenticity will make hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind original artwork more valuable than ever to your ideal buyers. So, the glass remains half-full.

While the concerns are valid, reframing our perspective on AI in art is essential. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human creativity, we can see it as a powerful tool that can enhance and expand artistic possibilities.

Throughout history, artists have embraced new technologies to push the boundaries of their craft. Each technological advancement has opened up new avenues for creative expression, from the invention of oil paints to the advent of digital art software. AI is the latest in this long line of artistic tools.

The Unique Value of Human Creativity

It’s crucial to remember that, at its core, art is about human expression, emotion, and experience. While AI can create visually stunning pieces, it lacks the lived experiences, feelings, and unique perspectives that human artists bring to their work.

The value of art often lies not just in the final product but in the story behind it—the artist’s journey, their inspirations, and the meaning they imbue into their creations. This human element is something that AI cannot replicate, and it’s what will continue to make human-created art valuable and sought-after.

Opportunities in the AI Era

Rather than fearing AI, artists can embrace it as a tool to enhance their creativity and streamline their processes. Here are some ways artists can benefit from AI:

• Enhanced Ideation: AI can be a powerful brainstorming tool, generating ideas and variations that artists can use as starting points or inspiration for their work.
• Streamlined Processes: AI can help with time-consuming tasks like background generation or color palette creation, allowing artists to focus more on the creative aspects of their work.
• New Mediums: AI opens up entirely new mediums for artistic expression. Artists can collaborate with AI, creating hybrid works that blend human creativity with machine capabilities.
• Expanded Reach: AI tools can help artists create variations of their work for different platforms or purposes, potentially reaching wider audiences.
• Learning and Skill Development: Studying AI-generated art can provide insights into composition, color theory, and other artistic elements, helping artists refine their skills.

The Future of Art: A Symbiosis of Human and Machine

As we look to the future, we’ll see a symbiosis between human artists and AI. Rather than replacing artists, AI will become an integral part of the creative toolkit, much like Photoshop or digital cameras are today.

We’re already seeing examples of this symbiosis. Some artists use AI-generated elements as starting points for their work, then apply their human touch to create unique pieces. Others are exploring the boundaries between human and machine creativity, creating works that comment on and explore our relationship with technology.

Adapting to the New Landscape

For artists looking to thrive in this new landscape, here are some strategies to consider:

• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay curious and open to learning about AI and other emerging technologies. Understanding these tools will help you leverage them effectively.
• Focus on Your Unique Voice: Your experiences, perspectives, and emotions make your art unique. Lean into these aspects of your work.
• Explore Collaboration: Consider how you might collaborate with AI to create something innovative.
• Educate Your Audience: Share your process, inspirations, and the story behind your work to help your audience understand the value of human-created art.
• Adapt Your Business Model: Consider how AI might impact the art market and adapt your business model accordingly. These actions involve offering unique experiences, limited editions, or personalized works.

How Major Online Art Galleries Are Handling AI-Generated Art

As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, it’s crucial to understand how the art market is responding. Let’s look at how some of the major online art platforms are managing AI-generated images:

DeviantArt

DeviantArt, one of the largest online art communities, has taken a proactive approach to AI-generated art.

• They’ve introduced a tag system for AI-generated art, allowing users to label such works clearly.
• The platform has implemented an AI image detector to help identify AI-generated content.
• DeviantArt allows AI-generated art but encourages transparency about the use of AI tools.
• They’ve also introduced DreamUp, their own AI art generator, which aims to respect artist copyrights.

ArtStation

ArtStation, a platform popular among professional artists, has faced significant debate over AI art.

• Initially, they allowed AI-generated images, which led to protests from many artists on the platform.
• In response to artist concerns, ArtStation allows users to opt out of having their work used to train AI models.
• They’ve introduced a separate category for AI-generated artwork to distinguish it from traditional art.
• ArtStation continues to allow AI art but strives to balance the interests of all artists on its platform.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock, a major stock image platform, has embraced AI-generated content.

• They’ve partnered with OpenAI to offer AI image generation services.
• Shutterstock compensates artists whose works were used to train the AI models.
• They require all AI-generated content to be labeled as such.
• The platform is working on developing ethical AI practices that respect artist rights.

Getty Images

Getty Images has taken a more cautious approach.

• They’ve banned the upload and sale of AI-generated images on their platform.
• This decision was made due to unresolved rights issues surrounding AI-generated content.
• Getty is focusing on protecting the intellectual property rights of its contributors.

Etsy

While not primarily an art platform, Etsy has become a popular marketplace for many artists.

• Etsy allows the sale of AI-generated art but with some restrictions.
• Sellers must disclose the use of AI tools in their creation process.
• The human element must be significant; purely AI-generated works are not allowed.
• Etsy emphasizes the importance of transparency and human creativity in the items sold on their platform.

Society6 and Redbubble

These print-on-demand platforms have taken different approaches:

• Society6 does not have a specific policy on AI-generated art, leaving it to artists to ensure they have the right to sell their uploads.
• Redbubble allows AI-generated art but requires clear disclosure. They’ve also implemented an AI art tag to help users identify such works.

Artsy

Artsy, a global platform connecting collectors with art pieces:

• Artsy does not have a publicly stated policy specifically addressing AI-generated art.
• They focus on featuring works from established galleries and institutions, which may indirectly limit the presence of AI art on the platform.
• Artsy emphasizes transparency in artwork information, which could extend to disclosure of AI use in creation, though this is not explicitly required.

Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art is known for representing artists from over 100 countries.

• As of now, Saatchi Art has yet to address a specific policy on AI-generated art publicly.
• Their focus on promoting new and emerging artists suggests they are open to innovative techniques, including AI.
• The platform emphasizes original artwork, which could imply a preference for human-created or human-curated AI art.

Artfinder

Artfinder, a global marketplace for affordable, authentic pieces:

• Artfinder still needs to publish a specific policy on AI-generated art.
• Their emphasis on authenticity and connection with individual artists might influence how they approach AI-generated works.
• The platform’s diverse mediums could accommodate AI art, but this remains to be clarified.

UGallery

UGallery offers a curated selection of original artworks.

• UGallery has yet to address its stance on AI-generated art publicly.
• Their focus on original and emerging artworks suggests they might be open to new techniques, but this needs to be explicitly stated.
• The platform’s curation process could include consideration of AI-assisted or AI-generated works, but this has not been confirmed.

Singulart

Singulart, an online gallery showcasing contemporary art:

• Singulart has not released a public statement on its policy regarding AI-generated art.
• Their emphasis on supporting artists and providing a global platform suggests they might be open to various art forms, potentially including AI art.
• The platform’s focus on contemporary art could include evolving techniques like AI, but the service must address this situation explicitly.

FineArtAmerica.com

FineArtAmerica.com, one of the world’s largest art marketplaces and print-on-demand technology companies:

• FineArtAmerica.com has not publicly announced a specific policy regarding AI-generated art.
• The platform is known for its inclusive approach, allowing various art styles and mediums.
• They emphasize empowering artists to sell their work in various formats, from original pieces to prints and merchandise.
• While not explicitly addressed, their focus on supporting individual artists suggests that transparency about using AI in creation would align with their values.
• The platform’s print-on-demand model could accommodate AI-assisted or AI-generated art, but artists should be prepared to clarify their creation process if asked.
• Given its history of adapting to new trends in the art world, FineArtAmerica.com may develop more specific guidelines for AI art as it becomes more prevalent.

What This Means for Artists

The varied approaches of these platforms reflect AI’s complex and evolving nature in art. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Policy Gaps: Many major art platforms still need to develop specific policies for AI-generated art. This suggests the field is still evolving, and artists should stay informed about policy updates.
2. Emphasis on Originality and Authenticity: Most platforms stress the importance of original artwork. For artists using AI, this might mean focusing on how you uniquely use AI tools rather than relying solely on AI generation.
3. Transparency Remains Crucial: While not all platforms explicitly require disclosure of AI use, the trend towards openness suggests that it is advisable to be open about your creative process, including AI use.
4. Human Curation and Input: Platforms curating their collections may be more likely to accept AI-generated or AI-assisted art demonstrating significant human input or curation.
5. Emerging Opportunities: The lack of specific policies on many platforms could represent an opportunity for artists to help shape how AI art is integrated into these marketplaces.
6. Diverse Approaches: The variety of approaches across platforms highlights the importance of understanding each platform’s unique focus and values when deciding where to showcase your work.
7. Potential for Change: Given the rapid evolution of AI technology, artists should anticipate that platform policies may change and should be prepared to adapt their practices accordingly.

As we can see, the art world still determines how to incorporate AI-generated art. While there’s no universal approach, the trend is moving towards acceptance, emphasizing transparency, originality, and human creativity.

Whether they incorporate AI tools or not, artists still have many opportunities to showcase and sell their work. The key is to stay informed about platform policies, be transparent about your process, and continue to develop your unique artistic voice. Remember, regardless of the tools used, it’s your creativity, vision, and human touch that will ultimately set your work apart in this exciting new era of art.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Human Creativity

While the rise of AI in art presents challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities for growth, innovation, and creative expression. By embracing AI as a tool rather than viewing it as a threat, artists can expand their creative horizons and continue to create meaningful, valuable work.

The future of art is not a battle between humans and machines but an exciting collaboration. As artists, your unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences will always be valuable. AI may change how we create art, but it will never replace the human spark that makes art meaningful.

So, let’s approach this new era with optimism and curiosity. Embrace AI’s tools, but always remember the unique value you bring to your work as a human artist. The future of art is bright, and it’s one where human creativity and technological innovation can coexist and thrive together.