Yes, AI Art is Bad (but you don't have to quit making art over it)

Beware: if you proceed, you will be subjected to hot takes you have never in your life experienced before.

This, of course, is sarcasm.

I think it's a fair observation: one really can't wander too far into the swamps of the Internet without stumbling on some AI generated atrocity.

It's ugly, it's noticeably mechanical, it lacks depth and guess what: nobody likes it.

It's been too often lately I hear an of an artist that has considered quitting their craft because of AI "art".

It's been an endlessly fought over the topic.

Is AI art valid?

Does it belong on Art focused platforms?

Should anyone be profiting from this?

Is it theft?

Everyone is upset about AI. There is nothing I could say that hasn't been said already. Why beat a dead horse?

That being said...

I've got some thoughts.

Let me tell you something from experience: nobody wants to listen to AI music or look at AI art without novelty.

The only people that do actually desire these things on a serious level are the dopes that think AI art has any sort of validity. The people who profit from AI generated content. People who are bitter because they don't feel part of the creatives around them.

They want the clout and attention without putting in the effort to hone the skill.

Or perhaps they're one of those that think they can use it as some sort of get-rich-quick scheme.

They could also be someone who just wants to see their thoughts turned into real tangible things without paying money they don't have to an artist that might not get it right.

I get that.

An AI is unbiased, does what it is told, and does not feel the need to put it's own style and twist on things. It's just a docile machine that can crank out simulations of human emotion and expression.

While I can sympathize and empathize and see it from someone else's point of view, I do not condone it. I condemn it. AI can be used as a tool. That's fine. You can use it to make funny pictures or songs with your friends or whatever.

There is a difference between what you do in private and what you pass along as your own creativity.

I have been a member of DeviantArt on various accounts for like 20 years or something now, right? Within the past few years, they've been accepting AI generated art on their platform. This has created a major rift in the community.

People are constantly arguing over the validity of these creations.

The main argument is the fact that it is considered art theft.

I agree. But, for fun I do have a little tiny argument against it. My thought is:

What if the AI is the artist and the prompter is the thief?

Hear me out.

Disclaimer: I don't really stand by this argument 100%.

But, I do think it's important to touch upon:

Certain styles become popular. It becomes fashionable for many people to draw in the same style.

Look at anime and tell me I'm wrong.

This isn't a dig.

I am aware not all anime looks the same; I do partake.

I'm only saying that the styles clearly influence each other.

You see something within a piece of art that speaks to you, gain inspiration and incorporate it into your own work.

So, in turn, it forces the thought to cross my mind: "Is this not similar to what the AI is doing?"

After being given an infinite amount of art to examine, the AI, uses elements from the styles to create something completely new.

I do argue, that is the tale of most artists.

I'm sure you know, these AI's are force fed a zillion different pieces of art.- all sorts of styles. If you're an artist, there's a chance your own work has been sucked into the robo-void. They have the ability to search and see and continue to learn. They use that gained knowledge to make a piece of art.

This means to me: the AI made the art, not the prompter.

The same as when someone has commissioned a piece of art from an artist.

-the artist would be... the artist, I'd gather.

So, you could only really stake the claim on the prompt and direction. Correct?

-Yes, correct.

Very good.

The prompter may own the art. The same way they would in the event of a commission. They have the rights to the piece they've purchased. They have the power to do whatever they want with it afterward.

Although I think it is in bad taste to resell a piece of art you've purchased or received as a gift, it isn't inherently wrong. But it does feel a little skeevy. The problem lies in claiming that you are the artist. That you are the creative genius behind the piece: That is unethical.

Especially if you then proceed to actually profit from the situation.

That is what is happening with the art created by AI.

It is being prompted, stolen then sold and passed off by someone claiming to be some sort of artistic genius.

So, who is the thief?

It's difficult for me to say 100% that the AI is stealing. I think it's innocent in all this.

Even AI's recognize they can't replace human artists. They can admit that what they do is insulting to human creativity. It's sad.

No matter what, art isn't taken seriously and artists will always be exploited. But it does not mean you should throw in the towel.

This is just one of the new old fashion ways.

This is a bleakish mindset. But, it is true.

However, it is also very true that people need art.

They need the escape, the entertainment, the emotions.

Listen to me, people will always want art made by humans. If they don't, they aren't your people.

Leave the places where you find yourself overwhelmed AI art.

Make your own website.

Find your people and make a Discord.

Or find the people that are on the same platforms with you and are just as pissed off.

Do something.

But please don't quit.

Just be a crusader. If you quit, they win.

They aren't cool enough for that so don't let them win, dude.

Be good and be well,

Liir