Should Artists be Worried about AI?
Should Artists be Worried about AI?
Sun Goddess art created by the Midjourney AI.
With all the talk about how artificial intelligence is going to change the art world, it's easy to feel discouraged as an artist. After all, if a machine can create a work of art that's indistinguishable from one made by a human, what's the point of even trying?
But cheer up, my friend! You're not so easily replaceable. In fact, now is the time to focus on what makes you unique.
Work on your style and message, share your experiences and show up as the wonderful, crazy, messy human being that you are.
Now more than ever, the world needs artists who can speak their truth. And AI will never be able to do that.
Why Uniqueness Matters
In a world that's increasingly homogenized, your uniqueness is what sets you apart. It's what makes you valuable. So don't try to be like everyone else. Embrace your quirks and let them shine through in your work. When you're authentic, people will respond to that. They'll see your work as a breath of fresh air in a sea of sameness. And they'll be drawn to it because of that. So don't be afraid to be different. It's what makes you special. And it's what will make your work stand out in the crowd.
Message Matters
In addition to being unique, your work should also have a message. What are you trying to say with your art? What do you want people to know? What do you want them to feel? Your message doesn't have to be heavy-handed or didactic. But it should be there. Because when you have something important to say, people will listen. They'll be drawn to your work because it speaks to them on a deeper level. So find your voice and use it to say something meaningful with your art.
AI Might Change The Rules
Right now, many artists are feeling betrayed by the AI developers, there is much uncertainty about copyright and consent on the images that have been used to feed the algorithm. The edges are very blurry on the laws of copyright already, and personally, I can't help but wonder how big IPs and brands will respond to their logos or products being used without permission in paid services like Dall-e and Midjourney.
Ice queen art created by the Midjourney AI.
Let alone the fact that many of the real-life models and other fellow humans in general (perhaps even children?) have has their photos used without permission. This could quite easily lead to a slippery slope of people getting quite upset and rightfully defensive about their own personal data and information being used without their knowledge, understanding or consent.
I am looking at you "In the style of..."
We need to think about how the world will look when AI in the near future, laws will be made, and things will get very complicated very quickly. There might be a need for separate AI copyright, which doesn't currently exist. These regulations have the potential to either protect artists or potentially disrupt the AI itself because these algorithms can only work by using images humans made in the past.
Here is an unsettling example of a popular AI recreating a very known logo. It is easy to see where it has got its sample images.
DreamStudio screenshot showing the iStock logo on an AI-generated image.
I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how it all plays out!
The Future Is Always Bright
No one knows exactly how artificial intelligence is going to change the art world. But one thing is for sure: the future is always bright if you look at it with a positive attitude. Every obstacle can become a stepping stone if you have the right mindset. So don't let the fear of change hold you back. Embrace it and use it to your advantage. After all, it's only through change that we grow and become better versions of ourselves. So don't be discouraged by the changes that are happening. Remember, you're an artist. And that means you're always evolving. You're always changing. You're always growing. So embrace the future and use it to make your work even more unique, more meaningful, and more powerful.
Conclusion:
So don't despair, artists! The future is bright for those who are willing to embrace their uniqueness, use their art to connect with the world in a meaningful way and stay true to themselves. So keep creating and never give up. The world needs your art now more than ever.
What do you think? Will AI change everything? Or is there something about art that will always remain human? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
