AI Generated Art and Its Impact on Artists

Introduction

• Recently launched an AI-involved product received backlash.
• Misunderstanding: Product was thought to be fully AI-generated.
• Clarification: Hired an artist who used some AI elements.
• Acknowledgement of concerns about AI threatening artist jobs.

Main Issues Raised by the Community

AI in Opposition to Human Creativity

• Concerns that AI art is seen as easy and lacks human 'soul.'
• Respect for different opinions on AI in art.
• Confirmation to stop using AI art unless consensus is reached.

Transparency About the Product

• Product: A deck of cards called "Book of Chances."
• Art added to enhance product; hired artist Scott in 2021.
• Pre-AI tools, Scott used royalty-free stock images.
• AI art grew popular during the project’s development.
• Clarification from Scott about minimal AI use.
• Efforts to provide transparency through process recordings.

Addressing Major Concerns

Issue 1: AI is Killing Creativity

• Belief in both the destructive and fostering aspects of AI in creativity.
• Comparison to other technologies: AI can be used maliciously or creatively.
• Personal perspective: AI as an empowering tool that enhances creativity.
• Likely existence of people who will always prefer traditional methods.

Issue 2: AI Taking Jobs Away from Artists

• Acknowledgment of AI-related job losses.
• Parallel to music industry changes with digital media and internet.
• Perspective: Technology can be empowering despite job shifts.
• Skepticism about the permanence and impact of AI.

Issue 3: Consent in AI Training on Intellectual Property

• Ethical concerns: AI training on someone's work without consent.
• Understanding of both sides: Consent vs. technological evolution.
• Explanation of AI training process and legal status.
• Analogies: Human learning, photography, MP3 encoding.
• Real-life experiences with AI impacting creative work.

Personal Stance and Future Steps

• Not taking a definitive stance on AI ethics yet.
• Commitment to stopping AI use in current products.
• Future product batches to be AI-free.
• Donations to Sketch, a Toronto-based arts organization, from current product proceeds.
• Encouragement for respectful discussion and feedback in the comments.

Conclusion

• Optimism about art adapting to technological changes.
• Commitment to transparency and engagement with community feedback.