The introduction of our new and advanced DALL-E 3 image generator from OpenAI provides exceptional quality, high-resolution graphics, prompt interpretations of even the most complex text instructions, and the ability to use the tool for creative advertising–with functionality to include text and icons!
As newer types of neural networks for image generation are developed, it is harder and harder to tell the difference between top-quality AI-generated images and those drawn by an artist (or even taken by a photographer).
Why is that adding fuel to the fire of debate around AI artwork, and how can users ensure they maintain a great understanding of ethics while having fun creating and exploring the possibilities? Let’s dive in!
What Are the Controversies Around AI Text-to-Image Generators?
The primary argument is around the impacts of AI-generated artwork on artists who use conventional mediums such as paint, charcoal, and pencil to produce unique artworks. Some believe that AI-produced graphics are not art, in the normal sense, because most of the hard work has been conducted by the AI rather than the person using it.
Perhaps a more interesting question is can you make money with AI image generators? If monetised artwork is sold or used for commercial or promotional purposes, but is developed with an AI model that has been trained on the original artworks of an artist, is that effectively copying?
While there isn’t one correct answer, as in any emerging debate, it’s interesting how critics and supporters alike are having to navigate this new field and consider the training of an AI image generator to think about the potential implications.
This could relate to the involvement of a machine within the creative process, the contribution a person makes to that process when they come up with text prompts or experiment with new ideas, and how the artwork they create can be owned, copyrighted and proven to be 100% original.
How Is AI-Generated Imagery Considered Positive?
One of the biggest positives of AI art generators is that they are inherently accessible and affordable. Whereas talented creatives may not be able to engage in some forms of traditional art due to a lack of resources and the cost of buying quality materials, AI artwork requires nothing but a device and imagination.
It is also a fantastic solution for people with physical or cognitive impairments, which mean creative therapies are not available. Instead, they can play with words, colours, images, and items and come up with as many designs and formulations as they wish, using spoken word rather than written text if more suitable.
Those in favour of AI-generated art think it is ultimately democratising the world of art and swiftly removing all those barriers to participation that have long been the norm. It also opens the gateway to appreciate and enjoy different types of art, broadening our view of what it means to be creative and how varied methods of art creation are equally valid and interesting.
How Can AI Artwork Be Perceived as Negative?
On the other side of the debate, the issues are that AI-generated graphics are not created with emotional input. An AI model doesn’t feel an empathetic connection with the characters or places it designs but rather tries to translate the prompts provided and estimate what that phrase would look like in the real world.
Concerns have also been raised around originality since an algorithm is necessarily trained on artwork that already exists. Best practice AI-generated artwork platforms take this into consideration, and the technology is evolving to ensure there are minimised risks of a new piece of art being created that mimics the style or substance of artwork that belongs to an artist.
Finally, some artists believe that AI art may mean they lose jobs, where paying clients and commissions can now complete the same work through AI, at a significantly lower cost and at a much faster pace.
The balance may be to respect the agility and accessibility of AI artwork while being mindful of the differences between a graphic created to order by an artist and one based on the machine learning of an AI model.