From Inspiration to… Imitation. AI’s role in the Art Industry

I’ve been meaning to write this for a long time but never found the perfect moment. Now feels right. You see, my main job isn’t being an artist, but a Graphic Designer (among many other roles) in a printing company. Yet, this new trend – this AI art revolution – feels deeply personal to me, both as a designer and as an artist. It’s impossible not to feel the weight of it, impossible not to see how it’s reshaping our world – and not for the better, by my opinion… What do you think?

The world of art is undergoing a seismic shift. For centuries, art has been the domain of passionate individuals dedicating years to honing their craft. But now, artistic creation finds itself competing with AI-generated outputs. This shift isn’t just technological – it’s deeply cultural, raising profound questions about authenticity, purpose, and the future of human creativity. As businesses embrace AI for its convenience and cost savings, many of us – artists, designers, creators – are struggling to maintain our relevance, our livelihood, and even our identity in a world that feels increasingly automated.

AI tools have made art creation shockingly easy. Platforms powered by AI can generate stunning visuals, 3D models, and animations with nothing more than a few text prompts. For many, this ease of use feels empowering – a way to explore creativity without years of training. I can see why it’s so appealing.

But as someone who’s poured countless hours into understanding color theory, composition, and the nuances of design, this trend stings. It feels like our skills, our dedication, are being dismissed as unnecessary. Everything we’ve studied, practiced, and refined is now seen as something that can be mimicked by an algorithm.

Sure, casual users love the ability to “create” without boundaries. But do they understand what they’re losing? Genuine art isn’t just about pretty pictures or flashy designs. It carries a message, a purpose, and a piece of the artist’s soul. AI-generated art often lacks that depth – and it’s hard to ignore how hollow it can feel.

For Professionals, the Impact of AI is harsh

As a designer, I’ve already started seeing the effects firsthand, especially at work…

• Graphic Designers reduced to tools: More and more, businesses are using AI to create mockups or concepts. They only call on designers like me to “finalize” those ideas. It’s heartbreaking. Instead of being trusted as a creative force, I’m often treated like a tool – someone to click buttons and move pixels. Clients and managers often insist, “Just follow the idea – AI suggested it, so it must be right.”
• 3D Artists and Animators: I can’t imagine what my peers in 3D and animation are going through. These were once seen as some of the most skilled roles in the digital art world, yet AI can now churn out detailed models in minutes. The years they spent learning these techniques – how must it feel to see them devalued so quickly?
• Freelancers at risk: Freelancers – so many of whom rely on commissions – are especially vulnerable. Clients who once valued unique, hand-crafted work now settle for AI-generated art that’s “good enough” at a fraction of the cost. It’s gut-wrenching to think of the dreams and livelihoods being crushed under this trend. Logos, posters, etc have lost their creativity and identity, and in the end, clients often remark that you’re being paid to copy, not to create. Just think about it…

You know that AI Is built on stolen work?

Here’s the thing that makes it all worse: AI doesn’t create in the way that humans do. It builds its outputs by being trained on massive datasets, scraping billions of images from the internet. Many of these images belong to real artists. Real people. Their work, their time, their soul, taken without permission. This is theft, plain and simple. Companies argue that AI-generated works are “transformative,” but let’s be honest – they’re standing on the shoulders of countless unacknowledged creators. The work we’ve poured our hearts into is being used to train tools that are now replacing us.

And let’s not forget: AI doesn’t truly create. It’s not drawing from lived experiences, emotions, or imagination. It’s recombining and rehashing what it’s been fed. Real art has depth, originality, and authenticity. AI outputs are derivatives, mimics – and they’re shallow by comparison. Art has always been about humanity. It’s about joy and sorrow, rebellion and love. It’s about connecting with people in a way words sometimes can’t. As an artist, I know what it feels like to pour a piece of myself into my work, to use my craft as a way to speak to the world. AI doesn’t do that. It can’t. Its outputs might look impressive, but they’re hollow. There’s no soul in them, no story, no struggle. They’re just pixels, stitched together by algorithms. It’s a difference you can feel if you look closely. And yet, so many people don’t look closely.

Real artists make a difference. We leave our mark on the world through creativity. We challenge norms, spark conversations, and share our truths. That’s something AI can never do – and it’s why this trend is so devastating.

Why we should care?

The rise of AI in creative industries isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a deeply human one. Thousands of us are being displaced – not just from our jobs but from the sense of purpose and identity that comes from creating. It’s heartbreaking to watch something you love be turned into a commodity. And let’s not forget what we’re losing culturally. If AI-generated art becomes the norm, what happens to the value of true artistry? Will people still appreciate the years of work, the passion, the humanity that go into real creations? Or will we all settle for the shallow, mass-produced content AI churns out?

Yet, I still have hope. We can fight back. By supporting human creators – buying their work, commissioning their art, sharing their stories – we can remind the world of what real art means. We can show that humanity matters.

Balancing Innovation and Integrity

AI doesn’t have to be the enemy. When used responsibly, it can be a tool for artists, a way to expand our creativity. I’m not saying we should reject it entirely (because obviously we cannot any more, it’s expanding everywhere). But we need balance. We need respect. And we need laws that protect the people whose work is being used to train these systems.

Transparency is key. Companies should be honest about how their AI models are built. Artists should be compensated when their work is used. And above all, we need to remember that AI is just a tool. It’s the human touch that makes art, art.

Conclusion

The tools we create reflect our values. So what kind of future do we want to build? One where creativity is commodified, or one that celebrates the depth and humanity of artistic expression? Art is more than just an image. It’s a piece of the artist’s soul. A reflection of their unique vision, their passion, their life. We can’t lose sight of that – not now, not ever. Let’s protect what makes art special. Let’s protect what makes us human.

R-Evolution Now!
-Argus Dorian