If You’re an Artist Worried About AI You Probably Suck at Art

In recent years, artificial intelligence has made headlines for its ability to create "original" works of art. But what does that mean for professional artists? Is AI changing what it means to be creative, or simply giving us a new toolset with which to create? In the past, creativity was often seen as a distinctly human trait. After all, only humans have the ability to produce works of art, right? But with the rise of artificial intelligence, that perspective is starting to change.
 
Some argue that AI is making the act of creation easier than ever before. With tools like Dall-E Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, anyone can now create a digital masterpiece. And with the click of a button, you can even have your work printed on a canvas or poster. So what's the problem?
 
The problem is that AI also makes it easier for amateurs to create "good enough" art. In other words, there's less incentive for people to seek out professional artists when they can get similar results from an AI-powered app, or so the logic goes...
 
But on the other hand, some argue that AI is actually making us more creative. After all, by expanding our ability to create, AI is giving us new ways to express ourselves. And as AI gets better at understanding and responding to the world around us, it's likely that our creativity will only increase.
 
AI simply gives artists new ways to express their creativity. After all, didn't cavemen use sticks and stones to draw on walls? And didn't Leonardo da Vinci use a brush to paint the Mona Lisa? So what's changed?
 
In a way, nothing has changed; we're still using tools to create art. The only difference is that our tools are now digital. And while that may make some aspects of creation easier, it doesn't change the fact that creativity still requires imagination and skill. Simply put, you still need to be an artist to create art, AI can't do it for you.
 
Will AI allow amateurs to take over the art world? There are now AI created images that have sold for thousands of dollars, and it's only going to become more common as time goes on. This could have a profound effect on the art world, as it would allow anyone with access to AI to create impressive artworks. However if you are worried about AI taking your income as an artist, I would argue you're probably not that good an artist. After all AI still can't tape a banana to a wall. At least not yet. The artists who will be most successful in the future are going to be the ones who are able to use AI as a tool, rather than seeing it as a threat. There are already many artists using AI to create fascinating artworks, and they aren't going to stop. So don't worry about AI taking over the art world, instead embrace it and use it to your advantage.
 
So what does it mean to be an artist in the age of artificial intelligence? It means that you still need imagination and skill to create art, AI can't do it for you. However, AI can give you new ways to express your creativity. So whether you view AI as a threat or an opportunity, remember that it ultimately comes down to how you choose to use it.