What Is The Deal With AI Art?

What is AI art?

To understand the controversy regarding AI art, we first have to understand what AI art is. 

People use the assistance of Artificial Intelligence to create artwork by inputting data, such as images or even audio, into an algorithm. The algorithm analyzes the imputed images, learns from the imputed data, and makes content based on what it has learned. 

This algorithm exists on AI generators, such as OpenArt, NightCafe, and StarryAI. A lot of AI generators are cheap and easy to use, making them accessible to almost anyone.

Depending on what the artist programmed the algorithm to do, the output can be a combination of the images or it can be its own original image. Artists who use AI art tend to have to change the data to get the desired outcome that they want. This process takes anywhere from a few seconds or a few minutes to make. The final result looks similar to the images that were inputted into the algorithm. 

Why is it a problem?

Many artists have a problem with other artists using AI to make art. Many artists claim that using AI to make art is considered stealing, as you are using other artists’ work to make original content. Others claim that using AI is not considered stealing. Their defense is that AI is learning from what it has analyzed and is making new content based on what it has learned. 

Many artists are uncomfortable and upset that their artwork is being used to make AI art without their knowledge or consent. Artists are also upset that they are not getting compensated or credited for their artwork as well. This has resulted in many artists filing lawsuits against these AI generators and the people that use these applications. 

As technology progresses, it has become harder for people to detect what is real art and what is AI. 

What is the difference between digital and AI art?

There is a major difference between digital and AI art. However, many people get the two mixed up.

As you know, AI art is created when an artist uses preexisting artwork to make a new image with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Here is an example of AI art:

    Artificial Nightmares

Digital art is artwork made by an artist using digital platforms like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Krita. These artworks are done by hand, like how you would draw on a piece of paper. Here is an example of digital art:

     Brian Edward Miller

Artists have differing opinions on whether or not digital art is considered real art. This is due to the many features that these digital platforms offer. For instance, having access to numerous paintbrushes and colors. Many artists are grateful for the features that digital art has, as it makes is forgiving when an artist makes mistakes. Other artists consider digital art as cheating as traditional artists do not have that accessibility.

Whether AI art can be considered art depends on if you believe art can be made by artificial intelligence. Is it considered stealing? Or is it considered its own creation?