From 2D art, to handmade projects being sold at craft fairs, where is the individuality when AI is overtaking art?
M.S Diem (they/he/she) // Contributor
Keira Schick (she/her) // Illustrator
With recent developments and implementations of generative artificial intelligence, the ability to ‘create’ has suddenly become far more accessible and profitable. Generative AI is consistently criticized for its inability to produce original creative works, instead relying on a wealth of knowledge and images fed to it by its frequent users, as well as from online databases and social media platforms.
AI’s prevalence has grown to affect nearly every aspect of day-to-day life, though its effect on artistic careers is particularly criticized. The Courier spoke with Vancouver-based artists Murray (@pissed_off_portrait_painter on Instagram) and Apsara (@acornwitch.art on Instagram) about the effects of AI-generated content, tangible art, jobs in creative industries and the doubt that comes along with the growing effect of AI on the world.
Murray is a freelance 2D animator, working in both Clip Studio and Toon Boom to hand draw his frames on multiple projects ranging from commercials, music videos and other short-form content. In addition to animation, he also creates mixed-media pieces ranging from canvas to clothing. Murray finished his degree from Vancouver Film School in 2D animation, only to find that the industry was in shambles before he could get his foot in the door. The implementation of generative AI in animation has severely limited the available jobs in the industry, like many other creative industries. “2D (hand drawn) animation does not really exist outside of independent productions anymore.” Murray discussed the difficulties in finding jobs during the rapid expansion of generative AI, lamenting, “Why pay anyone for anything anymore? if you have something for free that can do it for you almost as [well], why pay an artist?”
Apsara is a third-year student in Capilano’s Idea school of Design after graduating from Langara’s Design Formation Program. She’s primarily producing digital art, though lately has been experimenting with more tangible artforms, including linocut prints. “That’s something I’d like to explore more,” Apsara remarks, “A lot of people will be looking for more handmade things, it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish between AI art and regular digital art.” Recently, Apsara was able to participate in Capilano’s Student Craft Fair, her first opportunity to do any craft fair. She discussed the inaccessibility of typical craft fairs or markets, with the price of purchasing a booth at such events making it difficult to justify for many artists. The expense of creating pieces to sell is also a huge factor in deterring many artists from participating in similar events. The creation of art can become expensive, with the cost of supplies, tools and time. Though producing inventory may still be an expense, using generative AI for craft markets eliminates other expenses like materials and time. Although initially intended to promote local artists and handmade goods, this combination of cost and labour raises concerns that artwork generated by AI will continue to saturate these craft fairs.
While acknowledging its use in other areas of life, both Murray and Apsara expressed frustration with the sheer amount of AI content in the world around them. Murray himself admitted that he’s a “pretty big AI hater. Not because it exists, but because of what people use it for.” Though frustrated with generative AI and its effect on his industry, Murray still harbors a lot of love for art itself. “I think that being human is making art and expressing yourself. And that’s what’s so beautiful about it. And I just don’t get why you would have a robot do that for you.”
Similarly, Apsara remains optimistic about AI in creative settings. “I did want to maybe encourage people not to feel hopeless about AI art. I think that we’re coming to a point where it’s getting really saturated and the generators are starting to feed themselves with their own slop, so to speak.” There are still spaces for handmade art and hands-on creation, and generative AI has encouraged these forms of art once again. “I mean, as much as I love digital art, I also see it as an opportunity for traditional mediums to make a comeback outside of the fine art world.”