Can you believe there is only a difference of 2 years between the two images above? These are two AI images created with the exact same prompt. And I’m not really following the developments of AI, but I think it’s safe to say a major leap in progress has been made in the last few months.
With AI art evolving rapidly and becoming more popular every day, you might be wondering: Is there still a place for human artists? After some thought, I’m convinced that yes, there is still plenty of room for artists in an AI-driven world!
That said, I do think we have some work to do as a community. One of the biggest challenges I see is AI becoming “good enough” for the general public, especially when it comes to personal commissions, concept art, game art, posters, item design, and more. We must continue to value the human touch in art – I believe this is essential for ensuring artists like us continue to succeed and remain relevant.
Today, I want to dive into why I believe human artists will not (and should not) be fully replaced by AI, and why it’s still totally worth pursuing a career in art.
Why People Still Prefer Human Artists
Here are a few reasons why someone might choose a human artist over AI:
Personal ConnectionWhen you buy a piece of art from a human, you’re not just getting a picture – you’re getting a part of the artist’s soul. There’s a story behind every piece, and people love connecting with that. AI, on the other hand, doesn’t have emotions or experiences, so it can’t really create that kind of bond.
CustomizationWant a painting that’s totally tailored to your vision? A human artist can listen to your ideas, tweak things, and bring your unique concept to life. AI art might be quick, but it doesn’t offer that same level of collaboration.
Meaning Behind the ArtA human artist’s work often comes with a deeper meaning or story. Maybe it’s inspired by something personal or a moment in history. When you buy art made by a person, you’re also buying that personal connection.
UniquenessEvery artist has their own distinct style, shaped by their personal experiences, emotions, and choices. While AI can generate art that mimics certain styles or visual elements, it doesn’t bring the same intent or personal expression to the table. AI art might be able to replicate aspects of human-made art, but it can’t create something truly new or meaningful in the way a human artist can. The uniqueness of human art comes from the artist’s perspective, their journey, and the emotions they pour into their work. That is something AI simply can’t replicate.
Quality ControlWhen a human artist creates something, it’s often a result of years of practice and mastery of a craft. Traditional art forms, like painting or sculpture, are still things that AI can’t perfectly replicate in terms of texture, technique, and detail.
Human TouchArt is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about emotions, stories, and experiences. Many people are drawn to art because they want to feel something from it. Human artists can give that emotional depth, while AI tends to feel impersonal and more mechanical.
Ethical SupportSome people prefer to support human artists because they feel it’s more ethical. When you buy art from a real person, you’re helping to sustain their livelihood and encourage their creative journey. There’s also a growing awareness about the potential exploitation of artists’ styles by AI, as AI systems can “learn” from their work without consent or compensation. Supporting human artists ensures that creators are directly rewarded for their talent and effort. For many, this is a way to foster a more ethical and fair art market, where the value of human creativity is recognized and respected.
Will Human Art Become a Specialized Trade?
I was wondering if human art might eventually become a more specialized trade. With AI becoming more accessible and art generation getting easier – compared to the traditional process of sketching, refining, inking, coloring, shading, and making constant adjustments – it’s flooding the internet. Just take a look at platforms like DeviantArt, and you’ll see AI art everywhere. The same goes for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and even marketplaces like Etsy. Google Images can even pull up AI-generated art, depending on your search.
This trend is only going to grow. So, I started thinking that human art could become more specialized in the future. There will always be a market for people who value art created by humans – especially as long as there is a stigma attached to AI art. Perhaps human art could become even more valuable than it is today.
As seen above, on the left: A goldfish in a bag generated by ChatGPT. On the right: a goldfish in a bag created by me.
Stand Out With Your Own Website
With social media getting flooded by bots and AI content, having your own website is a great way to stand out and build some real credibility. Sure, platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can potentially give you a lot of exposure, but they’re also crowded with so much content that it’s easy to get snowed under. Having your own website means you’ve got a personal space to show off your work, share your story, and connect with people in a way that feels real. With as many or as few words as you want – no character limitations. You get to control the look, feel, and most importantly, your message. When someone visits your website, they will be able to easily discover everything you have to offer. No algorithm messing with your content or burying your hard work under a ton of posts from other users.
A website can also help you come across as more professional and trustworthy. It’s a place where potential clients or fans can see you for who you really are, and it gives them a reason to take you seriously. Plus, when you have your own website, you’re not fighting against AI or automated content. You can offer something personal and authentic, making it easier to build a loyal audience that genuinely appreciates what you do.
AI Art vs. Human Art: Final Thoughts
Even though AI art is on the rise, there’s no need to lose hope as a human artist. Admittedly, AI can create stunning visuals, but it can’t replicate the creativity, meaning, and emotional connection that comes from art made by real people.
So, if you’re an artist, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of room for you to make a living from your art. And who knows? The rise of AI art might even make people appreciate your unique, human touch even more!
