Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat to Fine Artists?
I recently had a client who was interested in a fine art custom painting - a very large one for one of his big blank walls. As we chatted, he described what he wanted: a palm tree blowing in the wind. I was quick to let him know that I’d be happy to make him a painting.
However, as we continued to dialogue, he suddenly said, “Well, actually, I think I might just get a big print of one.” And then he went on to make a comment about artists losing their jobs.
My heart sank. I knew that with just a few clicks he could generate an image with ai or just find a print of one. His big blank wall would be filled in no time. That large painting would have been a big boost to my bank account. But now it’s so easy now for people to go the cheat route over hiring an artist to make something from scratch.
I began to think: why would a client continue to hire a fine artist over just using a computer generated image? Or even just a print? Will we go extinct? Is there a place for us in 2050 or are we going to be blasted out of the creative space by prints and artificial paintings?
REAL PAINT
Well, for one, we use real paint. Second, artificial intelligence doesn’t actually create art - it takes bits and pieces from images ALREADY made and posted on the internet and then combines them. Essentially, it is taking what IS and then making something with it. Nothing from artificial intelligence is made from scratch.
EASY CHANGES & DONE RIGHT SOON
You can tell an artist to change something in particular in their sketch of the idea for the painting and they can change it for you - even down to the littlest thing. However, at this time with,artificial intelligence a client cannot request such changes. All someone can do is have a variation of what the computer came up with. You can’t tell the computer in particular what you want changed and know it will get it right the first, second or at least by the third time.
A REAL HUMAN
Also, a lot of people like to work with people. It’s nice to dialogue with a real human being about what you want to hang on your house walls. An artist can offer input because they have a wealth of information in their heads about art, style, and ideas for how to go about doing things.
AN ARTIST’S BRAND ADDS VALUE
An artist is their own brand. And artwork completed by an artist often comes with it dollars because of what the product is (a painting) AND that a certain person made the art - like Picaso, Van Gogh or Renoir. But a print is just a print. An original painting is one of its kind. That’s why collectors who know their facts are confidant in spending dollars on certain artworks. They can always re-sell the art and get their money back. And this is something artificial intelligence does not offer a client - the brand that an artist represents.
Now, in order for an artist to protect himself/herself from artificial intelligence from taking over their art market, there are a few easy but important steps to take to help create their own brand:
Create a personal artist website that focuses exclusively on your artwork, a few photos of yourself and links to your social media
Why your own artist website?
It’s so easy for people to get lost in the shuffle of other artists when they show on sites like etsy or society6. A site keeps people looking at YOUR stuff.
Clients often take artists more seriously when they have their own artist website.
Social media is great - but it is more powerful when it is linked to a website that showcases artwork you made that people can buy.
P.S. Like the website you’re on? I’d be happy to create an artist site for you too!
Create a logo or icon that immediately signifies to people it’s YOU they are working with or about to buy something from
Be select and intentional on the colors you use in promotional material about yourself. For instance, using pastel colors vs big bold primary colors lends an entirely different impression and helps people decide if your type of art might resonate with them
Lastly, aim to eventually settle onto a particular style so people can easily recognize your work. For example…
Do you know who painted this?
Van Gogh of course! Everyone knows this because his work is so recognizable. His style is recognized all over the world. If you follow his lead, you will be immediately known by people and make it easier for people to decide if they want to purchase from you and become long-term fans of your work.
Yes and No
So in summary, is artificial intelligence a threat to fine artists? Yes and no - it can and is taking away a lot of projects we might get hired for - like custom and original artwork. However, on the flip side, it is really up to our society to decide what they want. If they prefer real paint, real human contact, a piece of art that retains value because of who painted it and because they like it…well, these are all factors that will keep us fine artists in business.
If you are a fine artist reading this, keep in mind the ACT OF PAINTING is a beautiful process for the mind, the heart and soul. Yes, artificial intelligence is generating paintings. Well, so can YOU.
Kristina Joy
