I deeply respect the work of artists and understand the concerns surrounding AI-generated art. Coming from a family of artists in multiple mediums, this is a conversation we’ve had at length. Creativity (whether in writing, filmmaking, painting, digital art, etc) takes time, skill, and passion, and I wholeheartedly support human artists.
As someone who has had my own work stolen (CopyPasteCris), I take copyright and ethical sourcing very seriously. I understand firsthand the frustration and harm that comes when creative work is taken without permission, which is why I’m mindful about the tools I use and continue to support human artists.
These are my current thoughts:
AI itself isn’t inherently bad—it’s a tool. The real issue is how it’s trained and used. That’s why I only consider AI tools that state they source data ethically, and I continue to work with human artists for my book covers and professional projects. Though, I have many times in the past made my own covers when the inspiration strikes. (I started as a photographer and enjoy playing in photoshop, but I digress.)
AI is in everything and isn’t going anywhere. It is becoming a part of many industries and is in everything (it’s popped up in my writing software and in social media even though I didn’t ask for it). Like many creatives, I’m navigating how to use it responsibly while ensuring that it doesn’t take opportunities away from artists. As technology evolves, I hope to see stronger copyright protections for both artists and authors. Ethical AI use should respect, support, and uplift creatives, not replace or exploit them.
If you’re interested in my personal experience with plagiarism and why I take this issue seriously, you can read more about it here: Plagiarism and Hard-Working Authors.
I appreciate the ongoing conversations happening within the creative community and value respectful discussions on this evolving topic.
Please Note: My thoughts and feelings about this topic change constantly as new conversations and information comes to light. I adjust myself accordingly, which is why it’s so important we have this conversation and listen to each other.
