MidJourney and others
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of art has always interested me, both personally and as an experienced art director. My curiosity and interest in the tool led me to discover MidJourney, a text-to-art tool, in the summer of 2022. I was excited by the potential it had to change the creative industry and if generative AI is art-directionable. I realized generative AI can be a good tool for visual arts and creative work in general, but only if it is used responsibly. My experiments with the tool resulted in 10 000 more or less unique and impressive artworks. In autumn 2022, I put on a small exhibition of these works in Hamburg to have the opportunity to talk to other artists and people interested in art. And I also sold some of my AI-generated paintings. Most people were completely in agreement with the origin of the artworks. Even more, they were fascinated and liked them.
Using AI in art often raises the question of whether it is a positive or negative development. However, the truth is that the progression of technology cannot be stopped and AI is already being used in various fields, including image editing. Thus, it is crucial that we learn to work with it instead of against it. I see MidJourney tools that can help the creative process by doing things that weren‘t possible or practical before.. MidJourney is like a conductor that elevates each musician‘s performance and the outcome of an orchestra.
Using AI in art often raises the question of whether it is a positive or negative development. However, the truth is that the progression of technology cannot be stopped and AI is already being used in various fields, including image editing. Thus, it is crucial that we learn to work with it instead of against it. I see MidJourney tools that can help the creative process by doing things that weren‘t possible or practical before.. MidJourney is like a conductor that elevates each musician‘s performance and the outcome of an orchestra.
For art directors and creative directors, the most difficult part of the job is communicating ideas or settings to artists and designers. I have been in dozens of situations where teams got the visual iteration of the concept wrong. Wether it was in photography, artwork, or a design concept. This is where i see fit for Midjourney in a professional set-up. Professionals can use these new tools to achieve their creative goals more easily.
Challenging our definition of creativity
As AI tools become more prevalent, we must reexamine our definition of „art.“ AI art can be viewed as humorous because „artificial“ usually refers to something that is not genuine or natural, while art is often considered as a form of self-expression that should be original and unique. The end product of AI-generated art cannot be considered „real“ or „authentic“ art, as it doesn‘t stem from human imagination or emotions. But is this true and the only way to view art?
The definition of art is a complex and ever-changing concept. Art often reflects human experiences, imagination, and emotions. It is a form of expression of the artist‘s deepest thoughts and feelings. Technology advances, and what‘s art and what‘s not becomes more blurred. Technology has always played a crucial role in visual arts, from the invention of the printing press to digital photography and many more. AI-generated art should not be viewed any differently.
It is important to recognize that art is not a fixed entity but a fluid and ever-changing concept. The meaning and value of art is subjective and open to interpretation. AI-generated art can still evoke emotions and provoke thought. Whether you‘re a well-versed art connoisseur or a casual observer, AI-generated art has the power to provoke thought-provoking dialog and evoke deeply emotional reactions. Art is not solely about the process of creation but also about the impact it has on the viewer. Using AI tools in art does not diminish the artist‘s creativity or skill, but rather opens up new and exciting possibilities to be explored.
Ultimately, whether we consider AI-generated art to be „real“ art is a matter of opinion. The viewer determines the value and meaning of the work, just like with any form of creative expression. As technology continues to advance, the definition of art will evolve, and instead of being apprehensive towards AI‘s influence on the art world. Let us embrace the opportunity to broaden our creative horizons and challenge conventional limits.
We should not be afraid to experiment with new technologies, like AI, in the art world. Just because a work is created with the help of AI does not mean it is any less valid as art. If anything, it is a sign of the artist‘s willingness to experiment and push boundaries. The viewer ultimately decides what value and meaning to assign to a work of art, and as technology continues to evolve, so too will our definition of art. Let us embrace the opportunity to broaden our creative horizons and challenge conventional limits.
Overcoming Exploitation in the Age of AI: Creative Business and Fair Payment for Artists
However, we need regulations and guidelines to protect artists‘ and viewers‘ rights. Using AI in art shouldn‘t just be for profit or exploitation.
For many years, artists in the creative industry have faced numerous challenges regarding providing fair and reasonable payment for their work. The technology of the 21st century has made the issue more complex. AI tools like Midjourney threaten to take advantage of artists even more.
One of the primary challenges faced by artists has been the difficulty in quantifying the value of their work. Artistic creations can be difficult to price, and many artists struggle to determine prices. Also, artists often have to compete for jobs with other artists who are willing to work for less. This makes it hard for them to get a fair price for their work.
Another major issue facing artists is the lack of transparency in the creative industry. Freelance artists often lack bargaining power, which makes negotiating fair payment difficult. In some cases, artists may be asked to work for free or for a nominal fee, with the promise of future exposure or opportunities. This exploitation has been a persistent problem in the creative industry for decades, and it might only get worse with the advent of AI tools.
Developing AI tools like Midjourney has added a new dimension to the challenge of providing fair payment for artists. AI algorithms can create new art by analyzing data. These tools can copy or replicate artists‘ work without their consent. This is a threat to artists.
To address these challenges, artists and those in the creative industry must work together to ensure that artists receive fair and reasonable payment for their work. This may require a combination of legislative and technological solutions, as well as a shift in the cultural attitudes of society.
One solution is to make licensing payments to artists so that they are fairly compensated for using their work. This could be accomplished through the development of blockchain-based systems, which would allow for the creation of secure and transparent transactions. AI tools can automatically pay artists when their work is used. This solution is also called „bot-based payments.“
Ultimately, the key to providing fair and reasonable payments for artists is to make sure that the creative industry is transparent and accountable. This requires a concerted effort from all involved, including but not limited to artists, organizations, and lawmakers. By working together to overcome the challenges posed by AI, the creative industry can ensure that artists receive the fair and reasonable payment they deserve. This is a significant challenge given the fact that AI is already playing a role in many industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
However, if the creative industry can work together to address this challenge, it can make sure that artists are receiving the fair and reasonable payments they deserve as professionals. It sometimes appears to be that in extreme cases, the work of artists is still recognized as a hobby. Not only is this unfair and appalling to artists. It also harms the industry. If we can‘t protect artists, then we can‘t protect the future of the industry.
M.G.P.
February 2023