Is AI Art Killing the Traditional Artist? – The Impact of Technology on the Art Industry

The Rise of AI Art

As a contemporary artist in New Zealand, I’ve watched the rise of AI-generated art with a mix of fascination and concern. AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, and Deep Dream are now capable of producing strikingly complex images in seconds, something that would take me hours, days, or even weeks to paint by hand.

And speaking of hands, just like traditional artists, AI is having its fair share of issues with creating believable hands, although AI gets it much worse, for instance, 6 or 7 fingers on one hand is not uncommon!

But does this mean AI is replacing traditional artists? Or is it simply another tool in the ever-evolving world of creativity? Let’s explore the impact of AI on the art industry and what it means for artists like me who still pick up a brush every day.

The Pros of AI Art

AI-generated art has undeniable benefits, both for artists and the industry as a whole:

• Accessibility & Speed: AI allows people without traditional artistic skills to create visual works quickly. This can be empowering for those who have ideas but lack the technical skills to bring them to life.
• Inspiration & Idea Generation: Some artists use AI as a brainstorming tool to generate references, explore new styles, or overcome creative blocks.
• New Forms of Collaboration: AI isn’t just about automation; it can be a partner in the creative process. I’ve experimented with AI-generated textures and compositions, incorporating them into my mixed-media work rather than seeing them as a threat.
• Democratization of Art: AI has made it easier for people to access and create art, broadening the definition of who can be an artist.

The Challenges & Concerns

Despite the benefits AI offers, there are undeniable challenges it presents to traditional artists:

Devaluation of Traditional Art

AI-generated art can be created in minutes, drastically reducing the time and cost needed to produce a piece. This efficiency can be appealing to buyers looking for quick, cheap artwork, especially in commercial industries like advertising, book covers, and concept art.

For example, instead of commissioning a digital artist for a custom book cover, an author might use an AI tool to generate one in seconds for a fraction of the price. Similarly, stock image platforms are now filling up with AI-created visuals, lowering demand for photographers and illustrators.

Originality & Authenticity

One of the most debated questions is whether AI-generated works can be considered truly “original.” While AI can generate beautiful and technically impressive pieces, it lacks the personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives that define human art.
Take Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”—the swirling skies reflect his unique vision and emotional state at the time. AI can mimic his brushstrokes, but it can’t replicate the depth of his struggle or personal story. The same goes for contemporary artists whose work reflects cultural identity, personal memories, or deep emotions—AI can remix, but it doesn’t create in the way humans do.

Copyright & Ethics Issues

Many AI models are trained on vast collections of existing artwork, often without the consent of the original artists. This means that an AI-generated painting might closely resemble the style of a well-known living artist, raising ethical and legal concerns.

For instance, some digital artists have found near-identical copies of their work circulating online, with no credit or compensation. Laws around AI-generated content are still evolving, but many artists argue that AI companies should not be profiting from models trained on their work without permission.

Impact on Commission Work

Many artists, particularly those who rely on commissions, are seeing a shift in demand. Companies and individuals are increasingly turning to AI for quick, inexpensive solutions.
For example, a small business that previously hired an artist to create a logo or social media illustration might now use AI-generated graphics instead. Similarly, concept artists in gaming and film industries face competition from AI tools that can rapidly generate detailed character designs or environments.

The Future of Art in the Age of AI

So, is AI art truly killing the traditional artist? I don’t think so, at least, not in the way some fear. Instead, it’s reshaping the industry and forcing artists to adapt.

The way I see it, traditional art will always hold value because it offers something AI can’t: a tangible, deeply personal connection between the artist and the viewer. A painting created by hand carries the physical presence of brushstrokes, layers of paint, and the energy of the artist’s process, something no algorithm can replicate.

That said, AI is here to stay, and rather than resisting it entirely, we can learn to integrate it into our creative practices in ways that enhance rather than replace human artistry. The challenge for artists now is to lean into what makes us unique: our stories, emotions, and the human touch that no machine can replicate.

Why is AI so Bad at Drawing Hands?

Take a look at this video to understnd the development of AI with art

Final Thoughts

While AI art presents both opportunities and challenges, I believe that traditional artists will always have a place in the art world. Technology has always influenced art, from photography to digital painting, but it has never completely replaced the need for human creativity.

As an artist, I choose to see AI as a tool rather than a threat. The key is to continue evolving, embracing new technologies while staying true to what makes our work irreplaceable: our passion, perspective, and the irreplaceable imprint of the human hand.

What are your thoughts on AI art? Is it an exciting new frontier or a looming threat to traditional artistry? Let’s discuss!