To be honest, the last thing I want to think about is AI “artwork”…but it’s been on my mind anyway. I wanted to share my latest thoughts with you:

There is some concern from artists, especially those who are not yet licensing their work, that AI is going to replace human-made artwork. I understand the fear, especially because how it will evolve exactly is unknown. But regardless of what will or will not happen, I don’t let this stop me from making and licensing my art.

In fact, my own art licensing income stream is steadily growing each year., and I don’t expect that to stall anytime soon. Art licensing is a competitive industry, so I guess I’m just used to it in a way.

Licensees are building their parameters around AI art

Plus, most of the licensees, i.e. manufacturers, I work with actually require that licensed art is original and not AI-generated. This is starting to pop up in contracts. I’ve seen some licensing agencies state that they will not be working with AI-generated art.

The current reality is, AI art is not the majority of art on products; visit your local retail stores and take a close look at what you see.

While there is some AI artwork in the marketplace, it was likely created by a human artist who used it as a tool (and then maybe even licensed it). And if they do make it through AI tools, it must be disclosed to the licensee.

AI art doesn’t feel as good when you see it

In my opinion, most AI artwork is still obvious as such. And it all looks…the same to me. Boring, too perfect, generated. Made from something pre-existing.

When you create art for licensing, you want it to stand out with a certain style – you’re creating it for a certain customer. You don’t want it to look the same as everything else.

Even if AI infiltrates the marketplace more (which I really hope it doesn’t), I don’t see it being a replacement for our art. We need multiple styles for unique customers, one-of-a-kind voices, and brand new perspectives not generated from what came before.

Human-made art is what sells products

I believe human-made artwork will prevail, because it’s what other humans connect with on a deeper level. I am confident that the artwork that I and fellow artists bring to the industry will continue to be desired by licensees, because it sells the product! I believe customers will seek out products featuring art with original ideas, made by human artists who care.

Share your process

My plan, and what I suggest to any hopeful licensing artists, is to make the process evident. Yes, even if you create digitally! Share your inspiration, the materials you use, the steps you take to get to the final piece. Show the humanness involved so that potential licensees, customers, and fans can see it, and appreciate it, too. I think we all need that connection now more than ever.

Ready to learn more?

If you want to do a deep dive into licensing, including learning more about contract terms, pricing, and how to actually get licensing clients, I suggest you check out my Art Licensing Guide:

If you prefer to learn with video lessons, live Q&As, and a group of students, join the waitlist for my course, Licensing for Artists.