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#36: Will AI replace artists?

Science & Technology

#36: Will AI Replace Artists?

The year 2022 has been dubbed the year of AI, and artists are curious about how this will impact their job. In this special episode, I will share my thoughts on this controversial topic and provide seven predictions for what we can expect in 2023.

AI technology has advanced rapidly, and many artists have concerns about its potential impact on their careers. Over the past decade or so, the market has prioritized technical skills, but now it seems that the ability to create unique and compelling stories is becoming more valuable. This shift can make artists feel like they are starting their careers over again, as the technical skills they have mastered may no longer be in high demand.

One of the biggest arguments against AI in art is that the datasets used to train AI models often include copyrighted images. While this is a valid concern, I believe that ethical AI products trained on non-copyrighted images will come into existence in the near future. The investment in AI technology and the mounting concerns around copyright make it highly likely that such ethical AI tools will be developed, possibly as early as next year.

It is essential to acknowledge that AI is here to stay, and fighting against its advancement may be an exercise in futility. The best approach may be to view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Many artists are already leveraging AI to enhance their skills and create better, faster artwork. While AI can excel at technical tasks, it still relies on artists to determine the best creative solutions for a given problem. The human touch and the ability to think strategically and creatively are aspects that AI cannot replicate.

However, not everything AI does should be blindly accepted. Some decisions made by AI developers raise valid concerns. For example, allowing AI tools to reference living artists' work without permission is an infringement on their livelihoods. AI developers should strive for more ethical practices to win over artists and gain their trust.

Now, let's move on to my predictions for 2023:

  1. Explosion of new AI: We can expect AI to be integrated into various software packages, augmenting existing tools, and speeding up production processes.

  2. Ethical AI: With the controversy surrounding copyrighted image datasets, rival companies may promote AI models trained on non-copyrighted images.

  3. AI regulation: Governments worldwide are waking up to the power of AI and are likely to introduce regulations regarding its use in different industries.

  4. Decrease in staff count, increase in volume of studios: As production costs decrease due to AI, some positions may be reduced within large studios. However, the lower costs will also enable more indie studios and individual artists to produce high-quality work.

  5. Nerfs in VFX: Neural Radiance Fields (Nerfs) will gain momentum in 2023, potentially revolutionizing backplates in VFX productions.

  6. VR advances: If Apple releases its long-awaited VR headset, it can signal an increased interest and investment in VR, potentially driving the medium forward.

  7. Metaverse hype crashes: Following the peak of metaverse hype in 2022, we can expect a period of disillusionment and hard work to establish the metaverse as a valuable medium over the next five to ten years.

Keywords: AI, artists, controversy, copyright, ethical, regulation, staff count, studios, Nerfs, VFX, VR, metaverse.

FAQ:

  1. Will AI replace artists completely? No, AI cannot replace the unique creative skills and problem-solving abilities of human artists. While AI can excel at technical tasks, artists bring a depth of storytelling and artistic vision that AI cannot replicate.

  2. Can AI-generated artwork be considered original? AI-generated artwork often relies on training data from existing copyrighted images. However, it is possible for AI models to be trained on non-copyrighted images to produce original artwork.

  3. How can artists leverage AI to enhance their skills? Artists can use AI tools to speed up their workflows, generate new ideas, and explore creative possibilities. By embracing AI as a tool, artists can enhance their artistic capabilities and create better works.

  4. What impact will AI have on the job market for artists? The introduction of AI may lead to changes in job roles within studios, with some positions being replaced by automated processes. However, the lower production costs enabled by AI can also create more opportunities for indie artists and studios to produce high-quality work.

  5. Will AI reduce the demand for technical skills in art? While AI can handle technical aspects of art creation, the demand for technical skills may decrease as AI tools become more prevalent. However, artists who can combine technical expertise with creative storytelling will continue to be valuable in the industry.