Illustration or AI

During this holiday break I was struck with so many inspiring ideas for characters. For the past few days, it seems as soon as my head  hit the pillow, my mind started creating images.  I am an artist.

I cannot deny it, AI bugs me. I need to ponder over character design-- sometimes for hours. I need to feel the emotion conveyed in a manuscript to illustrate a convincing spread. AI takes the words and within seconds produces an image. 

​Why does this bother me?

AI uses the blood, sweat, and tears of illustrators and artists to mimic their style and create an image. AI doesn't need to ponder. AI doesn't feel. AI is just a new age art thief that sells off stolen goods for cheap. It's frustrating. But it is here for good. So what do artists like myself do now?

Throughout time, art has been honored and admired. I truly believe that AI is a fad and it's popularity will fade just like all new fads do. I will keep breathing life into my dreams and the dreams of other children's book authors through my illustrations.  I will continue to encourage young readers and artists to write and draw through school visits and community fairs. Seeing the smiles and feeling the excitement that authentically created children's books evoke is enough for me. 

What do you think about AI?

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