The Case for Artificial Intelligence in Art

Artists, students and anyone who uses social media will probably have seen art generated by Artificial Intelligence in their feeds recently. You might even have tried using some of the websites used to generate it yourself. Causing a mix of outrage and adoration, this new technology uses simple text prompts and analysis of huge libraries of works to create sophisticated images.  

With AI generated art already being entered into (and winning!) art contests against human artists, the reaction from artistic communities has understandably been one of worry. Is this the end of art commissions, replacing the traditional role of the human artist? 

Understanding the role AI has already played in the art world and how these new technologies work reveals a less apocalyptic scenario for artists, with the possibility of harnessing these tools rather than competing against them... 

Saving Time and Resources 

One of the biggest things that artificial intelligence can do is to save you a lot of time and resources. Imagine that you are a university student who is trying to get meet a deadline - you need to complete coursework, but you’re really caught up in your latest, greatest passionate endeavour. This is where something like AI can help.  

When artificial intelligence can instantly create a dazzling new art piece that is using your distinct style, it’s obviously going to be a massive time saver. You’re free to concentrate on the passion projects that appeal to you.  

Introducing New Ideas  

The really great thing about the collaboration between artificial intelligence and art is that AI constantly learns and changes depending on the situation. It’s built to grow and develop, which means that it can actively begin adding new creative interpretations into your art.  

Artificial intelligence might try something that you haven’t even thought about, and then when the finished piece of art is created, you will be amazed at this brand-new, innovative take on an existing idea. It might be something you hadn’t considered previously, and then you can start implementing it into your own projects. 

Speeding Up Creativity   

Artificial intelligence is always ready to perform. It’s not bound by needing time to rest or ideal conditions. It doesn’t get artist’s block, and it doesn’t struggle to meet deadlines. AI can produce art with very little hesitation, and it can do so in seconds.  

Final Thoughts 

The recent craze of AI artwork is not without concerns for human artists. As university students, you need to consider the implications of technology that can copy anybody’s artistic style and create artwork without giving them access to it. However, the benefits for artists already using it to enhance their own work are clear. 

An amazing resource that can be used in a wide range of different ways, it’s well worth taking the time to explore all the options which are available. Yes, lots of people are opposed to the idea, but we think it could be a really good idea and a new chapter for the artistic world.   

Photos by DeepMind on Unsplash