Enough with the Anti-AI Backlash: Embrace the Future of Art

The backlash against AI in art is not only misguided but also deeply entrenched in fear and an unwillingness to adapt. For instance, when AI-generated artwork Théâtre D'opéra Spatial won the Colorado State Fair's digital art competition in 2022, it triggered widespread outrage, highlighting the fear and resistance prevalent in the art community. This response was not about constructive critique; genuine critique involves providing thoughtful, specific feedback aimed at artistic growth. Instead, the outrage reflected a fear-driven resistance to change. Historically, the introduction of new creative tools, such as Photoshop, After Effects, and 3D modeling software, has faced skepticism. Yet these technologies have ultimately reshaped and enhanced the creative industries. Today, resistance to AI tools is even more vociferous and misinformed, making it critical to address these fears with clarity and understanding.

Recently, I chose to block a user on DeviantArt who posted an unnecessarily negative comment, especially in a context meant to celebrate artistic achievements. Among hundreds of positive comments like "Congrats!" this one stood out for its overt negativity:

Deviant stated:
"So sad to see another person has fallen on the crutch of AI-generated images and is rewarded for doing so."
This comment exemplifies the kind of toxic attitude that is all too common and, unfortunately, something I encounter regularly. When I challenged this negativity, the user doubled down, using manipulative language to accuse me of being "anti-artist" simply because I defended AI-assisted art.

"Did it sound like I was 'hating on something'? Or did it sound like I was disappointed in the self-inflicted weakness of an individual? I am disappointed in you as well for assuming like that, as well for falling back on the crutch of dismissal by referring to me as a hatemonger. I pity you for being an anti-artist."

While this is only one comment, it is far from the most inflammatory I have seen. Comments like these can have a profound impact, particularly on emerging artists who are just starting to establish their style. Such negativity can be devastating, potentially undermining an artist's confidence and discouraging them from sharing their work altogether. This behavior exemplifies why the anti-AI sentiment is so problematic. Instead of embracing new tools and recognizing their potential, critics are motivated by fear and insecurity. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue, they cling to outdated notions of what it means to be an artist.

 AI is Just a Tool, Not a Shortcut

I am not merely an "AI artist." I am an ARTIST. AI is one of many tools in my creative toolkit—no different from a paintbrush, a camera, or a stylus. The use of AI does not diminish the value of the work but instead enhances it, offering new ways to explore and execute creative ideas.

I have been an artist for many, many years, starting as an editor for my schools newspaper, then becoming the editor in chief my junior and senior year, which rocket launched my confidence and interest in design, continuously evolving my skills across various mediums, including music, graphic design, visual effects, and digital art. This long history of dedication and growth makes it particularly disheartening when my work is dismissed as "fake" simply because I use AI. Those who criticize this process fail to see the time, effort, and emotional investment behind every piece.

 Fear of AI is Fear of Progress

The backlash against AI in art is fundamentally driven by fear—fear of being replaced, fear of losing value, and fear of the unknown. James Gurney once aptly noted, "New tools often face opposition, but it's the fear of the unknown that drives much of the backlash." Painters once feared the invention of the camera, but this fear ultimately gave rise to impressionism and new artistic directions. Similarly, people resisted Photoshop when it was introduced, worrying that it would undermine the authenticity of art. Instead, Photoshop became an indispensable tool for countless artists. AI is simply the next step in this progression, and rejecting it reflects a lack of vision and an unwillingness to grow. AI doesn't replace human creativity; it enhances it, expanding what is possible and opening new avenues for artistic exploration. For example, I was able to create a series of concept designs in a matter of minutes using AI, a process that would have otherwise taken days. This efficiency allowed me to experiment freely and refine my ideas, ultimately resulting in a stronger final product.

 
AI-Generated Art is Real Art

The argument that AI-generated art isn't "real" art fundamentally misunderstands the essence of artistic creation. Real art conveys emotion, meaning, and originality—none of which depend on the tools used in the creation process. Whether an artist uses a paintbrush, a camera, or an AI model, what matters most is the intent and vision of the artist. Art is about expression and storytelling. AI requires human guidance, input, and curation; it is not autonomous. Tools like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) and diffusion models are creativity accelerators. They assist in the creative process, but the final artistic direction and intent come from the human artist. It is disappointing that some individuals refuse to acknowledge this, opting instead to dismiss an entire genre of creativity simply because they do not fully understand it.

 AI is Part of the Evolution of Art

Technological advancements have always been met with resistance. The printing press, airbrushes, and digital tools all faced backlash before they became standard practice. AI is merely another evolution in this continuous journey. Early concerns regarding AI art and intellectual property were valid—many early models were trained on datasets without proper permissions, raising significant ethical questions. However, the ethical landscape has changed significantly, with improved datasets and ethical training practices that ensure artists' rights are respected. These advancements have addressed many of the initial concerns, making AI tools more legitimate and responsible for use in creative projects.

In 2023, a report found that over 65% of visual effects and graphic design artists now incorporate AI tools into their creative processes. Adobe also reported that 71% of creative professionals found AI tools increased their productivity. AI isn't replacing artists—it is empowering them. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows artists to focus on the aspects of their work that truly matter: creativity, vision, and expression.

 
Anti-AI Sentiment is Holding Artists Back

Ironically, those who oppose AI could benefit the most from it. By refusing to adopt AI tools, critics are placing themselves at a disadvantage. Artists like Refik Anadol have harnessed AI to create internationally acclaimed works that push the boundaries of what art can be. Designers use AI to generate patterns, visualize concepts, and predict trends, allowing them to innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. AI isn't replacing designers; it's amplifying their creativity. Concept artists leverage AI to generate environments and character concepts in minutes, giving them more time to refine and add personal touches to their work. Refusing to adopt AI tools means falling behind in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.

 My Personal Experience with AI

Recently, I used an AI tool to generate a background texture for a motion graphics project. It saved me hours, which I then used for animation, storytelling, and color grading—the elements that truly make the piece shine. The AI-assisted part was minimal, but it allowed me to focus on the creative aspects that only I could bring. This is what AI does—it supports and enhances human creativity. It does not replace the heart, emotion, and skill that an artist brings to their work.

AI is not a magical solution. It cannot replicate human intuition, emotional depth, or lived experience—the elements that make art impactful. AI eliminates mundane tasks and unlocks creative possibilities. Tools like NVIDIA's GauGAN enable artists to create realistic landscapes swiftly, freeing them to focus on storytelling and the intricate details that matter.

 
AI is Just Another Tool

For those who remain skeptical, consider this: Do photographers cease to be artists because they use advanced cameras? Are filmmakers not artists because they use CGI? AI is simply another tool—like Photoshop or a camera—that enhances creativity. When Photoshop was introduced, critics claimed it wasn't "real" art. Today, Photoshop is an industry standard. The same will inevitably happen with AI, and those who resist its adoption will be left behind.

According to Adobe, over 70% of creative professionals say that new technologies like AI have made them more productive, and over 60% believe that AI tools have improved the quality of their creative output. Major studios, including Pixar, are already integrating AI into their workflows—not to replace artists, but to give them more time to focus on the aspects of their work that truly matter. AI helps; it does not harm. It amplifies the artist's potential rather than replacing it.

 Embrace Progress

Anti-AI sentiment is not just misguided—it is harmful. It affects artists' mental health, often leading to self-doubt and anxiety. Moreover, it can limit career opportunities, as the stigma against AI use discourages talented individuals from exploring new creative methods. Dismissing AI-generated art as "not real" is nothing more than gatekeeping. Art is about sharing, growing, and learning. Demonizing new technology impedes progress and innovation. If the backlash against digital tools had succeeded, we would have missed out on digital painting, CGI, and countless other advancements that have transformed the art world. Anti-AI critics are standing in the way of progress, and it is disheartening that they cannot see how much they are limiting themselves and the broader creative community.

Technological progress in art is inevitable. Artists who embrace new tools push culture forward. Early adopters of digital art, video art, and NFTs shaped entire movements, while those who resisted became mere spectators. AI is no different. If you cling to outdated methods, you risk becoming a relic, while the rest of us shape the future of art.

When I use AI, it is merely one part of my process—a tiny fraction. The true creativity—the storytelling, the vision—that is all me. AI does not replace my artistry; it augments and enriches it.

 Moving Forward Together

The backlash against AI in art is fundamentally driven by fear and misinformation, and this mindset hinders growth and innovation. AI is not a threat; it is a powerful tool for creative exploration. Those who refuse to see this will be left behind. The future of art is not a battle between human and machine; it is a collaboration. The sooner we embrace this truth, the sooner we can create work that is more innovative, inclusive, and inspiring. It saddens me that some people cannot see the beauty in collaboration and growth. Together, we could achieve so much more—together.

To the critics, I invite you to articulate why rejecting these tools is the path forward. How does clinging to outdated methods benefit anyone, especially in a field that thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries? The history of art is a testament to the value of embracing new perspectives and tools. Let us not hinder ourselves with fear. Instead, let us use every resource at our disposal to create something extraordinary.
 
 
Daniel Lamberth
Digital Artist, Multimedia specialist, AI Engineer, Musician, Founder @ ASAYA™ Media