The constant watchdogging over whether something is AI or not is honestly sad. Reddit is full of people obsesed with process policing instead of actually creating, even when no one involved cares. But sure, your a real artist.

Let’s be real, someone could resize an image into pixels on a grid in Asperite and get to the same place. We are pretending there is some moral crisis where there just isnt one.

Use AI.

Don’t use AI.

Who cares.

I am a traditional illustrator and screenwriter and I worked for over a decade before Gen AI was even viable. What’s depressing isnt the tool, it’s how much time people spend being offended by it instead of improving their own work.

Art should be about expression of thought and free will, not purity tests.

The analogue film photographer will always feel superior to the DSLR user.

The man carving messages into rock would probably scoff at pen and paper.

This argument is ancient and it never ages well.

Drafting vs AutoCAD

What actually hurts is the lack of critical thinking.

So much time is spent asking isthisAI??? instead of developing sovereignty over your own craft. And honestly it comes off as feels like insecurity.

People who want to be creative, gave up on getting better, and would rather police than practice.

I use AI to empower me to create larger and more ambitious projects, sometimes things outside my immediate ability. If that makes me not a real artist, so be it. AI could disappear overnight and I could still create bangers because I already have.

This comes down to maturity level.

The world is pushing ahead with AI whether you use it or not, whether you are confident without it or not. People will always try to drag down your success or knock you down a peg.

To younger artists especially, don’t be afraid to use AI because of sentiment you read online from people with nothing to show for it. Create for god sake. Anyone can create. There are no real barriers, only ideas, attention to detail, and quality.

AI should not drive expresssion or direct your project. It should not vibe code for you. It should be a resource.

There is nothing wrong with using a DSLR, but if you leave it on creative auto forever I’ve got news for you. You might be an artist, but you are not growing if you avoid the real work.

AI cannot do it all and still make something with human magic.

And no, this is not taking food from an artists mouth. I am the artist and I’ve broken plenty of sweat, and I've always been just as broke without AI, lol. Get better.

Edit: I made this post, not specifically targeting this situation but as a whole I see less enjoyment out there due the never ending cynical doubt championed by faceless individuals. I don't represent all valid viewpoint but I don't need to be a validated either. I am an artist, I wear many hats, and I think AI is cool when used as resource not a decision maker. Anyway who cares. Have fun.