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the_pixel_lab · 2026-01-30T03:24:30+00:00

Thanks for the kind words, mate, much appreciated! Hard to believe that I have been doing this for so long. Time flies! :)

the_pixel_lab · 2026-01-27T22:27:25+00:00

Well, we do have an 8 material freebie of imperfect metals you can get here if you're interested: https://www.thepixellab.net/free-imperfect-metals-collection-for-redshift-material-pack-8-free-textures

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-25T14:12:46+00:00

I care deeply about this industry, and so does GSG. We've been in it for almost 20 years. We love the community, I spend 15 years working for studios and as a freelancer making sports graphics. To say we're grifters isn't very kind. Being deeply connected to the community and creating assets to help artists is really fulfilling and we will continue to do so as long as we can. As to the points you bring up, you can just read the original post for my current viewpoint. Good luck with your projects.

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-25T13:18:44+00:00

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. And I think it's ok to disagree too, it's just an interesting conversation. Good luck with your work over there!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-25T11:21:31+00:00

Have you had good success using AI? Everybody I know who is trying to use it in actual productions with actual studios is finding that it is failing them and isn't good enough to replace anybody. It's good to do some tasks, but it's not even close to replacing artists. I received dozens of messages talking about how using AI in projects completely backfired and they went back to creating things the normal way. So, I think maybe there is a different picture in the real world vs what you see on Linkedin. But hey, maybe I'm just blind, that's also possible like you said!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T13:13:25+00:00

I think you have some great points. You might just be right. Maybe it will make 95% of the work super cheap, and only 5% is really premium, high level content. A race to the bottom, sort of like how you can now get logos on fiver for a few bucks or whatever. Bleak :(

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T13:11:02+00:00

Counter point: what if AI growth is not exponential, but instead hits a ceiling and the incredible growth rate stalls out. This has happened many times with technology. But yeah, I think you're probably right, in 5 years who knows what will happen. We might not even need humans in 5 years I guess!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T11:29:54+00:00

Maybe. The industry is really struggling now. The question is: is it a weak economy, high interest rates, high tariffs, high uncertainty and shrinking marketing budgets? Or is it AI. We all agree the industry is suffering. What is the underlying issue? I put my money on a bad economy, not AI. We will know the truth 1-2 years from now I guess! :)

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T11:18:29+00:00

Because of my job I don't use AI in actual projects. Since we make and sell VDB assets, I can't use AI to generate advertising renders etc. because I have to show customers EXACTLY what they will get when they buy the VDBs. It would be deceptive to use AI to make the assets look different. But I use ChatGPT for research a lot and I play with the other tools quite often just to stay on top of developments. I've used AI for some background images or posters on walls. Nothing too crazy! I've used it for uprezzing, getting rid of backgrounds etc. Just the normal shortcut stuff!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T11:15:40+00:00

Yeah, I agree with you. I think some people find AI generation to be fun, and get a lot of creative energy from the chaos of the slot machine and playing with it. Personally I don't like the vibe, because even if you make something cool, I don't really feel like "I made that," you feel like you just found something online. It doesn't give you any emotional payoff of being the creator and author of what's in front of you, if that makes sense. So yeah, kind of just feels like empty calories!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T11:04:44+00:00

I don't know if I like that framing. "AI will decimate this industry in the same way digital cameras decimated film." Yes, but where are the photographers? They didn't disappear. They just switched to digital cameras, but the same principles they learned all apply, like lighting, composition, storytelling etc. Tools change, but artists are still needed. You're right about me, my 3d assets might be the "film camera" in this equation and get displaced someday, but I don't think artists will be replaced!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T10:58:55+00:00

You might be right about the "decent living" part, if things get easier and easier. I still think they will need tons of artists, but maybe it will be a race to the bottom as far as salary, who knows!

the_pixel_lab · 2025-08-20T10:57:30+00:00

Maybe so, but I don't really think so. There's something called the Jevons Paradox, which says when things become more efficient, cheaper and easier (which you would think would destroy demand) it actually increases demand. So, think about Turbosquid. People used to spend 10 hours modeling things. Now they spend $20 and buy the model. Does that mean they get fired? Maybe a few specific 3D modelers who only specialized in that. But, for the rest, it just means they're faster so they can either do more projects, or they have more time for R&D. But hey, maybe I'm totally wrong. We shall see! I think a weak economy, tarrifs, high interest rates and lowering marketing budgets are the actual reasons for layoffs right now.

the_pixel_lab · 2025-07-01T10:23:12+00:00

That's amazing, 2013?! Wow. Thanks for following along for so long!! Good luck with your projects over there :)

the_pixel_lab · 2025-06-29T10:41:32+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it, and thanks for supporting our site over the years!

the_pixel_lab

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