What is AI Art? How It Works & Its Impact on Artists in 2024

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is AI art, and how does it work?” It’s a valid question I’ve asked myself ever since I stumbled upon AI art. Who exactly creates this art, and how? More importantly, how will this impact artists and the creative industry?

We’ll dive into these questions and more so you understand what AI art is, how it works, and how it will impact artists in the future.

What is AI Art? How Does AI Art Work?

First, the “AI” in “AI art” stands for Artificial Intelligence. Generative artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving field that involves the development of machines and systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. It creates AI-generated images using machine learning algorithms and neural networks to generate, enhance, or manipulate artistic content.

“Machine Learning” (ML) uses data that learn from experience instead of being programmed. “Neural Networks” are computer systems inspired by the human brain that can learn patterns from data and make decisions or predictions based on those patterns. It then uses “Natural Language Processing” (NLP) to understand humans and generate artwork.

In simpler terms, AI uses algorithms that learn how to perform human tasks and get better over time. Therefore, artificial intelligence art refers to new images and artwork created or generated using artificial intelligence algorithms.

In summary, generative art is a creative process where artificial intelligence algorithms learn from existing art, generate original pieces, and improve their abilities through experience and iterative learning.

An AI system can create all kinds of art in different styles and formats, including visual art, music, poetry, or other forms of artistic expression. It blurs the line between human and machine creativity as algorithms actively participate in the creative process.

However, AI art is not to be confused with digital art. Digital artists create art using software and tools that require some level of artistic skill, while AI-generated art uses artificial intelligence as an assistant to create art.

A Brief History of AI Art

AI art has a fascinating history. I was shocked to discover that AI art can be traced back to the late 1960s!

Here’s a brief look at the history of AI art:

1. Early Experiments (1950s-1960s): The earliest attempts at AI art can be seen in the work of artists such as Ben Laposky and A. Michael Noll. Laposky created abstract electronic patterns using an oscilloscope in the 1950s, while Noll generated computer-generated patterns and 3D art in the 1960s.
2. Algorithmic Art (1960s-1970s): Artists like Frieder Nake, Georg Nees, and Harold Cohen started exploring algorithmic approaches to generate visual art. They developed computer programs that produced geometric patterns and shapes based on predefined rules and algorithms.
3. Evolutionary Art and Genetic Algorithms (1980s-1990s): In the 1980s, artists and researchers began utilizing evolutionary algorithms and genetic programming to create art. These techniques involved generating aesthetically pleasing images or compositions. Notable artists in this era include William Latham, Karl Sims, and Roman Verostko.
4. Neural Networks and Deep Learning (1990s-2000s): Developing neural networks and deep learning techniques provided new opportunities for AI art. Artists like David Cope explored the use of neural networks to compose music in the style of famous composers. A breakthrough moment came in 2015 when a deep learning algorithm called DeepDream, created by Google engineer Alexander Mordvintsev, generated surreal and psychedelic images by enhancing patterns in existing images.
5. Contemporary Advancements (2010s-present): AI art has recently gained significant attention and popularity. Artists and researchers have utilized Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to create highly realistic visual artworks. Projects like “The Next Rembrandt” (a 3D painting made of data from Rembrandt’s body of work) and “Portrait of Edmond de Belamy” (the first piece of AI art to be sold at an auction, sold for $432,500) have demonstrated the ability of AI to replicate the styles of renowned artists. AI-generated artworks have also been auctioned at high prices, further cementing their presence in art.

AI art continues to evolve rapidly, with advancements in machine learning, neural networks, and other AI techniques enabling more sophisticated and creative artistic outputs. It’s an exciting area where technology and artistic expression merge, challenging traditional notions of authorship and opening new avenues for artistic exploration.

Who Uses AI Art & What For?

AI art is utilized by various individuals and groups for different purposes, like digital artists, content creators, researchers, technologists, and enthusiasts:

1. Digital Artists: Digital artists can leverage AI art to generate initial concepts or sketches. They can also instantly explore different styles, allowing them to experiment and iterate quickly.
2. Content Creators: Content creators like Bloggers and YouTubers can use AI art to enhance their visual content. For example, bloggers can use AI to generate unique featured images, and YouTubers can create thumbnails for their videos. 
3. Researchers: Researchers can use AI art to explore AI algorithms’ capabilities and limitations. By studying how these algorithms generate art, researchers gain insights into the inner workings of neural networks and improve their understanding of AI systems.
4. Art Historians: Art historians can use AI art technology to preserve and restore art. AI can be used to analyze and interpret damaged or deteriorated pieces, helping experts in the field make informed decisions about conservation efforts (check out The Next Rembrandt: a brand new Rembrandt painting generated with AI technology).
5. Enthusiasts: AI art generation has become widely accessible to people interested in exploring the intersection of technology and art. Enthusiasts can use AI art tools and platforms to create their unique pieces or appreciate the artwork generated by AI algorithms.

How is AI Art Created?

Creating AI art has never been easier. I generated four images of a ’90s computer in a “vaporwave” style in seconds by inserting a simple natural language text prompt using the Bing Image Generator. Anyone can create AI art, so long as you have a computer and Wifi connection.

Here’s how you can create your own AI art for free:

1. Start by choosing an AI art generator. Some cost money, but many offer free credits to try the platform before committing to a subscription.
2. Insert a simple text prompt. You can put all kinds of things as your text prompt, but the more descriptive, the better the results.
3. Hit “Generate,” and you can download your images after a few seconds!

What is the Best AI Art Generator?

The best AI art generator depends on your needs and budget. Most AI art generators function similarly but can have drastic results.

For example, Midjourney is arguably the most popular AI art generator that produces some of the most realistic AI images. It’s used via Discord, and you’ll be immediately welcomed into a like-minded community.

However, the biggest downfalls with Midjourney are that it’s no longer free to use, and the text prompts are more complicated than other AI art generators. Therefore, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Midjourney for those completely new to AI image generation. You may want to use something like Stability AI, which uses Stable Diffusion as its AI model.

DALL·E 2 is another popular AI art generator developed by Open AI (the creators of ChatGPT) and Bing Image Creator by Microsoft. Adobe Firefly is another excellent choice developed by Adobe that integrates perfectly with your other Adobe applications.

If you prefer generating art on your phone as opposed to a desktop computer, Dream by Wombo is the best AI art generator app.

Those are just a few of the most popular AI art generators and some of my personal favorites that I’ve tried. I’d encourage you to try them and see which AI art generator you like the most!

Are there Ethical Implications with AI Art Generators?

Absolutely! Since AI art is generated using algorithms and machine learning, it naturally raises questions about ethics, and the answers to these questions are unclear.

1. Intellectual Property: AI art generators often rely on large datasets of existing artworks, potentially raising questions of copyright infringement and intellectual property rights. Respecting the original artists and their work through proper attribution and obtaining necessary permissions becomes crucial to maintaining ethical standards in AI art generation.
2. Authorship: Who should be credited as the creator of AI-generated art? While users play a role in selecting inputs and parameters as text “prompts,” the AI algorithm also contributes significantly to the final output. 
3. Lack of Representation: The AI algorithms used when generating AI art can be biased due to the lack of representation in existing datasets. This can reinforce societal prejudices or underrepresent certain groups. To address these concerns, strategies to mitigate bias, thorough dataset evaluations, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in AI training data are essential.
4. Data Privacy & Security: AI art generators usually ask for personal information, so data privacy and security are important. To ensure ethical practices, protecting user data, being transparent about data collection, and allowing users control over their information is crucial.
5. Cultural & Contextual Sensitivity: AI art should avoid misrepresenting cultures and communities. To do this, AI programs should be developed with culture in mind and understand different points of view.

To ensure ethical AI art, there must be collaboration among artists, technologists, ethicists, and policymakers. They should establish clear guidelines, standards, and legal frameworks.

This has already been done with Adobe Firefly, who have trained their AI models on royalty-free images to ensure that AI-generated art does not infringe on copyright laws. Adobe Firefly demonstrates its commitment to ethical practices and respect for intellectual property rights by using royalty-free images as training data.

Other companies and organizations should follow suit by adopting similar approaches, acknowledging the importance of proper attribution and obtaining necessary permissions. This not only protects the rights of original creators but also upholds ethical standards in AI art generation.

If you are planning to create AI art, it is essential to research the platform before using it. Look into how the models are trained and gather as much information as possible.

If you plan to use your artwork for business purposes, ensure the platform allows this. While some platforms let you sell images with a paid subscription, it’s best to check beforehand.

What Does AI Art Mean for the Future of Artists?

Besides the ethical considerations, AI art holds immense potential for the future of artists. It opens up new avenues for creativity and pushes the boundaries of artistic expression.

With AI art, artists can explore uncharted territories, combining their unique vision with the computational capabilities of artificial intelligence. This collaboration between human creativity and machine intelligence leads to groundbreaking artwork that captivates audiences and challenges traditional notions of art.

Artists can benefit from creating AI art in the following ways:

1. Break through creative blocks and find new directions for their artistic endeavors.
2. Explore different styles, genres, and artistic traditions.
3. Open up a realm of experimentation by combining your unique artistic vision with AI.

By harnessing the power of AI, artists can continue to evolve their practice, discover new approaches, and explore the uncharted territories of artistic expression.

What is AI Art? Final Thoughts

AI art represents an awe-inspiring fusion of human creativity and cutting-edge technology, revolutionizing the artistic landscape as we know it. With the emergence of AI art, the creative process has been transformed, giving rise to new possibilities. But is this for better or for worse?

As someone with a background in art and design, I am thrilled to witness the emergence of AI as a powerful tool for artistic expression and exploration. Like anyone, I have a lot of questions when it comes to its ethics. But art generators like Adobe Firefly are addressing these issues, and I’m sure other AI art platforms will follow suit.

AI art is a new way for artists to explore new creative avenues. For me, this exciting intersection between art and technology is not about replacing artists but empowering them with innovative generative AI tools that expand their creative horizons. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI art for?

AI art is for creating innovative and groundbreaking artwork that pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms. It allows artists to break free from creative blocks and explore new directions in their artistic endeavors.

Through the fusion of human creativity and cutting-edge technology, AI art opens up a realm of experimentation where artists can combine their unique vision with AI algorithms.

Why is AI art controversial?

AI art is controversial due to concerns surrounding issues like:

1. Intellectual property rights.
2. Questions of authorship.
3. Potential biases and lack of representation.
4. Data protection and privacy concerns.
5. Cultural and contextual sensitivities.

What is the AI art thing everyone is using?

The AI art everyone is using is called Lensa AI by Prisma Labs. It is an app for editing photos that transforms your selfies into “magical avatars.” Sharing these avatars became very popular on social media.

Is AI art legal?

AI art is legal if it adheres to existing laws and regulations governing intellectual property rights, copyright, and fair use. AI artists must respect the original works they draw inspiration from and ensure proper attribution and permissions are obtained when using copyrighted materials.

Research the AI art platform you are using to see if you can legally claim ownership or sell the artwork you create.

Is there a free AI art?

Yes, there are free AI art generators. Canva has a free AI art generator. It’s my favorite because it’s easy to use, produces excellent results, and integrates with my existing Canva projects.

Is AI-generated art real art?

AI-generated art pulls from a pool of existing artwork made by genuine artists, which can be seen as plagiarized. However, AI art generators like Adobe Firefly have been exclusively trained on royalty-free images to ensure their AI-generated art does not infringe copyright laws.

How are AI images generated?

AI images are generated through machine learning algorithms and learn from databases of images to create new pictures based on given parameters. These parameters are usually text prompts.

Do you own the AI art you create?

The AI art you create will not be protected under copyright law. Research the AI art platform you are using to see if you can legally claim ownership or sell the artwork you create.

How is AI-generated art so good?

AI-generated art is so good because it is continuously being trained on existing art, meaning it’s constantly learning and improving with time.

What do AI generators do?

AI generators produce original art by learning from existing artwork and images. This is done with the help of machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks. Once trained, they can produce new, original artwork.

What can you do with an AI art generator?

Here are some things you can do with an AI art generator:

1. Artists: Explore new techniques and different styles to push the boundaries of your artistic practice.
2. Designers: Incorporate unique and innovative elements that can set your designs apart.
3. Content Creators: Use AI art for your thumbnails, social media posts, and featured images to stand out.
4. Marketers: Create eye-catching visuals in your advertisements that capture the attention of your target audience.