The backlash in opposition to picture and video synthesis shouldn’t be solely centered on artistic app builders. {Hardware} producer Wacom and sport writer Wizards of the Coast have confronted criticism and issued apologies after utilizing AI-generated content material of their advertising and marketing supplies. Toys “R” Us additionally confronted a negative reaction after debuting an AI-generated industrial. Corporations are nonetheless grappling with balancing the potential advantages of generative AI with the moral considerations it raises.
Artists and Critics React
Up to now, Procreate’s anti-AI announcement has been met with a largely optimistic response in replies to its social media submit. In a broadly preferred remark, artist Freya Holmér wrote on X, “That is very appreciated, thanks.”
A few of the extra outspoken opponents of picture synthesis additionally replied favorably to Procreate’s transfer. Karla Ortiz, who’s a plaintiff in a lawsuit in opposition to AI image-generator corporations, replied to Procreate’s video on X, “No matter you want at any time, know I’m right here!! Artists help one another, and likewise help those that permit us to proceed doing what we do! So thanks for all you all do and so excited to see what the staff does subsequent!”
Artist R. J. Palmer, who stoked the primary main wave of AI artwork backlash with a viral tweet in 2022, additionally replied to Cuda’s video assertion, saying, “Now thats the way in which to ship a message. Now if solely you guys may get a full energy competitor to [Photoshop] on desktop with plugin help. Till somebody can construct an actual competitor to excessive stage [Photoshop] use, I am caught with it.”
Just a few pro-AI customers additionally replied to the X submit, together with AI-augmented artist Claire Silver, who uses generative AI as an accessibility software. She wrote on X, “Most of my early work is made with a mix of AI and Procreate. 7 years in the past, earlier than textual content to picture was actually even a factor. I liked Procreate as a result of it used tech to spice up accessibility. Like AI, it augmented trad talent to permit extra individuals to create. No guidelines, solely instruments.”
Since AI picture synthesis continues to be a extremely charged topic amongst some artists, reaffirming help for human-centric creativity might be an efficient differentiated marketing transfer for Procreate, which at present performs underdog to creativity app big Adobe. Whereas some could choose to make use of AI instruments, in an (ideally wholesome) app ecosystem with private selection in illustration apps, individuals can observe their conscience.
Procreate’s anti-AI stance is barely dangerous, as a result of it may additionally polarize a part of its consumer base—and if the corporate adjustments its thoughts about together with generative AI sooner or later, it should stroll again its pledge. However for now, Procreate is assured in its resolution: “On this technological rush, this may make us an exception or appear vulnerable to being left behind,” Procreate wrote. “However we see this highway much less traveled because the extra thrilling and fruitful one for our neighborhood.”
This story initially appeared on Ars Technica.
