Artificial Ink-telligence

I don't hate AI art. As a traditional artist it isn't threatening to me. I largely find it fascinating in how it's able break down my preconceived notions of how AI thinks. Such as expecting lots of symmetry and yet seeing how the AI actively avoids it, to the point of disharmony in some pieces. I also think it will help push digital tools to program better options that can recreate a more traditional appeached with ease. Such as the illusion of paint texture in digital art seems novel. It would be nice if more art programs can yield a more authentic Van Gogh-esque style. Also, the debate about IP and trademarks and if collaging falls under fair use and transformative work will have major repercussions at even my level of creative freedom.

But I've always have been lowkey bummed when I check the #Inktober tag and find digital art. It's like the one big event that uplifts traditional art in the digital social sphere. #Artober seems like the more appropriate hashtag for digital artists. Plus, with the controversy around Jake Parker trying to trademark Inktober, I thought it would be more trendy to distance from it.

So, I'm rather disappointed that DeviantART is actually promoting AI art to participate in Inktober:
https://www.deviantart.com/team/journal/Inktober-2022-Draw-every-day-in-October-929376865

I expected it, but it's sad to see such a big platform to actually encourage it. I kind of get why. Art in the digital sphere is content to be quickly consumed. AI is able to create content quickly, and that more creates more engagement on the platform. But to see something that is suppose to help artist build good habits now have to compete with what are essentially fancier google image search results is disappointing.