While AI tools can generate unique artwork, it is crucial to use them responsibly, avoiding plagiarism and understanding their limitations.
AI artwork sells for millions at auction, showcasing its growing influence in the art world. Photo: EPA-EFEArtificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we think about creativity in digital art. This technology is opening doors for more people to become artists.
AI-generated artwork has even been sold at auctions. Last November, an AI robot’s painting of the creator of modern computing, Alan Turing, sold for US$1.08 million (HK$8.43 million). This shows just how important this new form of art is becoming.
How does AI work with digital art?
Think of it like this: if traditional art involves painting with a brush, AI art is like having a super-powered assistant who can suggest colours, create textures and even generate entire scenes. This is not just about adding filters on images, though those use AI too – it is a whole new level of artistic exploration.
AI tools can create unique visuals from your ideas, even if you are not a skilled artist. While many artists historically have had disabilities – Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh just to name a few – AI opens the doors for more disabled creators to bring their imagination into visual art.
But here’s the best part: it’s not just about making art. Learning to use these tools can foster creativity, problem-solving and tech literacy – skills essential for the future, no matter what career you choose.
How do these tools work? Generative AI platforms like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and Dall-E use machine learning models to create or modify images. These tools are trained on vast amounts of visual data, which allows them to understand and manipulate images. However, these companies are facing a lawsuit which alleges that their systems were trained on artwork without the artists’ permission.
Even though AI art has many exciting possibilities, it is important to keep in mind some of the problems that can come with these tools.
Why you need to be careful
As with any powerful technology, it is important to use generative AI responsibly, especially as a student. Here are a few key precautions to keep in mind:
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Avoid plagiarism: While AI can create stunning visuals, it’s crucial to be transparent with others that the output is not your own creation. Claiming AI-generated art as your original work can be considered plagiarism. Always credit the tool and be transparent about how the artwork was made. This is especially important in school and at a job.
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Traditional art skills are still needed: With AI’s capabilities, some wonder if traditional artists will become irrelevant. The answer is no – AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. Learning to paint, draw and create by hand remains valuable. These skills help you understand the fundamentals of art, develop your unique style and think critically. AI can complement traditional methods, but it shouldn’t replace the foundational skills that make art meaningful.
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Ethical use: Generative AI can alter or create images that look incredibly real. This can be problematic, especially when falsified images are passed off as genuine. Misusing AI to spread fake news or to deceive others has serious consequences. Always use AI responsibly, and be transparent about how images were created or modified.
Generative AI is an exciting tool that opens up new possibilities, but it’s up to us to use it wisely. By combining AI with traditional skills and a strong ethical foundation, we can unlock creativity while staying responsible and respectful.
At PST, we make technology education accessible and fun for learners of all ages. Our mission is to ignite a passion for technology, empowering them to confidently navigate the digital landscape.