How AI Normalizes bad art (And Game Companies Love It)
In the ever-evolving realm of concept art, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked debates and concerns. While AI presents challenges, it is not a new issue; rather, it has brought to the forefront an age-old problem, one deeply rooted in the entertainment industry.
The impact of AI on art is particularly felt in an industry where creative decisions seem to be increasingly influenced by accountants, research specialists, marketeers, and layers of executives. The result is a uniformity in content tailored to the lowest common denominator, ultimately reflecting what society deems entertaining.
AI art, with its ability to churn out regurgitated remixes of popular themes, thrives in this environment. However, this proficiency becomes a double-edged sword, as it places the AI artist in a paradoxical situation – excelling at the good but hindering the pursuit of greatness. The creative process, much like AI, recognizes patterns to produce what is common and agreed upon as good. Yet, true growth lies beyond the confines of the merely good.
The looming question remains: will AI replace artists and normalize automated creativity for game companies? The answer, perhaps, is affirmative, but not in ways that true artists desire. The shift towards AI-generated art has been evident in certain markets, with reports of NetEase favoring AI over human illustrators resulting in a significant decline in the job market for illustrators in China, just comes to support all this and more.
For those entrenched in the concept art sector, the mantra "A concept artist is not someone who just paints pretty pictures" echoes repeatedly. This sentiment, reiterated by mentors, teachers, and the market, normalizes the need for artists who transcend the superficial.
In the face of AI's increasing prominence, one might wonder why it has such a bright spotlight on the internet. This unexpected attention stems from its potential to disrupt the job market. The future of jobs in the industry hinges on whether AI-produced content can cater to the masses with generic storytelling, akin to applications like Dall-e and Midjourney.
The human touch in art remains unparalleled as does the love for the craft clearly seen in the final paintings of the human mind. Despite the fear of a market leaning towards more remixes, the unique collaboration, problem-solving, and trend-setting inherent in human-driven creativity set artists apart. AI, in its nature, can only remix; it lacks the ability to create from scratch. The fear that the market might prefer more of these thought-free remixes is justified, given the current state of commercial art, which has become automated to a large extent.
Creativity, however, is not tied to devices. While commercial work often pays the bills, it has led to a contamination of personal work, resulting in a cascade of repetitive designs influenced by popular works. The market perceives artists and AI art engines alike as providers of thought-free, passion-free, cultural remixes – inessential at best.
To challenge this consumerist trend, consider a breakdown of an AI-generated art piece. Analyzing it reveals a stark contrast between good, bad, and the ugly. The piece might be technically proficient, but it lacks the depth, emotion, and philosophical exploration that only human-driven art can deliver.
In conclusion, the inspiration for this post draws from The First Things First manifesto, the work of Graphic Designer Bruce Mau, and the innovative and provocative designs of Tibor Kalman. The call to treasure clients who value meaningful experiences and creative discourse remains crucial. As artists, our role is to shape a future given different contexts, and in finding clients who understand this, we unlock the true potential of art and design.
Outlets for cheaper solutions will always exist, whether they are found on AI or Fiverr Marketplace, but as we know, the cheap isn’t always the best option.
This reflection on the evolving landscape of concept art is a personal one, echoing the sentiments of Miguel Nogueira, and stands as a testament to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology and creativity.
About the Author:
Miguel Nogueira: Expert Freelance Concept Artist, Designer, and Storytelling Strategist
Miguel Nogueira is a highly sought-after freelance concept artist, designer, and storytelling strategist with extensive experience in helping studios craft compelling visual narratives. He specializes in creating innovative design solutions that effectively reach and engage target audiences.
Notable Achievements and Recognition:
Featured in CGSociety Hall of Fame and Behance.
Highlighted on renowned platforms such as Kotaku and 3DTotal.
Worked with leading AAA and AA game studios as a Senior Consultant Concept Artist and Design Lead, contributing to the successful release of multiple game titles.
Why Choose Miguel Nogueira?
Proven track record in delivering high-quality concept art and design.
Expertise in storytelling strategies that captivate audiences.
Recognized by industry leaders and trusted by top-tier game studios.
Collaborate with Miguel: If you’re interested in collaborating with Miguel Nogueira, whether for speaking engagements, sponsorship opportunities, or new projects, please reach out via www.menogcreative.com. Elevate your visual storytelling and design projects with Miguel’s unparalleled expertise.