The Artist is Valuable
Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau is one of the most established comic artists working today, having worked for Marvel, DC Comics, and game publishers such as Capcom and Square Enix. However, the rise in popularity of the best AI art generators has kept the debate around whether AI is good, bad, or workable for artists a constant discourse.
AI is Not Art
For Stanley, AI and its uses in art is a straightforward one – AI isn’t art, it can’t make art, and it isn’t creative. "I don’t agree that AI images are art,” Stanley states firmly. “I don’t consider them art because art is exclusively a human endeavour. You need to have a person who interacts and interprets the world through a very specific visual lens and then transforms that into art. That must be done by a human."
The Importance of Human Touch
Stanley sees a crucial distinction between AI as a tool in the creative process and AI as a replacement for human artistry. While he acknowledges the practical uses of AI in industries like animation and game development, he warns against mistaking AI-generated images for genuine artistic expression.
"It makes sense for companies to use AI to ease development – like animators using AI to fill in frames – but the final product should still have a human touch," he reflects.
The Artist’s Legacy
For Stanley, an artwork’s value is not just in the image itself but in the artist’s lived experiences and creative vision. "When people buy my work, they don’t just buy the image. They buy my legacy, my experience in life. They’re purchasing a piece of my life – that’s what gives it value," he reflects.
The Future of Art
Stanley compares AI-generated art to mass-produced goods: "In the past, many products were handmade – shoes, clothing, bags. Then machines took over. Now, if you want something handmade, you have to pay a premium. I believe the same will happen with art. AI-generated images will flood the market, but people will eventually return to valuing human-made art."
The Impact on Aspiring Artists
One of Stanley’s biggest concerns is how AI affects aspiring artists, especially those trying to break into the industry. "In my own circle, I see how AI is replacing roles." he says, adding: "In advertising, for example, there used to be visualisers who would create concept sketches. Now, AI can generate a visual brief instantly, reducing the need for those jobs."
Maestro and Servant
He doesn’t dismiss AI entirely, recognising that artists can mix the technology into their workflow, but he cautions against over-reliance. Stanley says: "Either the visualiser loses their job, or they have to adapt by learning AI tools. That’s fair, but artists must ask themselves, ‘are you driving the technology, or is the technology driving you?’ The relationship should always be that of master and servant. The artist should be in control, not the AI."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau believes that true artistry will remain a human pursuit, and using AI is not something that appeals to him. "If I ever incorporate AI into my work, I’ll forever be branded as an AI artist – there’s no way out. I’d rather preserve human creativity than succumb to the convenience of AI-generated shortcuts."
FAQs
Q: What do you think about AI-generated art?
A: I don’t consider AI-generated images as art because art is exclusively a human endeavour.
Q: How do you see the future of art evolving?
A: I believe that AI-generated images will flood the market, but people will eventually return to valuing human-made art.
Q: How do you think AI affects aspiring artists?
A: AI is replacing roles, and artists must adapt by learning AI tools or risk losing their job.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
A: The most interesting part of art is the process – solving problems, creating something from nothing – so why would you outsource the most fun part of the creative journey to a machine?
Q: Will you ever incorporate AI into your work?
A: I wouldn’t want to be branded as an AI artist; I’d rather preserve human creativity.
