Honesty, Open Source, and the Future of AI in Art: An Open Question
The Article:
In a world where my disabilities often close doors, I turned to AI—not as a replacement for skill, but as a tool to build a future. It's a move that often draws the ire of those who see AI as a thief, and yet here I am, not rich, but contributing to my community and fighting for accessibility in the space, using a technology that so many see as something to be afraid of. The issue isn't just about using AI; it's about how openly people are with their creative process. It's like any creative work: Even if you can't show the process, you can explain it fairly easily. It's this documentation and openness that builds trust, and this is what we are often lacking in the current AI art landscape. The future of AI in art isn't about fear or censorship; it's about embracing it as a powerful sketchbook – a tool for exploring creativity, imagining the impossible, and, yes, even generating 'kawaii cunni-wingus' (which can sometimes end in monster hello kitties, but that's a story for another time). The key is honesty and open-source development, allowing the world to be able to view, and scrutinize, how AI art is created, and that it is not a black box. I know that most people will probably scroll past this article and go generate some AI art instead, but I hope that, for those who take the time to read, that they also consider that the future of AI is open ended. It’s not something that can be solved in a simple article. It needs to be discussed and debated, constantly. It's a question that doesn't have easy answers, and will be a discussion for the public for years to come.
Etsy is an online marketplace where people sell handmade, vintage, and unique items. It’s a place where individuals can sell goods directly to consumers; and due to its commercial nature, it is important that sellers are transparent about how their products are made, in order to help consumers make an informed purchase.
Let's look at an example of what I consider to be “bad honesty.” This listing for a “Ready to Use VTuber Oni Demon Boy” can be found here. The description states that it is “made with AI” which, while true, the use of terms like “ready to use” and “high quality” makes it seem like this is an original art piece. The language that this seller used is incredibly misleading and can easily deceive a consumer into thinking that this product is the result of human art talent when in reality it is made with AI. The seller never specifically talks about how much work is done by a human artist or their creative process. The lack of clarity around the use of AI creates a very negative shopping experience for those looking for original art on Etsy, and can be an example of how some artists can try to exploit this new technology to their benefit.
Now, let's move on to a good example of “good honesty.” This listing for a “PNGTuber Succubus Girl” is listed here. This seller directly states that the PNGTuber was made with AI, and the price is appropriate, reflecting the fact that it is a tool, and not necessarily an original art piece. There is a distinction in the value of traditional art, and AI assisted art, and this seller understands this. This provides the consumer with an honest and transparent listing that, while it isn't entirely edited, it provides an accurate picture of what they're buying.
Another example of “good honesty” is this listing for a “Premade PNGTuber Model Cat Girl VTuber”, here. This seller also clearly states that the PNGTuber was “crafted with AI” and presents the product as a “premade PNGTuber model” and not a fully customized piece of art. This clearly sets expectations for the product, allowing a consumer to be well informed.
These examples make it clear that honesty isn't just about whether or not you mention the use of AI in your work - it's about being transparent about the entire creative process. It’s about being clear on the use of AI and not misrepresenting your process. How a product is marketed on Etsy, and how upfront the seller is with the process, goes a long way in setting proper consumer expectations and will ultimately help artists who do not want to use AI to sell their work on a level playing field.
Unlike Etsy, which is a marketplace, Behance is a portfolio platform where artists and designers showcase their work, connect with other creatives, and gain exposure. It’s a place where people come to see examples of others’ skills, creativity, and talent, with the expectation that the work shown is primarily the output of human hands and minds. The focus is not on selling a product; but on displaying one’s unique artistic vision and technical ability.
However, the lack of transparency around AI on Behance is a problem. When someone posts AI-generated work without acknowledging it, it misrepresents their skills and the abilities that they possess. If you can see it's crafted with AI, it ruins the feeling -- not because it's AI, but because of the dishonesty. As I said before, I had to explain to my partner what was up and down about a PNG tuber once this week, and they did not get it until I showed them the difference. 'NOT ALL ANIME IS AI' - no it's not, but there's a difference between noise diffusion and a wacom tablet. The skill and technique behind drawing with a Wacom Tablet is incredibly different from generating an image with AI, and because of that, it undermines the platform's purpose.
It's true that Adobe owns Behance, so it isn't like this is a perfect place to highlight the "problem" with using AI without stating it, and it might be an exercise in futility due to that reason. However, if you view Deviant Art, or even Art Station, a similar pattern emerges, in that the lack of transparency can devalue the work of other artists on the platform. As an artist, it's one thing to post AI on these platforms, but the dishonesty is what drives the value below. The goal of Behance is to display your abilities as an artist, to build a network, or find clients. Posting work that misrepresents your skills makes it more difficult for people to do that, because it devalues what they have to offer.
Ultimately, dishonesty isn't just a commercial issue; it's an issue of transparency that can be detrimental across the board. As I said before, Etsy can kinda 'SUCK EGGS' because its platform is all about 'CHARGING WAY TOO MUCH' and the handmade crafters get mad at digital people that aren't even AI creators - but that's another article (I used to do bottle cap badges, and if you don't do everything 'BY HAND' people get mad). Dishonesty isn't just a commercial issue; it's everyone's issue. The issue of transparency needs to be considered in every context, and it isn't just an issue for those who are looking to sell AI art, but those who are showcasing their art, their skills, and their talent.
The use of AI in art is not a binary issue of ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but a wide spectrum of applications, each with its own ethical considerations. It's important to explore the different ways AI can be used in the creative process, and how these uses change our perception of the art itself.
At one end of this spectrum, we have AI as a conceptual tool. This involves using AI to generate initial ideas, sketches, and concepts. In this case, the AI acts as a starting point, something to spark ideas. For example, an artist might use an AI model to generate a range of designs, and then use those designs as a basis for their own unique pieces. When used as a conceptual tool, the AI acts like a digital muse to inspire artists, pushing them in different directions and helping them explore different visual ideas.
Next, we have AI as a base for editing or redrawing. In this use, an artist may use an AI model to generate a foundation for their piece, and then significantly edit, re-draw, and refine the image to fit their artistic vision. This way of using AI is most like having a digital assistant, someone who takes the time and effort to do the first step, so you can focus on refining the rest of it. This is not about replacing the artist; it's about providing artists with the tools they need to streamline their process.
Finally, there’s the use of AI for generation without much change. In this situation, an artist uses an AI tool to generate an image, and they do very little (or no) editing or changes to the output. While this use of AI is not inherently bad, it is more ethically complex. Because very little is being done by human hands, transparency and clear communication become even more important. It is essential to be honest about how much of the work is AI-generated when selling, showcasing, or otherwise using AI art.
In each of these different use cases, there are different ethical responsibilities at play. Transparency is incredibly important across the board, but the more AI is involved in the final output, the more transparency is required. We also need to acknowledge that there are many different artists who use AI ethically and transparently, and that it is not inherently wrong to use AI as a tool. The issue is how we, as people, choose to engage with and use AI. We need to make a distinction between "using a tool" and "cheating" with a tool.
It is important to understand that in this landscape of AI, human skill still has an incredible amount of value. Learning how to paint, learning how to draw, learning how to build, these are all skills that take time and energy. AI can change how we learn art, but it should not devalue the importance of learning. The ability to master a new skill is just as valuable as the art that you are creating, and it is vital to see that. AI can be used in your learning process, and that can be a great and amazing thing - but learning is always going to be an important part of the creative process, whether you are learning a new skill, or simply learning how to use new tools.
Open source is a philosophy and a practice in the tech world that emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and accessibility. It means that the code and designs that are used to build software and other technology are made freely available to the public. This approach allows anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute these tools, fostering a community-driven approach to development. This practice is vital in the tech world because it helps to democratize technology, and allows for a more equitable playing field, where more voices can be heard and different approaches can be taken.
One of the key benefits of open source is the transparency it provides. When code and designs are publicly available, they can be scrutinized by a large community of developers and users. This helps identify flaws, vulnerabilities, and biases more quickly than in closed, proprietary systems, which can help build better tech. Additionally, it allows people to understand how the technology works, avoiding the “black box” approach to AI, where the technology is hard to understand. Instead, it provides transparency and builds trust in the technology.
Open source also fosters incredible creativity and innovation. When people are free to experiment and build on the work of others, it can lead to new ideas, new approaches, and a more diverse range of tools. This is why open source is such a vital part of AI, it is a space for creativity and diversity, where new and innovative technology is always being developed. It is also important to understand that it is a public space, and that different people have different experiences and approaches when using these tools.
Hugging Face (https://huggingface.co/) is a great example of an open-source hub that promotes these values. The platform hosts a massive library of open-source AI models, datasets, and tools. Civitai (https://civitai.com/) is another platform that promotes the open-source philosophy, but in the field of AI art models. Both platforms are used by people all over the world, and are a great representation of how a community can build incredible things when it is done in an open and collaborative way. Finally, even my own work as an AI artist and developer demonstrates the value of open-source AI. My dataset tools, the models I use, and the work I produce are an example of how an individual can benefit from open-source, and then contribute back to the community. It is this cycle of give and take that makes open source such a unique and powerful force in the tech world.
Open source can be a better way to create and share technology. It promotes transparency, collaboration, and innovation, and it provides a very clear path forward for AI technology in an ethical and responsible way.
The legal framework around copyright was created long before the advent of AI, and that makes it incredibly difficult to apply it to AI-generated content. The questions around who owns the copyright, whether it's the user, the AI developer, or a combination of both, are incredibly challenging and not easy to solve. These are difficult questions, and there is no easy answer. It is because of this difficulty that there is a lot of conflict around this topic, and it seems to show no sign of ending.
The political climate around the world does not make it easy to create fair and reasonable regulations either. There are so many different viewpoints, perspectives, and agendas, that it makes it nearly impossible to get everyone to agree on common ground. It seems that whatever regulations are created will be criticized and vilified by people on either side of the coin. This lack of unity makes it hard to approach these legal hurdles in any kind of meaningful way, and it is for this reason why this conversation needs to continue and be something that is approached with an open mind.
It's important to distinguish between censorship and media literacy. Censorship involves restricting or suppressing access to information, usually by government or corporate organizations, and is a form of control. Media literacy, on the other hand, is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media. It's about teaching people to think critically about the information they consume. The use of censorship to regulate AI is not helpful, especially when there are far more pressing issues in the world. Instead, we need to embrace the concept of media literacy, and to teach people the skills they need to understand and critique information.
The examples of universities punishing students for using AI highlight the issues we face when trying to embrace this technology. As I've already stated, these universities are doing more harm than good by punishing students for using AI, instead of figuring out ways to educate the students about its use, and its place in our world. The lack of media literacy is prevalent here, as these universities are trying to stop people from using AI, instead of understanding how it can be used properly. They are punishing people for using new tools, and stifling the potential for innovation and learning.
Ultimately, in a world saturated with AI-generated content, critical thinking is more important than ever. We need to be active and informed consumers of media, and that means understanding where our information comes from and being able to distinguish between authentic work, and AI generated content. This ability to critically examine our content gives us a great responsibility. It is our responsibility to approach AI tools with open minds, but to also understand the consequences of using these tools. This new age of technology and creativity requires people to take more active ownership in the content that they consume, and to understand what they are seeing, instead of simply accepting it.
We have explored a range of challenges and opportunities regarding the use of AI in the arts, but it is important to understand that we have not found a simple answer. The key themes that we've explored are the importance of honesty, the power of open source, and the necessity of critical thought when dealing with these new technologies. This article is not about providing definitive answers but about posing an open question for the future, and that is: how will we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in the arts?
This is a question that has multiple facets that need to be considered. We need to ask ourselves, how can we promote more honest uses of AI in the creative fields? How can we build communities that value transparency and ethical practices? These are difficult questions, and the answer is not as easy as "just don't use AI". It is important that we, as a creative community, understand that.
It is also vital to consider our responsibilities to the learning and growth processes of creative skill building. How do we ensure that AI does not devalue the effort and dedication that goes into developing a skill? How do we learn to use these new tools in a way that helps us grow and expand our creative horizons? It is important to understand that AI is not meant to replace the human artistic experience, but to help us push the boundaries of creativity.
Furthermore, we must also consider how we can encourage open-source innovation without allowing bad actors to use these tools. What is our responsibility to the tech community, and how can we contribute to and support the open-source movement? It is important to foster a community that values ethical behavior and responsible use of technology. It is vital that we continue to explore ways we can ensure that these tools are used ethically.
We must also ask, what is the future of art, and how do we keep it meaningful? How do we, as a society, adapt to these new technologies while also honoring the importance of human creativity? It is vital to remember that technology has always shaped the creative world, and it is important to understand that AI will be an evolution of that. It is our responsibility to make sure we are evolving responsibly, and thoughtfully.
Finally, we need to ask ourselves what our personal role is in the development of art, as creators and consumers of art? What is our role in making the art world a better place, and how can we contribute to this evolution in a way that is positive and healthy for everyone? It is a responsibility that we all share, and it is up to each and every one of us to take an active role in this conversation.
Ultimately, the future of AI in art is not something that can be solved in a single article, but it is a conversation that we all must be part of. I hope that this article inspires everyone to take a more active role in discussing and creating the future we all want.
In this article, we've explored the complex and ever-evolving relationship between AI and art. We've seen the importance of honesty in the creative process, and the ethical concerns that can arise when people are not transparent with their process. We've looked at the power of open source to foster innovation and collaboration, and we've also considered the challenges of copyright, regulation, and media literacy in the age of AI.
Ultimately, the future of AI in art is an open question, one that is still very much up for discussion and debate. It is important to remember that this is a conversation, and that we should continue to engage with each other and the world around us. Both sides of the coin have value in this discussion, and we can all learn from each other if we are willing to approach it with an open mind. It is up to each and every one of us to help shape what the future of AI in art will look like.
I hope that this article inspires you to take responsibility for your actions in the digital world. I urge you to read the privacy policies, terms of service, and content policies of the different online platforms you use. Check your local laws, and even be responsible beyond that! Have thoughtful conversations with the people in your life. Don't just tell people TO use AI without considering what is beyond the technology. AI is a wonderful tool, but it is not the only way to create art and it certainly does not replace human skill. It's important to not just tell people to NOT draw, either. It is crucial that we are open to all new avenues of art creation, while being responsible in our approach. This is a collective responsibility, and it requires everyone to be open, thoughtful, and, most of all, honest. By embracing these values, we can help create a future for AI in art that is more inclusive, ethical, and creative for everyone.
References
The following links were referenced in this article, and provide additional context on the various topics discussed.
Economic Impacts
"Three Reasons Why AI May Widen Global Inequality," Center for Global Development, https://www.cgdev.org/blog/three-reasons-why-ai-may-widen-global-inequality, Accessed 2024-05-22
"What Do We Know About the Economics of AI?," MIT News, https://news.mit.edu/2024/what-do-we-know-about-economics-ai-1206#:~:text=By%20contrast%2C%20in%20one%20paper,percent%20annual%20gain%20in%20productivity, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence," Simplilearn, https://www.simplilearn.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-artificial-intelligence-article#:~:text=Impact%20on%20Employment,job%20losses%20in%20certain%20sectors, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Analysis Note 2024/06: Artificial Intelligence and the New Zealand Economy," New Zealand Treasury, https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/an/an-24-06, Accessed 2024-05-22
"The economic consequences of generative AI on the art market" blog.ai-laws.org, https://blog.ai-laws.org/the-economic-consequences-of-generative-ai-on-the-art-market/, Accessed 2024-05-22
"AI on the rise: what does this mean for the creative economy?" cvsuite.org, https://cvsuite.org/2024/01/16/ai-on-the-rise-what-does-this-mean-for-the-creative-economy/, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Largest report on AI in music reveals potentially devastating impact on Australian and global creators" cisac.org, https://www.cisac.org/Newsroom/society-news/largest-report-ai-music-reveals-potentially-devastating-impact-australian-and, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Embracing AI in Art" medium.com, https://medium.com/@ppg223/embracing-ai-in-art-b01731011fe7, Accessed 2024-05-22
"The Impact of AI on the Art Industry: From Art Generation to Economic Growth" robinsonreview.org, https://www.robinsonreview.org/copy-of-format3/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-art-industry%3A-from-art-generation-to-economic-growth, Accessed 2024-05-22
Educational Concerns
"PhD student says University of Minnesota expelled him over AI allegation," MPR News, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/01/17/phd-student-says-university-of-minnesota-expelled-him-over-ai-allegation, Accessed 2024-05-22
"High School Student Lawsuit," Associated Press, https://apnews.com/article/high-school-student-lawsuit-artificial-intelligence-8f1283b517b2ed95c2bac63f9c5cb0b9, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Landmark Case Settled with Harvard University," Verbit AI, https://verbit.ai/ai-technology/landmark-case-settled-with-harvard-university/, Accessed 2024-05-22
"School did nothing wrong when it punished student for using AI, court rules," Ars Technica, https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/11/school-did-nothing-wrong-when-it-punished-student-for-using-ai-court-rules/, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Law student sues Jindal Global Law School for failing him over 88% AI-generated exam answers" Hindustan Times, https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/law-student-sues-jindal-global-law-school-for-failing-him-over-88-ai-generated-exam-answers-101730721011828.html, Accessed 2024-05-22
"This lawsuit in Massachusetts is a wake-up call for education" Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/danfitzpatrick/2024/10/22/this-lawsuit-in-massachusetts-is-a-wake-up-call-for-education/, Accessed 2024-05-22
Etsy Examples
"PNGTuber Succubus Girl," https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1470749408/pngtuber-succubus-girl-with-6-emotions?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=png+tuber&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&pro=1&sts=1&dd=1&content_source=b2c0f1549e51e55cf2e22d8efa5ce3ebc9794999%253A1470749408&organic_search_click=1, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Ready to Use VTuber Oni Demon Boy," https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1690152356/ready-to-use-vtuber-oni-demon-boy?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=png+tuber&ref=sr_gallery-1-22&pro=1&sts=1&dd=1&content_source=229f1fe3482fe27111188b685aeea280dbfa3d9c%253A1690152356&organic_search_click=1, Accessed 2024-05-22
"Premade PNGTuber Model Cat Girl VTuber," https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/1725673661/premade-pngtuber-model-cat-girl-vtuber?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=png+tuber&ref=sr_gallery-1-36&pro=1&sts=1&dd=1&content_source=14d470cb731dbdaf2b8d3e257be2bbd1c6250294%253A1725673661&organic_search_click=1, Accessed 2024-05-22
Open Source AI
Hugging Face https://huggingface.co/
Civitai https://civitai.com/
My Work
https://civitai.com/user/duskfallcrew
https://civitai.com/articles/11054
All of these links were referenced in this article.
Disclaimer: Due the fact I used gemini in part to restructure my thoughts the Civitai article will have the proper linkbacks in the article - all links used to reference are in the bibliography.