A Collaborator Rather Than a Rival: How Artists Can Use AI

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Introduction
Idea Generation and Inspiration
Automating Repetitive Tasks
Improving Technical Skills
Streamlining Workflow
Expanding Artistic Possibilities
Closing Thoughts on How Artists Can Use AI

A Collaborator Rather Than a Rival: How Artists Can Use AI

Curated by

cdteliot

4 min read

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Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful creative partner for artists across disciplines, offering new tools to expand artistic possibilities and push creative boundaries. As reported by Artsy, innovative artists have been exploring AI collaboration for years, using machine learning algorithms to generate novel imagery, compose music, and even create interactive installations that blur the lines between human and machine creativity.

Idea Generation and Inspiration

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If a creative block is hindering your thoughts and you can't seem to think of new ideas for your next masterpiece, consider asking AI for possible concepts

. You can use chatbots to describe the vibe you want and they will list down subjects that match your vision. Your prompt doesn't have to be exact. You may wish to create something melodramatic but you still don't know what it's all about or you're imagining painting a scenery yet you don't know the specifics

. Whatever incomplete topic you have in mind, type it out and let AI come up with the rest. You can also try AI image generators as these will present you with photos and patterns that may spark inspiration since the outputs are based on what you want to create

. If you already have a starting point but you're not sure how to proceed, AI can still help you by suggesting continuations or variations of your unfinished work

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Automating Repetitive Tasks

An artist's work doesn't start and end at creation. You will have small, routine tasks along the way that aren't necessarily creative and more on the technical side. Assign AI to step in for these boring chores so you can focus on more artistic pursuits

. For instance, you can use an AI software to adjust your finished artwork if you intend to post it online or print it out. Instead of changing dimensions and file types yourself, AI algorithms can simply resize and reformat images for various platforms in your stead. In this way, you spend less effort yet all the versions remain high quality across social media, websites, and print materials

. There are also AI tools for editing your artwork, such as adding text, transforming it into a pattern, or keeping color grading consistent to maintain a cohesive visual style

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Improving Technical Skills

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Artificial intelligence can be a reliable critic if you need one. Many AI tools have multimodal capabilities, meaning they can process different types of data like text, images, videos, and audio

. You can scan and upload your work and tell AI to analyze it. Once done, the system will share its personalized feedback, highlight areas you can still improve on, and recommend alternative approaches

. You can trust that AI will be a good art critic and mentor because it has a strong grasp of art's fundamental aspects, such as perspective, proportions, color theory, and anatomy

. It will praise you if you have great brush strokes, but it will also call you out if the colors you chose are clashing. Based on what it observes, it can teach you specific techniques and methods that can enhance your craft or make your process easier

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Streamlining Workflow

If creating art is not just your hobby but your job or source of income, then you may need AI tools to optimize your way of working and enable you to hit your deadlines. Indeed art is deeply rooted in an artist's talents, thoughts, and emotions, so there may not be a way to rush things at the risk of the outcome turning out to be subpar or disappointing. However, if you have excess tasks that don't require a creative mind or skilled hands, AI will do them just fine.

AI tools can save you time by automatically organizing and labeling large collections of reference images and materials. If you're searching for something within those collections, AI can show you what you're looking for through a search feature or selectable categories. They can also automate social media posting or take in and track client orders. You can set up chatbots for client communication as well, so AI can handle client transactions and concerns while you're offline.

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Expanding Artistic Possibilities

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AI can improve and reimagine your artwork in many ways. One of the innovations in this area is transforming your 2D art into 3D models, allowing you to automatically form three-dimensional digital sculptures of your beloved masterpieces

. With this, you can also try virtual and augmented reality using your rendered creations

. If you want to create animation but lack the skill set for it, AI can turn your flat art into a moving clip, even adding other elements such as soundtracks and narrations to make it more lively and engaging

. AI also powers interactivity in digital installations, letting the art respond to its viewers for emotionally resonant experiences

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Closing Thoughts on How Artists Can Use AI

Most artists don't have a good opinion of artificial intelligence. With AI using their works as training material to generate images that people are now passing off as "art", it's no wonder that they feel this way. Many creative professionals have had their work and art style stolen, downplayed by the fact that AI is not yet moderated thoroughly by companies and governments.

It's understandable that not many artists are open to using AI tools, but it's also undeniable that AI is here to stay. Major corporations and even national offices have adopted and invested in AI, so we can choose to leverage it rather than be discouraged by it. Instead of seeing AI as an enemy, we can employ it as an ally. This technology can still help artists without taking over and dampening their creativity. With the ways we just mentioned, even AI can help an artist blossom more in their craft.