The good, the bad and the ugly of AI generated art

Recent strides in AI image generation, exemplified by models like DALL-E and StyleGAN, showcase remarkable progress, yet it is essential to consider the inherent issues and limitations alongside the technological achievements especially in our world of custom caricature art.

The rise of AI-generated art of all sorts has undeniably expanded possibilities and conveniences, but concerns loom regarding the potential misuse of facial images for AI learning, as underscored in a BuzzFeed article titled “BuzzFeed People Have Raised Serious Concerns About The AI Art App That’s All Over Your Instagram Feed.”

In juxtaposing AI with human artists, particularly in the creation of custom caricatures, the advantages of choosing human artists become evident.

AI applications, while widely available, still lack the nuanced understanding that human artists bring to their craft. Addressing specific requests and exacting detail within the final artwork is a forte of human artists especially when dealing with full body caricatures that may also be set in a scene requiring the inclusions and accurate placement of elements.

Caricaturists excel in capturing subtleties in facial expressions, integrating a range of contextual details, while ensuring the caricature aligns seamlessly with the intended message or theme. This level of customization proves indispensable, especially when the caricature is crafted for specific occasions, such as gifts related to important human milestones such as birthday caricatures, retirement caricature and wedding gifts.

The BuzzFeed article sheds light on AI’s limitations in achieving true representation and maintaining a consistent “look and feel.” Human artists inject a unique touch into their work, comprehending the context and delivering a personalized piece that resonates with the client’s vision. This also applies to maintaining their ‘style’ – the look and feel that is as unique to each artist as a fingerprint.

Even when artists employ technology, such as comic book artists experimenting with AI as an enhancement of their process, challenges emerge. AI may necessitate generating a plethora of images to align with the desired context, rendering the process cumbersome and less efficient compared to the innate intuition and creativity of a human artist.

So, while AI-generated art may suffice for many uses, such as crafting quirky avatars for social media, the unparalleled abilities of human artists to cater to specific requests, maintain context, and infuse a personal touch remain unmatched. This is particularly evident in situations requiring personalized artwork for gifts or business applications.

Opting for a human artist ensures a level of creativity, understanding, and attention to detail that AI currently struggles to replicate in the realm of custom caricatures. The balance between technological advancements and the distinctive capabilities of human artists becomes paramount when seeking truly personalized and resonant artwork.