Just a few years ago, you didn't have to worry about which images were generated by humans or by artificial intelligence. Just a few years ago, if you wanted to create a cover for an album or book, or a piece of art to sell at a gallery, you had to create it with your own hands.

You would take hours, days, or even weeks drawing, painting, or editing to create the perfect piece of art. But in the age of AI, that process is quickly changing. Not only can you use AI to help you come up with ideas, or help you edit, but it can create the whole thing for you with a few simple prompts.

However, this has sparked discussions and arguments over whether using AI is cheating, and if it can replace human artists.

What is AI Art?

AI art is any type of art that is created with the help of artificial intelligence algorithms. Instead of painting or drawing by hand, artists can now prompt AI tools to help generate images based on their instructions.

These AI programs are trained on other existing artwork, which can allow them ro produce highly-detailed and unique pieces of art in just seconds.

AI art can be as simple as a prompt that asks for something specific or as complex as asking the AI to replicate a particular art style. Artists can then refine their creations to add a personal, human touch.

The ease and speed at which AI can create images and art has made it tempting for seasoned artists and amateurs. But as AI-generated art becomes more common, it raises an important question surrounding creativity, authorship, and whether AI could truly replace human art.

AI Art in the Real World

AI art is already making waves in different creative industries. Companies are using it for marketing and advertising to create hyper-realistic images for campaigns, billboards, and more.

One of the companies is Coca Cola, who used AI for its "Create Real Magic" campaign in 2023. In this campaign, they encouraged artists to create AI-generated images using Coca Cola's platform and assests. The winning images went on display on billboards in New York and London.

And AI isn't just revolutionizing marketing, it's also made its way into the gaming space. With tools like Meshy 3D, developers can turn 2D art into fully-realized 3D in minutes, making it easier, faster, and cheaper to create immersive worlds for virtual reality, augmented reality, and video games.

You can also see AI art being used for social media content, performance art, immersive and interactive art, and more.

Is AI Art Cheating?

The word cheating implies you've taken something, claiming it as your own without actually putting your own work into it.

There can be an argument to both sides of whether AI art is cheating or not.

You might argue it is because you didn't use a paintbrush or pencil to create your image, and instead relied on the computer to do all the work. You might say that "real" artists need to develop traditional, foundational skills that AI doesn't require.

On the contrary, might argue it's not cheating because you're using modern tools to help you create art quickly and efficiently. Just like you might use a calculator to do math instead of writing it out.

No matter which side you're on, it's no doubt that AI is revolutionizing the creative industry, and it's giving artists a new tool to create.

Will AI Art Replace Human Artists?

The question that's been on everyone's mind as AI becomes more advanced: will AI replace human artists?

On one hand, AI is able to create stunning pieces of work in seconds that would normally take a human artists days or weeks to create. So, it's easy to see why some artists are concerned about their futures.

But the thing is - art isn't just about producing an image. It's about a vision, an emotion, a human connection. No matter how much AI advances, it will have a hard time replicating the human experience or perspective.

Plus, art isn't just about the final product you hang up on your wall. It's about the process, struggle, mistakes, and breakthroughs that makes art meaningful.

So, will AI art replace human artists? Probably not, but it can open up new possibilites. As with using AI for anything, it's important to remember that it's a tool. A ship that needs a captain - a human - to steer it.