AI Art: A Tool for Creativity, Not a Shortcut to It
AI art has sparked both excitement and controversy. Some see it as an “easy button” that shortcuts creativity, while others fear it could replace human artists altogether. As a photographer and artist, I see it differently. For me, AI is a powerful tool that allows us to bring our visions to life in ways we might never have imagined. Just like a camera, a paintbrush, or editing software, AI requires our creative input and intention to produce something meaningful.
In this post, I want to share why creating with AI isn’t about replacing creativity but expanding it. And hopefully, I can shed some light on how artists like myself use AI as a medium, not as a replacement, for our creative expressions.
The Role of the Artist’s Vision in AI Art
AI doesn’t create art on its own. It doesn’t have a vision, emotions, or even a sense of beauty. Every piece starts with us—the artists. We’re the ones who set the scene in our minds, imagining the colors, the lighting, the composition, and the feeling we want to convey. This vision is something we shape through years of honing our instincts, developing our style, and seeing beauty from a unique perspective.
When I work with AI, I’m essentially guiding it every step of the way. I start by describing my vision in detail: the mood I want to evoke, the color palette I imagine, the style I’m inspired by. These elements translate my imagination into something the AI can work with, much like setting up a photoshoot. The difference is that instead of physically arranging lights and adjusting my camera settings, I’m crafting a vision through language and guiding the AI with words. It’s a challenging process that demands both technical skill and a deep sense of artistry.
Describing Art in Words: An Unexpected Challenge
One of the surprising aspects of working with AI is that it requires a unique skill: the ability to describe visuals in words. This process can be tricky, as it means translating abstract ideas and emotions into a descriptive language the AI can understand. For those of us who are used to working with visuals directly, it’s a whole new skill set. It’s not as simple as typing a few words and pressing a button.
I draw on my experience as a photographer to explain every detail—the lighting angles, the softness or sharpness of lines, the color scheme, and the overall atmosphere. I have to know what I want to create and communicate it clearly, just like explaining the concept to a creative team. This skill has become essential in AI art, and it’s one that can only be developed through practice and patience.
It’s Not a Shortcut—It’s a Tool for Storytelling
There’s a perception that AI art is an “easy” option, but the reality is very different. AI art isn’t a shortcut to creativity. It doesn’t bypass the work; it’s simply a different part of the creative process. Just as editing software enhances a photograph without taking away from the original shot, AI tools allow us to experiment with imagery in a new way.
Creating with AI is often time-intensive. Sometimes it takes multiple rounds of adjustments and fine-tuning before I get a result that resonates with my vision. Each step requires thoughtful decision-making, and there’s a lot of trial and error involved. Like any other art form, it takes dedication and practice to refine this process and create something truly unique.
AI Art as a New Medium
Every new medium in art has faced skepticism before it was accepted. Photography was once viewed with doubt, as was digital art. But over time, each new medium has found its place. AI is simply the latest addition. For me, it’s not a replacement but an expansion of what’s possible. AI offers a way to experiment with complex compositions, try out new styles, create in oil painting, photo realism, surrealism, illustrations, cartoons and so much more to push the boundaries of what I might normally create.
In a way, AI is like having a limitless set of artistic tools at my fingertips. Just as editing software allows photographers to bring depth and contrast to an image, AI lets artists push creative boundaries in ways we might not achieve otherwise. It doesn’t take away from the creative process; it adds to it.
Embracing AI as Part of Creative Collaboration
Working with AI feels like a unique collaboration. The AI follows my lead, but it needs guidance. It doesn’t innovate on its own, and it doesn’t make artistic choices. I’m the one giving it a blueprint, drawing from my skills and experiences, and guiding it to create the image I envision. It’s a partnership, where I’m always in control of the story, the tone, and the emotion behind each piece.
This collaboration is something I appreciate deeply. The AI might respond to my prompts, but I’m the one setting the parameters and shaping the outcome. It’s my vision, my decisions, and my artistry that guide the process. And that’s why I see AI not as a threat but as a creative ally.
Conclusion: Seeing AI as a Creative Ally
Art is constantly evolving, and AI is just another step in this journey. When we use it as a tool, it can empower us to tell stories in new, exciting ways. AI doesn’t replace the artist; it supports us in expanding our vision and stretching our imagination. Just like a paintbrush or a camera, AI is here to help us bring our ideas to life.
So let’s embrace this new tool for what it is: a chance to explore, experiment, and express ourselves in new ways. AI art isn’t the end of creativity; it’s a way to add to it. It allows artists to create in ways we never could before, and when used thoughtfully, it can help us tell our stories more powerfully than ever.
