The creation of images by means of AI, leaves illustrators without work.

Will AI leave us without a job?

Let it be clear that I do not defend the use of AI, replacing a cartoonist or painter, but perhaps it will help us to "separate the chaff from the wheat"

That many of us will be out of work because of AI? The answer is YES. There is no legislation that protects us, there is talk of copyright theft, of companies that already use AI, and leave aside illustrators, but calm, adapt or die.

All this week I've been reading about whether the AI – Artificial Intelligence, will leave thousands of illustrators unemployed on the planet. All this sounds like an apocalyptic prediction, which goes beyond our possibilities of understanding. The truth is that AI is already here, but not from now on, it all began in 1950.

A brief history: Alan Turing

1936 Alan Turing published an article on "Calculatable Numbers", an article that laid the theoretical foundations for all computer science, and which can be considered the official origin of the Theoretical Computing.

In this article he introduced the concept of Turing Machine, an abstract mathematical entity that formalized the concept of algorithm And it turned out to be the forerunner of digital computers. He could conceptually read instructions from a perforated paper tape and execute all the critical operations of a computer.

The article set the limits of computer science because it showed that it is not possible to solve problems with any type of computer. With the help of his machine, Turing was able to prove that there are unsolvable problems, from which no computer will be able to obtain its solution, so he is considered the father of the Theory of Computability.

In 1950 Turing consolidated the artificial intelligence in an articleo in which he proposed a concrete test to determine whether a machine was intelligent or not. Turing test He is considered the father of artificial intelligence and co-author of the first program to play chess.

Will AI make illustrators disappear?

Like all of you, I want to know, too. So I decided to find out what will happen to AI. But who to ask?

Well, the answer was more than handy. I decided to ask the same AI, through GPT chat, and do not miss the answers. The transcript is literal.

Interview with Chat GPT

Training

Artificial Intelligence is trained.

Like us when we read or look at something, we collect information on " Training " of the AI to generate images is made 'feeding' it with stolen images. That is, they take millions of drawings, paintings and photographs that are on the internet for that training.

Of course, it is a practice that violates copyright with total impunity, which in addition to not paying any rights for the image, does not ask the creators for authorization for its use.

Predictable responses

I have asked these questions, almost knowing the answers. As I imagined AI, it is already trained to answer these questions. But let it be clear that in addition to the fact that many people will be out of work because of these bad practices, AI is stealing the work of creators all over the world, with total impunity.

Questions and answers

Question: -AI creates images. Is the purpose of AI to put illustrators out of work?

Answer: – Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in general have the potential to change many aspects of our lives, including work in various industries, such as illustration. However, the purpose of AI is not necessarily to leave illustrators without work, but rather to complement and improve their work.

AI can be a useful tool for illustrators by providing them with new forms of creative expression, automating repetitive or tedious tasks, and helping them explore new ideas. For example, there are AI-based imaging tools that can help illustrators generate quick ideas or experiment with different styles.

In addition, human creativity and personal touch will continue to be invaluable in the creative process. AI can generate images, but it lacks the emotional understanding, intuition, and human experience that illustrators bring to their work. Many times, clients seek a unique style and emotional connection that only a human illustrator can provide.

In short, while AI can have an impact on the illustration industry by automating certain aspects of the creative process, its goal is not to eliminate the work of illustrators, but rather to enrich and improve their practice.

Question: – Do they train AI with images, illustrations made by humans?

Answer: – Yes, artificial intelligence is often trained using datasets that include images and illustrations created by humans. These data sets are used to teach AI algorithms to recognize patterns, understand features, and learn how to generate similar content.

For example, in the field of image recognition, AI algorithms are fed large amounts of tagged images containing objects, people, animals and other elements. This allows AI to learn how to identify and classify objects in new images accurately.

In the case of image generation, AI algorithms can be trained using human-made illustrations to learn artistic styles, compositional techniques, and other aspects of visual art. This can allow AI to generate new images that mimic or are inspired by human style.

It is important to note that the quality of training and the diversity of the data set can significantly affect the performance and ability of AI to generate realistic and creative results. Therefore, researchers and developers are constantly working on improving these data sets and the underlying algorithms for more accurate and sophisticated results.

Question: – If AI algorithms can be trained using human-made illustrations, without their permission, is it copyright theft?

Answer: – The use of human-made illustrations to train artificial intelligence algorithms raises important ethical and legal questions in relation to copyright and intellectual property. In many cases, the use of copyrighted images without the permission of the rightholder could be considered a violation of those rights.

In practice, however, the situation is more complex. Some datasets used to train AI algorithms may be made up of images in the public domain, images with open licenses that allow their use under certain conditions, or images collected in ways that make it difficult or impossible to identify or track copyright holders.

On the other hand, some AI researchers and developers choose to get explicit permission to use copyrighted images in their training datasets. This may involve obtaining proper licenses or working collaboratively with artists and creators to ensure that their rights are respected.

In general, it is critical for those working with artificial intelligence to be aware of the legal and ethical implications of using copyrighted content and take steps to ensure that the rights of the creators of that content are respected.

Question: – What legislation is in place to ensure that the rights of creators of AI-trained images are respected?

Answer: – Copyright and intellectual property laws vary from country to country, but generally, there are laws that protect the rights of creators of images and other content. These laws establish the exclusive rights that creators have over their works, including illustrations, photographs, and other types of images.

Some of the common provisions in copyright laws include:

1. Reproduction right: The creator has the exclusive right to reproduce his work, which means that no one else can copy, duplicate or replicate the work without permission.
2. Right of distribution: The creator has the exclusive right to distribute his work, which implies that he has control over how it is distributed and made available to the public.
3. Right to create derivative works: The creator has the exclusive right to create derivative works based on his original work, such as sequels, adaptations, translations, etc.
4. Right of public display: The creator has the exclusive right to exhibit his work publicly, either physically or through digital means.
5. Right of attribution: In some cases, creators have the right to be recognized as authors of the work and to be attributed authorship.

Countries often have government agencies charged with enforcing these laws and protecting copyright, such as the Copyright Office in the United States. In addition, there are international treaties, such as the Berne Convention, that set minimum standards for copyright protection worldwide.

In the specific context of artificial intelligence and algorithm training, it is important that those working with these systems are aware of copyright laws and take steps to ensure that they are using images in a legal and ethical manner, obtaining permission when necessary and respecting the rights of creators.

Question; – But under the reproduction right, AI cannot be trained with images without permission from its author?

Answer: – Right, the reproduction right provides that the author has the exclusive right to reproduce his work, which means that other persons cannot copy, duplicate or replicate the work without permission. This could imply that the use of copyrighted images to train artificial intelligence algorithms without the author's permission would constitute a violation of those rights.

However, in practice, the application of this law can be more complex, especially in the context of training artificial intelligence algorithms. Some of the considerations that may influence how the reproduction right is applied include:

1. Fair use: In some jurisdictions, there is the concept of ‘fair use’ or ‘legitimate use’, which allows for the limited use of copyright protected works without permission of the right holder in certain contexts, such as research, education or criticism. Fair use can be applied in some cases of AI training, although the interpretation of this concept may vary.
2. Licenses and permits: Creators may grant licenses for the use of their works, allowing others to use them under certain conditions specified in the license. If an AI researcher or developer obtains permission from the author or acquires a license to use copyrighted images in training their algorithm, this would be legally valid.
3. Public domain: Works that have passed into the public domain, i.e. those whose copyright has expired or that have been dedicated to the public domain by the author, can be freely used for any purpose, including training AI algorithms.

In short, while the reproduction right states that the use of copyrighted images without the permission of the author could be a violation of those rights, there are certain circumstances and exceptions that can influence the legality of the use of these images for the training of artificial intelligence algorithms.

Question: – How can I prevent AI from using my images for training?

Answer: – If you want to prevent your images from being used to train artificial intelligence algorithms, here are some measures you might consider:

1. Copyright Marking: Make sure your images are clearly marked with copyright. This may deter others from using your images without permission.
2. Restrictive licences: If you want to allow certain uses of your images while restricting others, consider licensing them with specific conditions. For example, you could use Creative Commons licenses that allow non-commercial distribution or mandatory attribution.
3. Direct contact: If you find that your images are being used without your permission, consider contacting those responsible directly and requesting that they stop using your images. In some cases, simply letting them know you're aware of the situation may be enough for them to stop using them.
4. Image search tools: Use reverse image search tools to monitor the use of your images online. This will allow you to identify where your images are being used without your permission.
5. Copyright registration: Consider registering your images with a copyright office or similar entity in your country. This can provide you with stronger legal protection and make it easier to assert your rights if your images are used without permission.

Remember that while these measures may help protect your copyright, there is no absolute guarantee that your images will not be used without your permission. However, by taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood that your images will be used without authorization for AI algorithm training.

The theft of the work of thousands of creators continues, and there is no protection to prevent our images from becoming part of their "training".

Art Station: Creators Say NO to AI Image Generation

The creators who exhibit their work on the prestigious platform Art Station, on a war footing for employing human art without consent.

By clicking on the image you can read the full note.

What to do, to save us from AI?

It's time to: "Separate straw from wheat"

Almost certainly from now on we will count in the Comic Halls and Art Fairs the so-called » AI Artists « with no art or profit culminating in the scam, which the AI started with a robbery.

Maybe as a client, you buy an illustration, of that "artist" who has no idea of drawing or painting, but who will sell you something, supposedly made by him, and who does not say that it is the result of a theft.

It is time to show that we are the ones who draw and paint and not a machine.

When we refer to watercolor, acrylic, oil, we usually name them as traditional art, or traditional painting. Many people still struggle to understand that digital drawing and painting is also done by hand, but with the brushes provided by the program.

For both cases you have to have knowledge of drawing and painting, composition, color theory etc. Digital helps us go faster, corrections are much faster, as well as the search for color. The paradox is that with the advent of AI, the digital has almost also passed into the same sack of the traditional.

The time has come to educate the public

But how to do it

Drawers and painters charge like any worker for our time. The more day or hours we throw ourselves doing a job, the more we charge, because it is our time and knowledge.

Surely there will be a debugging. There are those who make caricatures, carve the photo sent to them by the client, while others use AI, and sell them as if they were drawn and painted by them. A real scam. That's what they call it with the euphemism of "realistic caricature" which means: – To make a caricature I have no idea

The contest consisted of sending a photograph of those "caricaturists" who were using their works as their own, and of prize, Vizcarra made you a caricature.

But this contest brought another problem. People began to say that everyone who worked making cartoons on the street, had as their own samples, drawings that we downloaded from the internet.

The solution was to put some panels with photographs of how I painted my samples myself, step by step. (Now the same thing happens to me with my FAN ART works)

You have to show yourself

Drawers are not influencers, nor youtubers, but the time has come to show us.

Perhaps one of the first things that comes to mind is that we must make small videos drawing and painting, show our processes and the final results. It is the best way for our customers and those who visit our pages and networks to trust us.

At the moment, AI cannot surpass the imagination.

Show them that they are working with someone who will not do something generated by an algorithm.

Write a prompt (description of the image we want to generate by AI) is not to be a cartoonist or painter. That image will never be unique, it will be one more, within thousands of equals.

Generating by AI the caricature or portrait of a person, has absolutely nothing of authenticity, and charging for them, is simply a scam.

Personally it already costs me a lot of work and waste of time on social networks. But when they arrived there were two possibilities: To be there or not to exist.

Now we will have to take one more step: Show up. And as much as it costs many of us, we must do it, because it is our obligation to defend our work, protect our clients and help people not to fall into scams.

We must try, teach people, that before hiring an illustrator, make sure that it is he who does the work, and not an intruder with AI.

And in the meantime, little can be done until it is legislated.