AI Art vs. Traditional Artists – A Writer’s Perspective
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As an author who is heading towards self-publishing, I’ve found that creating visuals for my novel has been one of the most exciting—and surprisingly complex—parts of the process. When I first stumbled upon Artbreeder, I didn’t know I was walking into a hotbed of debate. All I knew was that I could bring my characters to life, tweak their expressions, adjust their features, and finally see them in sharp, realistic detail. My character Garon’s jawline? I may have fallen a little in love. And it was affordable—just a small subscription fee paled to compare to the many other costs of self-publishing.
But then I learned about the conversation.
The debate over AI art is nuanced and often emotional. Initially, I was pouty, if I’m being honest. I thought I’d found a solution to a creative need without breaking the bank, but some argued that AI art wasn’t “real art.” And people will choose to not read an author's work if it is used in promotion. It was a gut punch. As I explored more, I realized there’s a deeper discussion about ethics, creativity, and value. And here I was, a writer with a story that examines traditional values versus technological innovation, caught in a similar dilemma in real life. So I put my thinking cap on and my marketing brain figured out how we turn this setback into a net positive, utilizing the best of both world's and most importantly bringing the conversation to the forefront of other new writer's considerations.
The Costs of Being an Indie Author
Self-publishing is an investment. From editing to cover design, marketing, and everything in between, it’s essentially starting your own business. Here’s a quick breakdown of just some of the costs (and for full transparency AI helped me generate these figures):
Editing: $1000–$3,000 (depending on the level of editing)
Cover Design: $300–$800
Marketing: Easily $1,000+
Formatting and Miscellaneous Expenses: $100–$500
When you’re working with a limited budget, decisions about where to allocate funds become critical. AI art was, for me, a way to save on commissioning character visuals. But was it the right choice?
The Debate Around AI Art
At its core, the AI art conversation revolves around three main points:
Ethics: Many argue that AI models are trained using datasets that include existing artwork, often without the original artists’ consent. This raises questions about intellectual property and fair use.
Artistry: Does using AI art diminish the effort and skill of traditional artists? Or does it represent a new kind of creativity—collaboration between human input and machine algorithms?
Accessibility: For indie creators with tight budgets, AI art provides an affordable option, making visual storytelling more accessible to a broader range of people.
AI vs. Traditional Art – The Pros and Cons
AI Art
Pros: Affordable, quick, customizable with iterations, and accessible for those without artistic skills.
Cons: Ethical concerns about data sourcing, lack of human touch, and the potential devaluation of traditional art.
Traditional Art
Pros: Unique, imbued with the artist’s personal skill and interpretation, and ethically grounded when commissioned.
Cons: Higher cost and longer turnaround times.
My Journey with Both
After creating my initial character art with AI, I decided to commission a real-life digital artist (though I've never met him, I'm pretty certain he was human) to see how my characters would evolve in his hands. Interestingly, even traditional digital art relies on technology as a medium. Watching my characters transform through an artist’s interpretation was a revelation. The nuance and personal touch they added made the characters feel even more alive.
Digital Artist: Zayane - Fiverr Profile Link
While the AI versions were sharp and polished, the commissioned pieces had depth and soul. The experience felt less like a transaction and more like a creative partnership, adding layers of meaning to my characters.
Themes in Without Light
In my novel Without Light, the tension between traditional values and technological innovation is a central theme. This debate mirrors my own creative process: AI art represents the innovative, cost-effective path, while traditional art reflects a connection to humanity and craftsmanship.
Just as my characters grapple with power and control in a tech-dominated world, I’m navigating the implications of using AI in my creative journey. The parallels are too interesting to ignore.
An Ongoing Conversation
AI art isn’t a hill I’m willing to die on. If readers are put off by my use of it, that’s okay. I know my creative choices and even the words in my book won’t resonate with everyone. But I am always willing to listen and learn.
For now, I’m grateful for both AI tools and the artists who pour their skill and creativity into commissioned works. Both have played a role in shaping my novel’s world. And for me, that’s what art—no matter the medium—is all about: collaboration, evolution, and storytelling.
