Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.

What exactly is artificial intelligence?

Chat GPT, any AI tool, says that Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and even making art.

Here is the thing about computers and AI tech: they will never replace humans—no matter all the coding that comes about. A human can not be replaced.

Where does that leave us when it comes to the ability for AI to create art?

It leaves us exactly where we are.

As artists, we will continue to learn, practice, and develop art.

We will continue to be ourselves and be authentic artists who develop their work and skills by creating beautiful artwork.

We will show up and be honest, show the process, the good, the ugly, and the real life of an artist starting and building an art business.

Here are a few ways an artist can be authentic in the age of AI:

Step-by-Step Documentation:

• As an artist, you can chronicle your work from the initial concept to the finished piece by capturing key stages such as brainstorming, sketching, and revisions. This can be done through photographs, videos, or written journals.
• For example, you could share a time-lapse video of your painting process or a series of photos showing a sculpture’s evolution. This documentation reveals the effort, thought, and skill that go into the work.

Sharing Mistakes and Revisions:

• Transparency involves showing the less polished aspects of the creative process, including mistakes, revisions, and failed experiments. This honesty helps demystify the idea of artistic perfection and emphasizes the learning and growth inherent in the creative process.
• You might post a failed attempt or an abandoned project to illustrate how you learned from it or what you changed in the final version. This can be shared on social media or included in exhibitions.

Studio Tours:

• Offering virtual or physical tours of your workspace allows your audience to see where and how your art is made. Your studio often reflects your personality, habits, and creative process, adding another layer of authenticity.
• You can create video tours or live-stream sessions where you walk through your studio, explain the tools you use, and discuss your creative routines.

Live Demonstrations and Workshops:

• Live-streaming or hosting workshops where you create in real-time will give your audience a direct view of the process. This can be particularly engaging, as viewers can ask questions and interact with the artist during the creation.
• These can be done through social media platforms, video conferencing tools, or in-person events, where you demonstrate techniques, answer questions, and provide insights into your methods.

Detailed Artist Statements:

• Including an artist statement with a work of art, explains your intentions, themes, and the context or story behind the creation. A detailed statement helps your audience understand your work’s conceptual depth and personal significance and why you created it.
• You can include your thoughts on why you chose specific techniques, what challenges you faced, and how the piece developed over time. This written reflection adds depth to the visual experience of your art and helps people identify with you through your art.

Interactive Websites:

• On your website, you can develop an interactive element where users can explore the stages of an artwork’s creation, zoom in on details, or view different layers of a digital piece. This type of media can offer a deep dive into your process as an artist, making the creation as much a part of the art as the final product.

If you are starting on your art journey, you may not have a beautiful studio you work from or have your process down. All of that is okay. I started at my dining room table and still do much of my work there.

You may also find being in front of the camera at this stage in your career daunting. There are two things to that thought. First, starting small with sharing pictures of your process is a great stepping stone to being in front of the camera. Secondly, you won’t get comfortable being in front of the camera until you do it.

Give yourself some grace. Remember, you are doing this to show you are an authentic artist who is in the thick of designing. Always have fun. Art is to be fun, relaxing, and creative.

Until next time, Happy Creating.

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