Will Technology Replace Artists?

The rise of technology has enabled everyday users to create digital art and participate in digital art forms, thereby transforming the traditional role of the artist. With the development of software and platforms like Procreate, Photoshop, and TikTok, the barriers to entry have been lowered, allowing a wider range of people to produce and share digital art. This has disrupted the traditional art world and raised questions about the future of digital art. More so, the introduction of digital art generated by artificial intelligence has only accelerated this debate as art has become less of a specialty through its democratization.

On one hand, the democratization of digital art has brought new perspectives, diversity, and creativity to the field. Ordinary people can use technology to express themselves in new and innovative ways, increasing the diversity of voices in the digital art world. Moreover, the rise of social media platforms has provided a platform for digital artists to showcase their work and reach a wider audience, leading to new opportunities for exposure and recognition.

On the other hand, the abundance of digital art produced by amateur creators can make it challenging for professional digital artists to stand out and earn a living. The market for digital art has become saturated, making it difficult for artists to sell their work and earn a fair wage. Additionally, the ease with which digital art can be copied and shared has led to issues of copyright infringement and theft of digital assets.

The future of digital art is likely to be shaped by the ongoing tension between democratization and commercialization. While the increased participation of everyday users has brought new perspectives and creativity to the field, it has also made it harder for professional digital artists to make a living. Nevertheless, the rise of digital art will continue to shape the art world in new and exciting ways, and the field will continue to evolve as technology advances and new platforms emerge.

Until then, many artists will continue to be pushed out of a profession in a world undergoing dramatic change.