Procreate, a popular iPad illustration app, has recently made a firm decision to not incorporate generative AI into its products. This stance was articulated by Procreate CEO James Cuda, who expressed his concerns about the negative impact of generative AI on artists and the industry as a whole. The company believes that generative AI removes the humanity from artistic creations and has the potential to lead to a future devoid of creativity and originality.
The creative community has voiced two main concerns regarding generative AI. Firstly, there is the issue of AI models being trained on their content without consent or compensation. This raises ethical questions about the ownership of artistic work and the exploitation of artists’ creations. Secondly, there is the fear that the widespread adoption of generative AI tools will result in a significant reduction in employment opportunities for digital illustrators and other creatives.
Procreate’s announcement has been met with widespread praise from creatives who are dissatisfied with how other companies have approached generative AI. For instance, Clip Studio Paint decided to abandon its plans to implement image-generation features after facing backlash from its user base. Similarly, companies like Wacom and Wizards of the Coast issued apologies for inadvertently using AI-generated assets in their products, acknowledging the concerns raised by the community.
Even Adobe, a leading player in the creative software industry, has faced criticism for its handling of generative AI tools. While the company claims to follow ethical practices by training its AI models on licensed or public domain content, many independent artists and creators feel that Adobe has not adequately considered the implications of its technology. Despite clarifications about its AI training practices, Adobe continues to face backlash over various changes that have alienated parts of its user base.
In contrast to other companies that have shifted to subscription-based models, Procreate has maintained a one-time purchase model, which has resonated well with its users. The company’s commitment to offering affordable and accessible products, including tools for animation and desktop users, has contributed to its positive reputation within the creative community. By prioritizing the needs and concerns of artists, Procreate has positioned itself as a company that values creativity and supports the artistic community.
Leave a Reply