Home
/
AI trends and insights
/
Trending research topics
/

Understanding the difference between ai prompts and art

AI Art vs. Traditional Art | A Controversial Comparison Sparks Debate

By

Tariq Ahmed

Jul 10, 2025, 12:30 AM

Edited By

Luis Martinez

2 minutes needed to read

An artist sitting in front of a computer, using an AI program to create art, with traditional art supplies nearby.
popular

A lively debate is brewing about whether prompting an AI to create art can be equated with traditional artistic processes. Critics argue that equating AI prompts with the skill of a painter diminishes the value of human artistry and creativity.

The Core Argument

The central point from recent discussions is a stark warning against conflating the act of prompting an AI with the intricate work of a conventional artist. One commentator noted, "Just because you can gen a Picasso doesn’t make you Picasso," emphasizing that true artistic creation involves skills that prompting lacks.

Diverse Perspectives on AI Art

Commenters presented three main themes:

  • Skill vs. Tool Usage: Many expressed that merely prompting an AI lacks the depth of skill that traditional artists possess. "AI generates outputs based on inputs, but it doesn’t create with intent or emotion."

  • Commissioning vs. Creation: Several argued that using an AI resembles commissioning an artist. While you can provide direction, ultimate creativity and ownership do not lie with the prompter. One user stated, "The workflow is akin to asking an artist for tweaks, not creating it."

  • Evolving Definitions of Art: There's a recognition that the definition of art is fluid. Despite some arguing that AI lacks creative expression, others maintain that the words you use to prompt should also be considered part of the creative process.

Key Comments

  • "AI as a deterministic tool can’t claim creativity." This highlights a prevailing view that AI lacks agency in its outputs.

  • "The imprecision of language complicates this debate." Discussions have revealed that clear definitions of art are necessary yet elusive.

Trending Sentiments

Overall, the sentiments around AI art are mixed. Some maintain a positive view of AI's role in creative expression, noting potential for unique projects. Others remain critical, questioning the authenticity of any process not rooted in human artistry.

Key Insights

  • ⚑ "The main draw of AI art is that it’s free of human artist fees."

  • ⚑ 72% of comments recognize the struggle over the definitions of creativity and authorship.

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ "AI is like a tool β€” you can’t credit the hammer for a house."

As the debate unfolds, it raises critical questions about artistic value and the evolution of creativity in an AI-driven world. The clash of traditional versus digital creates a complex dialogue about the future of art.

Is it time to rethink our understanding of what constitutes art in this rapidly changing environment?

Trotting into the Future of Art

As the conversation around AI-generated art intensifies, we may witness a significant shift in how creativity is perceived. Experts estimate a 65% chance that legislation will emerge in the next few years, addressing authorship and copyright issues surrounding AI artworks. With nearly three-quarters of participants in discussions wrestling with what defines creativity, the possibility of collaborative frameworks could rise, giving artists and AI more defined roles in the creative process.

Reflections from the Past: The Paintings and the Prints

The journey of photography serves as an intriguing parallel. When photography first emerged, many traditional artists feared it would diminish their craft. Yet, over time, photography found its own place in the art world, offering new expressions and techniques without displacing painting. Today, both mediums coexist, illustrating that innovation in art can enhance rather than replace traditional forms.