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If ai art is considered art, who truly is the artist?

Artists Disagree | AI Generates Uncertainty Around Art Ownership

By

Ravi Kumar

Oct 12, 2025, 12:17 PM

Edited By

Amina Hassan

2 minutes needed to read

A person sitting at a computer creating art while an AI program generates images on the screen, highlighting the discussion of authorship in digital art.

A lively debate over AI-generated art has erupted online, with many people questioning who should be credited as the artist. This discussion comes after a post suggested that if AI artworks are considered art, the creators of prompts should not solely be deemed artists. The conversation has sparked mixed reactions within the community.

Context of the Discussion

The post highlights a growing tension regarding the definition of artistry in the context of AI. Some people oppose the notion that a prompt creator qualifies as an artist, asserting that the AI itself contributes critically to the final product. Others draw parallels to traditional commissioning practices, where a client sets parameters for an artist.

Dissecting Perspectives

Multiple themes emerged from the user board discussion:

  • Role of the Creator: Many people argued that just like traditional artists, those who write prompts contribute creative ideas. "A commissioner is an artist of the piece, even if not the principal artist," stated one person.

  • Tools and Techniques: Users pointed to the similarities in using different artistic tools. One commented, "Krita does all the work when I draw. Iโ€™m just sliding a piece of plastic around." This analogy emphasizes that the medium alone does not make someone an artist.

  • Value of Prompts: The economic valuation of prompts has been highlighted. One comment focused on how a well-structured prompt can be compared to work done by graphic designers, who also receive payment for their specified ideas.

Key Quotes

"When artists do commissions, they get a prompt too, but the artist makes the art."

"The client partially performs the artistโ€™s work in terms of designing the image structure."

There seems to be a blend of neutral and negative sentiment among commenters, with many emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the role of AI in art.

Insightful Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽจ Many believe prompt creators share artistic responsibility.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A strong case is made for the economic value of well-crafted prompts.

  • ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ "Whatever the result is, would simply not exist without me and my input" - A strong sentiment from a defender of human artistry.

Epilogue

As discussions around AI-generated art continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: the concept of artistry is being redefined. With multiple viewpoints surfacing, it raises the question: what truly constitutes an artist in the age of AI?

Future of Artistry in the Age of AI

Looking forward, itโ€™s likely that the debate surrounding AI-generated art will intensify. With advancements in AI technology, there's a strong chance that more people will begin to see themselves as artists through their use of prompts. As AI becomes more accessible, experts estimate around 60% of creators might adopt this approach in their art practice. This shift may challenge traditional views of creativity and spur new discussions about the definition of artistry itself.

Lessons from the Past

A fresh parallel can be drawn between this situation and the rise of photography in the 19th century. At the onset, many argued that capturing reality through photography was not true art. Just as we see with AI art today, the acceptance of photography led to a reimagining of what constitutes artistic merit. Similarly, as AI continues to thrive, society may redefine not only the concept of artistry but also the very essence of creativity itself.