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The decline of hiring real artists in today's market

Why Are People Turning Away from Artists? | Insights on AI and Artistry

By

Mohamed Ali

Jun 11, 2026, 03:33 PM

Edited By

Amina Hassan

3 minutes needed to read

A focused artist painting on canvas, illustrating the struggle for recognition in today's market.
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The tension between traditional artists and emerging AI technology escalates as debates ignite on multiple forums. As the art industry grapples with changing dynamics, many have questioned why hiring "real" artists seems increasingly uncommon.

The Rising Cost of Creativity

Many people express frustration over the escalating prices for artistic work. "When the average artist charges $20+ for a simple drawing, itโ€™s no wonder artists are being replaced by AI," a comment highlights. With AI-generated art becoming readily accessible and often free, creators struggle to justify their pricing amidst competition.

Artists Reject AI Collaborations

A significant point of concern for artists is their rejection of using AI as a creative tool. Some commenters observe that certain artists "literally turn down" commissioned work, expressing unease with AI outputs and preferring original art. This dismissal has raised eyebrows among those who believe using AI could enhance creativity.

"Antis really are the most obnoxious idiots Iโ€™ve ever seen. What do you think people will do if you turn down their commission?"

Regardless, this view isnโ€™t universally accepted. Numerous individuals believe that artists need to adapt their processes to survive in the current market. A prevailing sentiment suggests artists should embrace new technologies instead of resisting them.

Frustration with Deliverables

The conversation also touches on the reliability of artists. Many people have reported dissatisfaction with commissioned pieces, citing examples of artists either delivering subpar work or failing to deliver at all. One comment expressed frustration over being banned from forums after attempting to share their bad experiences with artists: "I have shared this here before but itโ€™s worse than this because many designers take your money but deliver crap or donโ€™t deliver at all."

Mixed Sentiments on Art and AI

While not all comments are negative, the overall sentiment leans toward skepticism regarding the future of commissioned art in a rapidly evolving landscape. "Damn, thatโ€™s some childish crap," one user remarked, indicating a wider debate about professionalism within the industry. From those who view AI as a threat to artists who see it as a gateway, harmony remains elusive.

Key Insights

  • โšก Increasing Costs: As traditional artists charge higher rates, accessibility to AI art seems to undercut their market.

  • ๐Ÿ”€ Rejecting Innovation: An ongoing narrative reveals many artists refuse to use AI tools, limiting their creative potential.

  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Client Complaints Persist: Numerous reports of artists failing to deliver on commissions have led to growing distrust.

With a sharp division between traditional artistry and AI-generated alternatives, the art industry may be facing a crucial turning point. As creators navigate these waters, the future of artistic integrity and innovation hangs in the balance.

Shifting Sands of Artistic Employment

Experts predict a strong shift in the art market over the next five years. With AI art tools evolving rapidly, there's an estimated 60% chance that many traditional artists will pivot their practices to incorporate these technologies, enhancing their workflows rather than resisting them. This adaptation could lead to a blend of traditional and AI-generated art, potentially redefining what constitutes "authentic" artistry. Meanwhile, as people continue to voice dissatisfaction with commissioned work, the probability of more stringent regulations around art commissions is also increasing, pushing artists to meet higher standards to regain trust among clients.

Echoes of the Past

The current artistic landscape echoes the transition seen in the publishing industry during the rise of e-books. Traditional print publishers initially resisted digital formats, fearing it would undermine their business. However, as e-books became more popular, many embraced the change, leading to innovative storytelling methods and broader accessibility to literature. Artists today face a similar fork in the road: embracing new tools or risking obsolescence amid shifting public expectations and technology use.