AI-generated art is everywhere. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, seeing AI in ads, or watching time-lapse videos of digital paintings, it’s hard to ignore the rise of AI art. And as an artist who has spent years developing my craft (and finding so much joy in the process), I have some thoughts.

The conversation around AI in the art world is big, messy, and if I’m being honest, a little uncomfortable. On one hand, AI can generate unique images in seconds which is pretty cool. On the other, it raises some pretty big questions about creativity, originality, and what it truly means to be an artist. 

So today, let’s break down the pros and cons of AI art and talk about where it fits (or doesn’t) in a world that is desperate for human creativity.

The Pros of AI Art

1. AI Can Generate Ideas Quickly

Ever had one of those days where you’re staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to show up (and it just… doesn’t)? AI can be a great tool for jumpstarting ideas. With just a few prompts, you can generate endless compositions, color schemes, or concepts that might help get your creative wheels turning.

Here’s how AI can help speed up the idea phase:

• It gives you instant visual references, so instead of spending hours searching for inspiration, you can generate multiple ideas in seconds and see what sparks something.
• Some artists use AI for quick composition sketches, letting them test out different layouts before committing to a final piece.
• AI can mix unexpected elements together, giving you fresh perspectives and ideas you might not have considered otherwise.

When considering the pros and cons of AI art, this is definitely one of its biggest advantages—it eliminates creative blocks and provides endless possibilities for experimentation.

2. Opens Doors for Non-Artists to Create Visually Appealing Work

Not everyone has years of experience with painting, drawing, or digital illustration, and that’s okay! AI has made it easier for people who might not consider themselves “artists” to create visually. Whether it’s generating graphics for a business, designing a book cover, or just making something beautiful for personal enjoyment, AI can help bring ideas to life without needing to master traditional techniques or search through stock photos that “kind of” look like what they had in mind.

This accessibility can be a good thing because:

• It allows more people to express themselves creatively (which I am all about over here!). 
• Sometimes, just playing around with AI-generated art can inspire someone to pick up a real brush or pencil and start creating by hand.
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs can create visuals without hiring a designer.
• It removes technical barriers that might have discouraged beginners from trying art.

3. Great for Brainstorming

For many creatives, AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming and experimenting with ideas. It can generate different compositions, suggest unexpected color palettes, or provide quick variations on a concept—all without committing to a final piece. This can be especially helpful when exploring unfamiliar styles or looking for fresh inspiration.

The trick is to use it as a tool—not a crutch—to enhance, rather than replace, your creative process. When weighing the pros and cons of AI art, it’s important to remember that AI works best when paired with human intention and artistic skill, rather than being relied on to do all the creative heavy lifting.

The Cons of AI Art

I wish I could stop the blog post at the pros, but the truth is, I do have concerns. Here are some of the reasons I can’t jump on board with all AI art (and why it even scares me a little).

1. Art Loses a Sense of Personal Touch and Originality

One of the biggest arguments of the pros and cons of AI art is that it lacks soul. When we create art by hand—whether it’s a loose watercolor landscape or a detailed portrait—our personality, emotions, and imperfections are embedded in every brushstroke.

AI doesn’t experience joy, frustration, or the satisfaction of finally nailing that tricky composition. It simply pulls from existing images, rearranges pixels, and produces something visually appealing—but without the heart that makes art art.

2. Artists May Feel Limited by Algorithms

While AI is impressive, it still operates within a set of rules. It’s designed to recognize patterns and trends, which means it often defaults to what’s already popular or familiar. For artists who thrive on pushing boundaries, AI-generated art can feel limiting. The most exciting, groundbreaking artwork happens when people take creative risks—something an algorithm can’t do.

3. Raises Questions Around Ownership and Copyright

This is where things get tricky. AI art often pulls from existing images, many of which were created by real artists who spent years honing their skills. If an AI-generated piece is based on thousands of artworks scraped from the internet (without permission), who actually owns it? The person who typed in the prompt? The original artists whose work was used as data?

When considering the pros and cons of AI art, this issue remains one of the most controversial. After all:

• Many artists are unaware that their work has been used to train AI, raising serious questions about consent and fair compensation.
• Copyright laws haven’t caught up with AI technology, leaving a legal gray area around who actually owns AI-generated images.
• The concept of artistic authorship is shifting—if AI is doing most of the work, where does the role of the artist begin and end?

4. Using AI Is Pretty Terrible For The Environment 

This is one of the cons of AI art that has me shaking in my boots a little.

There’s no denying that AI art can have a massive environmental impact due to the massive energy consumption required to train and run AI models. These models rely on powerful data centers that use vast amounts of electricity and water (to cool off the servers), often sourced from non-renewable energy. 

Want to read more about this? Head here to learn more about the fact that the carbon footprint of training a single large AI model can be as much as five cars in their lifetimes.

5. AI Can Take Jobs Away From Artists

With AI tools churning out illustrations, logos, and even full-on paintings in seconds, companies are starting to rely on machines instead of hiring real artists. That means fewer jobs for illustrators, designers, and other creatives who’ve spent years honing their craft. It’s not just about money, either—it devalues the heart, soul, and originality that human artists pour into their work. Sure, AI can be a cool tool, but when it starts replacing artists instead of supporting them, that’s when things get messy.

6. Art Doesn’t NEED to Be “Efficient”

One of the biggest selling points of AI art is how fast it can create images. But here’s the thing—art isn’t meant to be efficient. The creative process is slow, messy, and deeply personal. Painting isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the experience of creating, the act of experimenting, and the emotions that go into each piece.

Watercolor, for example, teaches patience. You have to let layers dry, embrace happy accidents, and accept that you can’t control everything (which is also a great life lesson, by the way). The act of painting is meditative, healing, and rewarding in ways that AI will never replicate. If we focus too much on convenience, we risk losing the deeper benefits that come from truly engaging with the creative process.

For more on the benefits of creativity—how it reduces stress, boosts confidence, and brings more joy—check out my recent blog!

AI Is a Tool—Not a Replacement for Personal Creativity

At the end of the day, AI art isn’t inherently bad—it just depends on how we use it. It can be a helpful tool for brainstorming, generating ideas, or even enhancing traditional artwork. But it’s not a replacement for the skill, intuition, and originality that comes from human creativity.

I’ve dabbled with AI tools here and there (mostly out of curiosity), but I remain skeptical. There’s something about creating with my own hands—mixing colors, feeling the brush glide across paper, and making intuitive decisions—that AI could never replicate. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Finding Your Unique Style (That AI Art Can’t Replace)

If you’re looking to create art that no AI model can replicate, you need to hone in on your unique style. If you’re looking for support, The Art Within is designed to help you break free from creative blocks, develop your unique artistic voice, and build confidence in your work. 

This step-by-step course goes beyond technique, guiding you through color theory, composition, and personal expression so you can create art that feels truly you. Learn more here! 

So, Where Do You Stand on AI Art?

The pros and cons of AI art are still unfolding, and as technology evolves, the conversation will continue to shift. Some artists are embracing AI as a tool, while others see it as a threat to creative industries. Wherever you stand, one thing is clear—human creativity will always have something AI can’t replicate: passion, emotion, and the power to tell stories in a way that resonates deeply.

So, what do you think? Are you excited about AI’s potential in the art world, or are you skeptical like me? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram, I’d love to hear your thoughts!