AI Art, are we all Picasso now?
A podcast about the possibilities and challenges of AI-generated art, exploring its impact on accessibility, collaboration, and the enduring importance of human creativity.
What does it mean to create art in the age of generative AI? On the latest episode of Good Question, we sit down with Inscribe Staff Product Designer Patrick Cusack and CTO Conor Burke to explore the possibilities and challenges of AI-generated art. From its impact on accessibility and collaboration to the enduring importance of human creativity, this conversation highlights the evolving intersection of technology and art.
The intersection of art and generative AI
- Generative AI has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for creating high-quality artworks, making tools more accessible to a broader audience.
- Patrick shared his journey of using generative AI tools like MidJourney and Runway to create interactive visuals for live music performances. He emphasized how these tools open up new avenues for creativity.
“The important factor is really the taste someone has—what they’re making, the message they’re communicating,” Patrick explained. “In the past, we might have appreciated something for its technical excellence, but now it’s about what you’re saying.”
What’s the role of human creativity?
- We discuss how AI-generated outputs, while impressive, still require human input to convey meaningful messages and personal style.
- Patrick highlighted the importance of using AI as a tool to amplify creativity rather than deferring creativity entirely to AI.
- Patrick also described his workflow, blending tools like MidJourney with interactive software such as Resolume and TouchDesigner to create live visuals that are both innovative and deeply personal.
- He shared the example of Irish artist Aoife O'Dwyer, who uses AI to generate dynamic animations while maintaining her distinct artistic style.
“You can’t defer your creativity to the AI model. You have to work with it,” Patrick said.
Ethical considerations and copyright issues
- The group tackled the challenge of training AI models on copyrighted material, emphasizing the need for collaboration between creators and AI developers.
- Patrick discussed emerging solutions, such as tools to prevent unauthorized training on specific works, while Conor stressed the importance of equitable access to AI technology.
“We’re in a time of disequilibrium between creators and AI developers,” Conor said. “The long-term goal should be rewarding and recognizing creators while enabling innovation.”
Advice for artists exploring AI tools
The panel shared advice for artists who are interested in incorporating generative AI tools within their creative process.
- Start small: Experiment with accessible tools like MidJourney or Runway to understand their capabilities.
- Iterate: Use AI outputs as a foundation and refine them to reflect your personal style.
- Collaborate: Explore how AI can complement your creative process rather than replacing it.
Generative AI is transforming the way we think about art, creativity, and self-expression. As Patrick aptly put it:
“The important thing when it comes to making AI-generated artworks is the message you have. [Because technical ability is no longer a differentiator], the message becomes the thing that’s most important.”
The episode left listeners inspired by the possibilities AI brings to the art world while emphasizing the enduring importance of human creativity and intent.
P.S. Listen to the end of the podcast to hear our favorite works of art and the episode’s bloopers!
Sources cited
About the guests
Patrick Cusack is the Staff Product Designer at Inscribe, where he leads the design process from research through to delivery. With over 15 years of experience in product design, Patrick brings a strong focus on crafting intuitive and impactful user experiences. He is also a guest lecturer at the Limerick School of Art and Design, where he introduces students to UX design principles. Outside of work, Patrick explores creative passions such as interactive visuals and the integration of generative AI in design. Based in Dublin, Patrick continues to push the boundaries of design and innovation.
Brianna Valleskey is the head of marketing at Inscribe AI. While her career started in journalism, she has spent more than a decade working on SaaS revenue teams. She is passionate about enabling fraud fighters and risk leaders to unlock the enormous potential of AI.
Conor Burke is the co-founder and CTO of Inscribe. He founded Inscribe with his twin after they experienced the challenges of manual review operations and over-burdened risk teams at national banks and fast-growing fintechs. So they set out to alleviate those challenges by deploying safe, scalable, and reliable AI.
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