A few honest words about AI art on DeviantArt

Hey everyone,

I’d like to share something that’s been on my mind – not to attack anyone, but to ask for understanding and a bit of respect.

I’m an AI artist.
It says so clearly on my profile – on purpose. I’m not hiding it. If AI art isn’t your thing, feel free to move on. That’s totally fine.

But what’s not fine is:
🟥 AI artists getting insulted, mocked, or dismissed,
🟥 people claiming we’re “not real artists,”
🟥 or calling our work “stolen garbage” – often without ever having worked with AI tools themselves.

Yes, AI can create images. But good AI art doesn’t come from just one click.

If you think we type in a few words and instantly get a masterpiece, you’re wrong.
Anyone who’s worked seriously with AI knows:

🟩 It takes knowledge and experience,
🟩 technical precision,
🟩 and hours of trial and error with prompting, choosing checkpoints, LoRAs, upscalers, negative prompts, style blending, sampling settings, and much more.
🟩 And even then, AI makes mistakes that we have to fix.

Yes, it’s different from drawing.
But it’s no less creative, no less demanding, and no less valid.

I understand why traditional artists are upset.

Many of you have spent years mastering your skills – only to now see art being made differently, faster, or in a way that gets a lot of attention. That’s scary. That can feel unfair.
I get that.

But:
🟨 If you criticize AI art, please first take the time to understand how it works.
🟨 If you want to debate, don’t just say we’re “not real artists” or “lazy.”
🟨 If you don’t want to see AI art – that’s totally okay! But please don’t attack us just because we’re here too.

What I wish for: coexistence – not conflict

DeviantArt is a space for all kinds of creativity.
Nobody is trying to take traditional art away from you. Nobody is forcing you to use AI.
And we’re not trying to “replace” anyone.

We just want to exist peacefully alongside you.
Because art is diverse – and it should stay that way.

Thank you to those who understand that.🖤

I also want to be clear: I’m aware that disrespect has come from both sides.
Some AI users have said things like “adapt or die” or belittled traditional artists – that’s not okay, and I don’t support that kind of behavior either.

And I understand why many traditional artists are angry. The way AI tools were trained – without consent, compensation, or proper licenses – is deeply problematic. Even if I’m not personally stealing anything, I recognize that this tech was born from an unfair system, and that’s something worth acknowledging.

I’m not trying to win an argument. I’m not trying to convert anyone.
This journal isn’t meant to start heated debates, it simply reflects my personal experience, observations, and hopes for peaceful coexistence.

If it makes someone pause and reflect, that’s all I could wish for.

Feel free to share this journal if you think it’s worth spreading. Thank you! 🌿

Exoja