Digital Artist Shares Insights on the Influence of AI on His Art and Creative Journey [Interview]

Title: The Unwarranted Recognition of AI: Digital Artists Express Concerns as Genuine Creations Are Misunderstood

In the past few years, artificial intelligence has markedly increased its presence in the creative domain, redefining our interaction with, assessment of, and even creation of art. While AI tools present novel opportunities for artists, they simultaneously introduce challenges—particularly for those whose creations intertwine reality with imagination. A significant concern within the artistic community is AI attribution: cases where art made by humans is erroneously believed to have originated from artificial intelligence.

This erroneous attribution transcends a mere annoyance—it seriously impacts the reputation, livelihoods, and emotional health of digital artists. UK-based digital creator Karl Roberts has bravely come forward to express his discontent with this issue after encountering multiple instances where his meticulously crafted digital pieces were incorrectly categorized as AI-generated.

A Lifelong Journey of Creative Expression

Karl Roberts has been dedicated to the digital arts since he was a child. His passion for visual storytelling ignited at the tender age of 10 when he stumbled upon Photoshop and began merging photographs and graphics into fantastical creations. “I’ve always had sketchbooks, crafted characters, and constructed small worlds,” Roberts reminisces. As time passed, his abilities transformed from simple design and photo manipulation into a cohesive and deeply personal artistic language.

His formal journey in the arts continued through college, where he pursued studies in film and television before ultimately redirecting his focus toward photography. He refined his capacity to use real-world visuals as a foundation for creative exploration. By merging his photography with sophisticated Photoshop techniques—layering distinct components, manually cutting out arms and clothing, and composing his own scenes—Roberts created a singular, expressive style that evokes a dreamlike yet tangible quality.

A Career and Passion Confronting Technological Misunderstanding

Despite years of dedicated labor, authentic craftsmanship, and the development of unique visual narratives, Roberts finds himself up against an unforeseen obstacle: the increasing public belief that his work is an outcome of AI. In a narrative shared on Reddit’s r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, he openly presented images he crafted along with disheartening remarks from viewers accusing him of employing AI for their creation.

“Sixteen years I’ve dedicated to my craft,” Roberts observed, visibly distressed by the presumptions, “and now many assume the art that takes me weeks to create is produced in seconds by a machine.”

This skepticism, spurred by the effortless capacity of AI platforms like Midjourney or DALL-E to generate elaborate visuals, reflects a broader cultural shift—people now tend to question the authenticity of digital art. In this atmosphere, creatives like Roberts are finding it challenging to argue for the significance of manual labor and originality in their artistic endeavors.

The Hidden Cost of Doubt

More than mere professional challenges, Roberts describes the situation as emotionally exhausting. “It’s heartbreaking, genuinely. Each photograph is authentic—I either hunt for or create every prop, assemble the outfits, and photograph everything myself,” he details. “My editing process is painstakingly hands-on. And to have that dismissed? It’s devastating.”

He further elaborates on a philosophical rift between AI art and human creativity. The former often emphasizes quantity and speed, while the latter conveys lived experiences, intention, and emotional depth. Roberts asserts that although AI art holds value, it should not supplant the genuineness of human storytelling. “I can assure you with 100% confidence that none of my images employ stock imagery or AI,” he declares resolutely. “I’m devoted to my craft, and that will not change.”

Navigating an Ambiguous Boundary

The discussion is not merely about pride but also hinges on trust and transparency. Roberts emphasizes an essential point regarding how society might adjust to this evolving visual environment. “Perhaps there should be watermarks or clear metadata tags signifying if something is AI-generated,” he proposes. “The issue is, people scroll too quickly to take notice. Some may mistakenly mark genuine images, while invented ones pass through unnoticed.”

He also points out that, ironically, it may eventually be AI systems that take on the responsibility of detecting other AI-generated visuals—a paradox that further obscures the distinction between machine and human creativity.

Coexistence or Conflict?

When asked whether he believes AI and traditional digital artistry can exist alongside each other, Roberts is unequivocal: “No, never. Not for me, at least.” His viewpoint not only reflects a personal inclination but also resonates with a broader fear among creatives concerned that their artistry may be eclipsed or diminished in the AI-dominated landscape.

To clarify, Roberts does not oppose the usage of tools—his entire artistic evolution began with Photoshop, after all. However, he draws the line where craftsmanship no longer necessitates a human touch. “Everything I create embodies my emotions. It’s storytelling without uttering words. That cannot be mirrored by a prompt,” he asserts.

Looking Forward: A Call for Recognition and Respect

The dialogue surrounding AI and the arts is one that will unquestionably continue to progress. As tools become increasingly sophisticated and accessible to larger audiences, the responsibility