Yes I use AI generated art in my designs.
What About Copyright?
Navigating copyright intricacies can be challenging, and it’s crucial to note that I am a designer, not a legal expert. My insights are based on general knowledge.
I use MidJourney which gives me Full Commercial Rights to use the images I create. (https://docs.midjourney.com/docs/terms-of-service).
MidJourney utilizes a diffusion model that transforms random pixels into images. It doesn’t involve copying and pasting pieces of existing art but rather uses algorithms to create entirely new pieces by extrapolating patterns and styles from training data. These algorithms generate content without directly copying existing pieces.
In terms of being able to copyright the final art, AI art is similar to using stock photography, in that it cannot be copyrighted unless significant changes result in a new work. When designing book covers, unless an illustrator is hired for a specific project, designers often use stock images and models. Copyrighting stock (and AI) images is challenging. I prefer AI over stock for its capacity to produce more unique and diverse art. I don’t use living artists’ names in prompts and refrain from purposefully copying their styles.
I want to emphasize that I am not a copyright lawyer, and the laws surrounding copyright are complex, I can’t guarantee anything. For a definitive answer, it’s recommended to consult with a legal professional.
For context, I am also a designer and illustrator, and my work has been used in training AI models.