AI for Artists: Creative Tools, Not Creative Replacements

The sixth of Swaptik Chowdhury’s series for RabbleRouse News.

Several recent developments have the potential to impact the creative landscape for artists everywhere. Google unveiled Veo 3, a breakthrough AI tool for video creation that promises to make video production more accessible and efficient. Veo 3 can generate high-quality video content from simple text prompts, opening new possibilities for content creators, advertisers, and artists. For example, Ancestra is an excellent example of how Veo can be combined with live-action filmmaking to create a short film. However, concerns are growing around the misuse and mislabeling of AI-generated videos, especially with ultra-realistic audio-visual clips.

Another important development is the recent court ruling on the use of copyrighted material for training the models. Anthropic won a critical and contentious legal battle, affirming that training AI models on copyrighted books can be considered a transformative form of “fair use”. Yet, the case also highlights ongoing debates about data ethics and copyright in AI development, and Anthropic still faces legal scrutiny over the use of pirated books.

This legal and ethical landscape sets the stage for innovative approaches that prioritize responsibility and artistic integrity. One such example is Asteria, a production studio co-founded by filmmaker Bryn Mooser, which is pioneering a new approach to generative AI in the filmmaking industry. Their upcoming sci-fi film, Uncanny Valley, utilizes an AI model trained exclusively on ethically sourced data, aiming to preserve artistic integrity while embracing AI’s creative potential. Asteria exemplifies a growing movement to ensure AI supports human creativity rather than replaces it. When used thoughtfully, AI tools can become powerful extensions of an artist’s vision.

With new funding cycles underway, this piece examines accessible AI tools that can aid artists in various tasks. Let’s continue following Mira Sinha, a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends dance, sculpture, and poetry to explore ecological themes and rituals. As she prepares her upcoming project, Cycles of Renewal, Mira turns to AI to manage both creative and administrative tasks more efficiently.

ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini: Writing and Research Assistance

These large language models (LLMs) generate text by learning patterns in massive datasets of human writing. Artists can use these tools to draft artist statements, grant proposals, promotional copy, and brainstorm ideas.

A key to effective use is prompt engineering, the art of crafting clear, specific instructions that guide the AI’s output. Let’s recap the simple prompt engineering formula:

You are a [role]. Perform [task]. Include [context]. Follow [constraints].

For instance, Mira might prompt:
“You are a grant writer. Write a 200-word summary for an ecological sculpture and dance project titled Cycles of Renewal, emphasizing ritual, ecological loss, and rebirth.”

Other prompts Mira finds helpful include:

• “Edit this artist statement to be concise, engaging, and suitable for a gallery brochure.”
• “Brainstorm five project titles exploring migration and memory, each with a one-line description.”
• “Write a warm social media post promoting an upcoming exhibition.”
• “Research and list five upcoming arts grants or theater residencies suitable for a dance and sculpture project focused on ecology.”

Many artists and nonprofits report that using LLMs speeds up grant writing and outreach, allowing more time for creativity.

Midjourney: Visual Concept Generation

Midjourney is an AI image generator that creates visuals from text prompts. Mira might describe:
“A serene forest clearing at dusk with abstract sculptures representing ecological cycles, soft lighting, and an immersive mood.”
This tool utilizes deep learning to analyze vast image collections, generating original and evocative art. Artists have employed Midjourney for concept art, exhibition visuals, and murals. For example, Firefly Path, a designer, created a physical representation of an AI-generated image using Midjourney.

Runway ML: Video Editing and Animation

Runway ML offers AI-powered video editing tools. Mira could instruct:
“Create a 60-second video montage with gentle transitions and an ambient, contemplative mood.”
This lets her quickly produce polished videos without technical expertise. Creatives have used Runway ML for music videos, promotional clips, and experimental animation.

Soundraw: AI-Generated Music Composition

Soundraw generates original music tracks tailored to moods and genres. Mira might request:
“Ambient, contemplative music with soft, rhythmic percussion, 3 minutes long.”
Trained on extensive music databases, Soundraw helps musicians and artists create custom soundscapes. Notably, rapper Fivio Foreign collaborated with Soundraw to produce AI-generated beats for his song “Doin Me.”

Emerging Advanced Tools

While Mira focuses on accessible tools, she is aware of advanced AI technologies such as:

• Eleven Labs, for realistic synthetic voice generation for voiceovers.
• 2wai’s HoloAvatars, which create interactive digital twins.

These expand artistic possibilities but often require some technical skill and computational resources.

As AI continues to become a fundamental part of the creative process, artists face both exciting possibilities and important responsibilities. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Runway ML offer powerful ways to enhance creativity and efficiency, while landmark legal decisions and ethical debates remind us to use these technologies thoughtfully. By understanding the tools and their implications, especially around copyright and data use, artists can maintain control over their work and ensure AI serves as a meaningful partner rather than a replacement. Responsible use and clear, intentional prompting will be key to preserving artistic integrity as we navigate this evolving landscape.

I invite you to share your experiences with AI in your art. Contact me at swaptikchowdhury16@gmail.com so we can continue this important conversation about the evolving role of AI in creative expression.