the future for artists and creatives in the age of ai-art
As an artist, creator, and content producer, I’ve encountered the evolving challenges of showcasing and selling my work in today’s digital landscape. It’s no secret that the internet has dramatically altered how we engage with art, but what’s less discussed are the underlying mechanics shaping this transformation.
The internet, originally conceived as a medium for easy information exchange, has retained a fundamental principle: the expectation of free access to content. This ethos persists, yet its implications for creators have shifted over time.
Initially, the internet offered artists direct access to their audience, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. We could curate and share our work directly, carving out niches and connecting intimately with our audience. However, as big corporations recognized the value of this direct connection, influencers emerged, and social media became the primary platform for engagement.
For a while, social media seemed like a boon for creators, providing unprecedented reach. Yet, the adage, “If you don’t pay for the service, you are the product,” became increasingly relevant. The influx of users led to saturation, making it harder to capture audience attention.
In response, shortcuts emerged. “Hacks” promised rapid social media growth, exploiting algorithms for visibility. Then came AI, enabling fast, inexpensive content creation. Platforms, realizing their role as middlemen, prioritized advertising revenue over content curation.
This shift birthed a culture of mass-produced, low-quality content and perpetuated a hustle mentality detrimental to creators. Seth Godin’s distinction between “working on the system” versus “working in the system” became starkly apparent.
To reclaim autonomy, I propose a return to the ethos of DIY movements like punk rock and underground scenes. We must create our platforms, fostering communities independent of corporate interests. It’s a daunting task, but the only path to authentic artistic expression and audience connection.
Creating our audience is paramount. By prioritizing direct engagement and community-building, we can transcend the limitations imposed by platform algorithms and profit-driven agendas.
In conclusion, the future of art in the digital age hinges on our ability to reclaim agency. Let’s embrace the challenge, forge our paths, and redefine success on our terms. Join me in navigating this shifting landscape, where authenticity and community reign supreme.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this perspective. Until next time, stay inspired.