Rich Johnson initiated discussions with his students at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design regarding the impact of artificial intelligence advancements in image production technology.
During the fall semester of 2023 to 2024, Johnson, an experienced associate professor specializing in online media and proficient in Adobe graphic design software, cautiously delved into the realm of AI systems. He advised students against immediate downloads of AI-integrated Adobe software versions until he could assess them personally and incorporate them into the curriculum for thorough analysis and discussion.
As both he and fellow artists quickly realized, AI’s rapid evolution blurs the lines between ownership and creativity, posing ethical dilemmas and raising concerns about the future of artistic professions.
“The ever-changing nature of AI presents a significant challenge,” Johnson emphasized.
The academic policy committee at PCA&D invited Johnson to join their ranks to develop guidelines for the ethical utilization of AI in faculty and student projects. By the academic year’s end, the committee aims to reassess existing scientific integrity regulations in light of AI’s potential impacts.
Johnson believes that AI should primarily serve as an aid rather than a creator, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in artistic endeavors.
Dean of Faculty Linda King Brown at PCA&D stated, “The primary objective of the policy committee’s mandate is to ensure students feel confident in employing AI tools ethically and transparently.” The committee aims to provide instructors with clear policies to navigate the intricate landscape of AI-generated content assessment.
Deborah Obalil, a senator and executive director at the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design, expressed mixed sentiments among artists regarding AI’s role in the creative process.
The ongoing debate surrounding fair use regulations and intellectual property rights has long been a concern for artists, particularly within the commercial art market structure, according to Obalil.
Generative AI leverages extensive image datasets to train algorithms that replicate and generate content with similar styles and characteristics. Despite the potential of AI tools like Lensa and DALL-E to create images based on textual prompts, concerns persist regarding artists’ consent and compensation for their original works used in training AI models.
Johnson acknowledged the complexities surrounding AI’s impact on artistic integrity, emphasizing the importance of educating students on safeguarding their creative output. He introduced Nightshade, a tool that manipulates image metadata to protect against unauthorized use or replication of AI-generated content.
AI’s rapid advancements pose a unique challenge, as technology evolves at an unprecedented pace in the realm of art and design, according to Obalil.
PCA&D Provost Carissa Massey highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that adapts to emerging technologies like AI while upholding academic integrity. Faculty are tasked with identifying and addressing potential breaches of educational integrity, particularly in disciplines where AI tools are prevalent.
Johnson remains vigilant in upholding intellectual integrity in his classes, emphasizing the importance of originality and personal investment in artistic creations. He asserts that discerning AI-generated content from authentic artwork requires a keen eye for detail and artistic nuance.
While acknowledging AI’s potential to streamline creative processes, Massey underscored the importance of maintaining ethical standards and authenticity in artistic endeavors. Faculty members are evaluated based on their adherence to these principles, ensuring that AI is utilized responsibly and transparently in educational settings.
As AI continues to reshape the artistic landscape, concerns about job displacement and the devaluation of human creativity persist. Johnson and Almanzar advocate for a collaborative approach between artists and AI tools, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity in creative endeavors.
