The developers of the popular iPad graphics and illustration app Procreate have refused to implement generative AI, expressing solidarity with artists concerned about the professional and ethical implications of the technology. Procreate CEO James Cuda denounced the “theft” and “sterile future” that he believes generative AI brings to the arts.
Procreate’s Stance on Generative AI
Procreate’s team issued a strong statement: “Generative AI rips the humanity out of things. Built on a foundation of theft, it is leading us to a sterile future. We believe machine learning is a compelling technology with many benefits, but the path generative AI is taking is wrong for us and our industry.” This statement has resonated deeply with the creative community, which has been increasingly alarmed by the rapid spread of generative AI tools. Artists are particularly concerned about AI models being trained on their work without consent or compensation, fearing that the widespread adoption of such technology could significantly reduce employment opportunities in the arts.
Community Support and Industry Responses
Procreate is positioning itself in contrast to other companies that have struggled to navigate the influx of generative AI tools. For instance, Procreate’s competitor Clip Studio Paint abandoned its plans to introduce image generation features after facing criticism from users. Similarly, Wacom, the graphics tablet maker, and Wizards of the Coast, the owner of Magic: The Gathering, have had to apologize for inadvertently using AI-generated images in their products after backlash from the community. Even Adobe, which has attempted to take a more “ethical” approach to generative AI, has faced criticism. Although Adobe claims that its Firefly models are trained on licensed or copyright-free content, many artists feel the company has distanced itself from independent creators, particularly due to recent changes like shifting to a subscription-based model for its apps.
Procreate’s Commitment to Artists
Procreate remains in high demand among artists, largely due to its firm stance against generative AI. Unlike Adobe and Clip Studio Paint, Procreate sticks with a one-time $13 purchase model rather than moving to a subscription service. The company is also steadily expanding its toolset, including desktop applications, adds NIX Solutions. Its unwavering commitment not to implement generative AI has been a relief to artists who feel their options are narrowing.
James Cuda expressed, “We don’t know exactly where this story is going or how it’s going to end, but we believe we’re on the right path to supporting people’s creativity.” We’ll keep you updated as the situation develops and as Procreate continues to advocate for artists in the digital age.