Artists and creatives have voiced concerns over a growing trend that utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to create ‘starter pack’ images of individuals depicted as toys. Since early April, thousands of people have been uploading their photographs to various platforms in order to generate AI-produced images of themselves transformed into dolls.

This surge in AI-generated toy images has raised alarms among traditional artists, who worry that their livelihoods could be threatened by the widespread adoption of automated creativity. Nick Lavellee, an experienced custom action figure maker with six years in the craft, expressed his apprehensions to the BBC. He highlighted that social media has been saturated with AI-generated images, which may be leading to a diminished appreciation for handcrafted artistic work. “People are sick of them,” Lavellee said, stressing that while creating custom figures is an “artistic aesthetic,” AI-generated art undermines this value.

Beyond the impact on artists, critics of the trend have also pointed to potential environmental concerns linked to the computational power required for AI image generation. Additionally, issues regarding personal privacy have been raised, as users upload photographs that may reveal sensitive information. The widespread use of AI for creative purposes has also prompted discussions about originality and the devaluation of human creativity in the arts.

The BBC reports that while the allure of seeing oneself transformed into a toy through AI appeals to many, it has simultaneously sparked a pushback among creators who depend on their craft for income and artistic recognition. This development underscores the ongoing debate around the evolving role of artificial intelligence within the creative industries.

Source: Noah Wire Services