It’s a sad, but true fact that we now live in a world that is moving at break-neck speed with incredibly fast-changing technologies. I’ve actually been thinking about this for a bit, as I’ve watched other artists and designers make statements about the non-use of AI in creative businesses.
You may have recently seen Cathy Haberman’s (Hands On Design) post where she shared a logo for designers to use that let’s people know there was no “AI” used in the design process. I love that!
I had been deliberating putting a badge on our website for a while, but waffled back and forth since I think it’s fairly obvious that we embrace traditional ways of doing things. But, in the end, it’s good to officially declare that we do not and will not use AI or AI generated images in any part of our design process. This means I do not use AI-generated images as inspiration; no AI assistance in designing, creating (thinking) and/or writing patterns - or anything else for that matter.
I love Cathy's badge and she is so generous to offer it for use. But I wanted to make my own with some of my hand drawn doodles...so I did! So you may see it pop up on photos like the one below. But mostly, it'll be on our website.
I’m frankly one of those contrarians that will turn off AI elements wherever I can. I currently use a web browser that allows me to hide AI results in searches, and I’ve opted out (as much as is possible) of letting AI use my website content to train itself. It's pretty annoying how much companies push unwanted AI on all of us. Even now, as I'm writing this Shopify's version is sitting at the bottom of my screen...I can't turn it off.
Besides being a needlework designer, I also pursue fine art in my personal time. I draw and sketch, I paint in oils, gouache and watercolor. So I'm in complete agreement with artists who are concerned about the effects of AI on creative people and businesses. AI uses real artists images to generate so-called artwork, in the same way it uses bloggers and journalists writing and words to generate so-called writing.
I remember hearing Matt Fradd say “I've been thinking a lot lately about how much we've lost with every technological advancement, there is a poverty that isn't discovered until the glitter dies down.” That is too true. We may not even know what we've lost with the rapid deployment of so many AI "assistants" until much later.
As an example, I love to read books of letters. I’ve read the letters of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Harry Truman, and many others. It’s sad to think of future generations who will not be able to read the current generation’s letters, because there aren’t any to read. People don’t write letters anymore. That is a poverty.
Arthur Hunt says “Habits are acquired through practice. By constant repetition day in and day out, certain actions become habits, instilled in our bones. They comprise the rhythms and rituals of our lives, whether for good or for ill.”
Have good rituals. Live at a human-paced rhythm. Do your thinking (and creating) for yourself - it's one of God's gifts.
I'm Robin, the designer behind October House. You've found my journal, where I talk about stitching, sewing and anything else that might catch my fancy!
Make something beautiful today!
"My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read." - Abraham Lincoln
