Artificial intelligence: enemy or ally?
The history of visual arts has always been closely intertwined with technological evolution. In the 1990s, the arrival of computer graphics brought a mix of excitement and apprehension to illustrators and designers. Many saw these digital tools as a threat to traditional work, while others embraced them as an extension of the creative process. Today, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are seeing a similar moment, where creative possibilities are expanding while doubts about its impact emerge.
Tools that Shape Styles and Eras
Every technological innovation has left its mark on the aesthetics of visual arts. In the 1990s, the popularization of digital image editing allowed new illustrators to emerge, adopting digital collage as an artistic language. Simultaneously, vector drawing software such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW began to shape a new era of flat colors and clean shapes, influencing not only the advertising market but also the visual identity of an entire generation.
In the 2010s, the explosion of tablets and tools like Procreate brought the flat illustration style to the forefront, characterized by simplicity, versatility, and contemporary appeal. These examples show how tools are not just instruments for facilitating work; they influence the aesthetic and creative behavior of an era.
Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for New Styles
AI follows the same path. Image-generating models like DALL·E and MidJourney are already inspiring illustrators to explore new compositions, textures, and ways of integrating the unexpected into their work. While it is still too early to predict which styles will emerge from these technologies, it is safe to say that AI, like computer graphics in its time, will be a catalyst for new visual languages.
However, there is something AI cannot replicate: artistic intent and the human eye. Tools are incapable of creating stories or imbuing works with genuine emotion. They are powerful creative assistants but do not replace the creator.
Traditional Illustration’s Enduring Space in the Editorial Market
It is important to note that despite technological advancements, traditional illustration will always have its place in the editorial market. The tactile and hand-crafted quality of traditional techniques—whether in watercolor, pencil, or ink—brings a unique depth and personality to a project that AI simply cannot replicate. Many readers and publishers still favor the warmth and authenticity of illustrations created by human hands, and there will always be demand for this style. The value of traditional illustration lies not just in the final result, but in the process and intention behind each stroke.
The Adaptation of the Market and the Creator
The illustrator who knew how to adapt to digital tools in the 1990s thrived in a market that began to demand agility and innovation. Similarly, today, Artificial Intelligence presents itself as a new opportunity for those who wish to expand their creative possibilities and explore new territories.
But with advancement comes responsibility. Just as computer graphics taught us to balance the use of tools with the preservation of authorship, AI demands that creators address ethical issues such as copyright, originality, and market impact.
The Future of Illustration with AI
What we learned from computer graphics is that tools do not threaten human creativity—they enhance it. AI, rather than being seen as a rival, can be our partner in exploring the unknown. Just as illustrators attentive to technological changes shaped unforgettable styles through digital collage, vectors, or flat illustration, today’s artists have the chance to create a new aesthetic era with the support of AI.
In the end, what defines the relevance of a work is not the technology employed but the artist’s vision. Tools come and go, but human creativity is eternal.
And you, do you think Artificial Intelligence will end the illustrator's job? Or have you already started incorporating AI into your work?
*This text was written from the author's original ideas, with the help of Artificial Intelligence.