iPad Illustration App Procreate Condemns Generative AI

[MacRumors]

iPad illustration app Procreate today announced that it has no plans to bring generative AI to its software, setting itself apart from many competitors who have embraced the technology.

The decision comes at a time when many companies in the digital art space, such as Adobe, are rapidly integrating AI capabilities into their products and services. Procreate's stance is grounded in a commitment to preserving what it describes as the "humanity" of creative work. The company issued a statement on its website that expressed strong reservations about the impact of generative AI on the creative process:

Generative AI is ripping the humanity out of things. Built on a foundation of theft, the technology is steering us toward a barren future. We think machine learning is a compelling technology with a lot of merit, but the path generative AI is on is wrong for us.

We're here for the humans. We're not chasing a technology that is a moral threat to our greatest jewel: human creativity. In this technological rush, this might make us an exception or seem at risk of being left behind. But we see this road less travelled as the more exciting and fruitful one for our community.

James Cuda, the CEO of Procreate, reinforced the position in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his dislike of generative AI and explaining that Procreate's products are designed with the intention that "a human will be creating something." The announcement appears to have resonated with many digital artists who have expressed concerns about the integration of AI into creative tools.

Article Link: iPad Illustration App Procreate Condemns Generative AI

 

[kmm1482]

Makes me like them even more!

 

[mknelson]

"Pro"create, not "Lazy"create.

 

[Gengar]

I don't blame them. Everything is being dumbed down so anyone can call themself an "artist" or "content creator."

 

[arkitect]

Hopefully this stand against the tsunami of AI s**t is only the beginning and will grow.

Of course with the behemoth Adobe having sold their soul others will always be tempted to go the artificial route.

 

[axantas]

If I may…

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/see-apple-intelligence-in-action.2432554/post-33290736

 

[Macalway]

More of the ol John Henry.

Damn Machines. LOL You do see the irony here? They see this as a threat to what?

Their business.

 

[frozencarbonite]

I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. I don't see generative AI going away anytime soon. Hate to say it, but you might as well learn how to use it to your advantage or get left behind.

 

[richpjr]

...you might as well learn how to use it to your advantage or get left behind.

People who ignore this will eventually face a bleak future - right or wrong...

 

[Ramchi]

All lofty words! Let us see in few years from now. These stands look great initially. The pace at which these tech transitions happen , they will erase all these high on the chair stands. We can’t stop something that we have intended to use and created! Good or bad! You can only try delay the inevitable!

 

[Etc_]

Well, that was probably the last time Procreate was featured in an Apple keynote. Calling out generative AI, especially with Apple entering this field, isn't likely to sit well with them.

 

[yi11]

James Cuda, the CEO of Procreate

Company that opposes AI has CEO named CUDA. Can't get better than this!

 

[Frosties]

Yes, anyone that can not draw a perfect circle is not our friend, because the ai understands and helps you, not anymore.

 

[Macalway]

The problem with AI isn't AI, it's the idiots who are jumping the gun and making it a joke.

And btw, this announcement by them is a mistake, and will be retracted, mark my words. Some kind of fit.

 

[mgz]

Hope no one at procreate uses any generative AI to write code. Right?

 

[Pafoofnik]

To whomever at Procreate that got this initiative through: You made my day! I am so sick of the lemming mentality seen EVERYWHERE these days, idiocy in its purest form. But you at Procreate have shown that there is still a drop or two of testosterone to be found on this planet! Bravo, Procreate, Bravo!

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I do understand this tKe, but only to a certain extent. It caters more to the art-for-arts sake where one creates art for their own pleasure, which is fine, but let’s not rule out the benefits of a feature such a playgrounds from a productivity perspective.

For instance, imagine creating a Keynote or document where you needed an image to add context to the subject. Rather than going on Google to find an image that doesn’t fit in style, looks poor, or isn’t royalty free, you have the ability to let the device create one for you that may look far better, and crucially is quicker and easier.

 

[nt5672]

I don't blame them. Everything is being dumbed down so anyone can call themself an "artist" or "content creator."

"....can call themself a mediocre "artist" or "content creator."

There, fixed it for you.

 

[Pafoofnik]

I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. I don't see generative AI going away anytime soon. Hate to say it, but you might as well learn how to use it to your advantage or get left behind.

But if AI is doing your work for you, what exactly is it that YOU are designing?

 

[jz0309]

while I don’t use that app, I 100% support this and sure hope it will not backfire, as in people not using the app because of lack of genai crap

 

[MrENGLISH]

I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. I don't see generative AI going away anytime soon. Hate to say it, but you might as well learn how to use it to your advantage or get left behind.

Same here and unfortunately this is 💯 the truth. My employer already expects me to incorporate it as often as I can.

 

[citysnaps]

Smart move. I support their decision.

 

[Macalway]

But if AI is doing your work for you, what exactly is it that YOU are designing?

You need t use it in a limited way, not full bore, which would be counterproductive. The fear that it can do every aspect
of a process thus eliminating the middle man (you), only applies to those who find work tedious. Then there's the 'I can't tell them apart' fear, that's been there since to invention of photography.

 

[Zapski]

As a Procreate user, I wholeheartedly support this

 

[ProbablyDylan]

But if AI is doing your work for you, what exactly is it that YOU are designing?

I can ask the same question about my boss tbh. If I'm doing all the work what's he doing?