AI-generated images form basis for new Finnish stamps, sparking debate

Finland's postal service, Posti, is set to release two new stamps in September featuring native birds, the crane and the swan. Designed by Reetta Ranta and Riikka Haro, the stamps depict the birds in atmospheric natural landscapes.

However, the release has ignited a discussion about the potential use of artificial intelligence in their design. While Posti's official statement does not mention AI, a critical conversation emerged on social media platforms like Facebook after Ranta shared an update about the stamps. Concerns raised include AI's copyright issues and its significant energy consumption.

“

We made oracle cards about three years ago, in the design of which we utilized artificial intelligence.

Comic artist Siiri Viljakka also voiced strong criticism on Instagram, condemning Posti for accepting AI use and for not being transparent about it. Designer Reetta Ranta clarified that AI was not used in the final stamp design itself but that the stamps were modified from images largely created with AI.

“

For example, we cleaned up AI noise from them, and the swan has actually been redrawn entirely because it needs to be very detailed on a stamp.

Ranta explained that they used an AI tool called Midjourney about three years ago to create oracle cards, which served as the basis for the stamp artwork. These images were then further edited using Photoshop and Illustrator. Ranta noted that AI was chosen for the oracle cards to speed up the design process for their 49 cards, as their three-person team lacked the budget for a multi-year project.

Ranta expressed mixed feelings about using AI, acknowledging the importance of staying current with technological advancements while also worrying about AI's responsible use. She admitted that at the time of creating the oracle cards, discussions around AI responsibility were minimal, and they did not fully realize that AI might not adhere to instructions regarding copyright-free material. They emphasized that their intention was never to copy contemporary artists but to draw inspiration from historical styles.

“

We decided at the time to utilize artificial intelligence in the design of the oracle cards because it made the design of 49 cards faster.

While the oracle cards openly state the use of AI, the stamps do not carry such a mention. Sami Määttä, responsible for Posti's domestic letter services, stated that the mention was omitted because AI was only a small part of the design process. He added that the use of AI was not hidden, but it also wasn't deemed necessary to specifically announce.

“

But in no way did we consciously want to copy the work of some contemporary artist, but specifically a past era.