Cartoonists fear for industry with rise of AI-generated illustrations

The rise of artificial intelligence in creating illustrations has sparked significant anxiety among cartoonists, who fear for the viability of their industry. Media companies are increasingly adopting AI tools, leading to the publication of AI-generated artwork alongside traditional articles. The Herald Sun recently published an AI-generated illustration, clearly marked as such, depicting a political figure in a satirical scene. News Corp has reportedly been utilizing AI illustrations for about two years, a practice that has unsettled many artists. Cartoonist Fiona Katauskas described the proliferation of AI images as a "punch in the gut," highlighting concerns about job losses and the aesthetic quality of the generated art. She noted that AI cartoons often share a similar, unappealing style, making them easily identifiable. Katauskas also pointed out that this trend occurs as the media industry faces financial challenges, making AI a potentially cheaper alternative for filling content spaces. With over 30 years in the industry, she has witnessed significant changes and recently faced contract non-renewal, emphasizing the shrinking nature of cartooning. The Australian Cartoonists Association, through its deputy president David Blumenstein, has also voiced concerns about AI's infiltration into illustration, though he acknowledged it was not entirely unexpected. News Corp's code of conduct mandates labeling digitally altered images, including those from AI, and requires editorial oversight before publication, aiming to maintain journalistic standards.

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There's sadness because just as a cartoonist and an illustrator, it is AI taking someone's job.