08/28/2026
Okay okay here is our opinion.
I actually think creating an affordable network of artists for small businesses is a great idea. Giving artists more opportunities to get paid and giving businesses easier access to creative services is a win.
Where I disagree is the idea that businesses should have to pledge not to use AI in order to participate.
AI and human artists don’t have to be enemies.
I use AI because it allows me to take MY photos, MY animals, MY products, MY logos, and MY ideas and turn them into promotional material quickly. I didn’t realize it took an artist to put words around a picture I’ve taken.
For a small business, sometimes I need a flyer tonight, not next week. Sometimes there simply isn’t money in the budget to pay someone every single time I need a story graphic, sale announcement, auction promo, or event post.
That doesn’t mean I don’t value artists. It means I’m running a business and using the tools available to me.
And if I need a custom logo, illustration, shirt design, photography, or something where an artist’s individual style and creativity matter, I’m perfectly willing to pay an artist for that work.
So build the artist network. Promote artists. Make pricing transparent. Give businesses affordable options. I support all of that.
But requiring businesses to publicly swear off an entire technology before they’re allowed access turns something that could bring the community together into another dividing line.
Give people a better option and let them choose it. You don’t have to ban the tool to prove the value of the artist.
