From Factories to Algorithms

I want to make it clear that I do not wholeheartedly endorse the concept of using artificial intelligence to run a comic book industry. Instead, I believe that having a diverse team of individuals working on a project is much more advantageous and should be encouraged.

It's not about sticking to tradition for tradition's sake, but about the collaborative process that brings together a diverse group of individuals to create a masterpiece that resonates with many. I believe that relying too heavily on artificial intelligence can be detrimental to the industry and stifle creativity if overused or misused. It has the potential to overshadow the hard work and dedication of writers and illustrators who have honed their craft through years of education, study, and practice, ultimately taking away from the quality of the final product.

While I may not be fully in favor of the idea, I do acknowledge that there are certain aspects that need to be addressed. If left unchecked, there is a risk that concept creators, as well as creators in general, may be drawn towards relying on AI to bring their creations to life. This shift could parallel the impact that the industrial revolution had on society, potentially altering the landscape of the creative industry.

In the era of the Industrial Revolution, there was a significant shift from individual production on personal land and tools to the adoption of mechanized manufacturing in centralized factories. This transition saw businesses investing in new technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity, enabling them to scale up production and boost profits.

People were drawn to factory work for the promise of steady wages and the opportunity to earn a living outside of agriculture. This shift essentially transformed the economy and society, leading to urbanization, specialization of labor, and the rise of a market-driven economy. Likewise with AI, you may understand my concern as technology advances, that there may be a decrease in job opportunities for the working class, as tasks are increasingly automated through artificial intelligence systems. It could potentially eliminate various stages of the production process in industries such as comic books. It is important to consider the implications of this trend on society as a whole, as it raises questions about the future of work and the distribution of wealth. We must carefully examine the potential consequences of relying too heavily on AI and ensure that measures are in place to protect the livelihoods of those who may be impacted by these changes. Ultimately, we must strive for a balance between technological progress and the well-being of our workforce.

By my judgement, I consider this as the next Industrial Revolution, because AI has the capability to perform certain tasks at a much faster pace and with minimal cost, thereby increasing productivity compared to a team of individuals. This is not to discredit the value of teamwork, as I believe collaboration is essential. However, as someone who has been immersed in the process of creating my own comic book universe, I have encountered obstacles and uncertainties that have led me to question the future of this industry.

Have you ever ventured into the journey of creating a comic book? Well, the cost of each component is crucial in the creation of a comic book. A skilled scriptwriter can range from $500 to $600, while artists who handle character design, pages, pin-ups, covers, etc., typically charge between $200 to $400 per page. This doesn't even include expenses for lettering, coloring, inking, and other essential roles such as editors. As an independent creator aiming to publish my first issue, I have estimated that the out-of-pocket expenses for creating a captivating product will amount to at least $7,000 or more.

While I am willing to invest in my project because I have faith in the concept of my characters and storyboard, I am concerned for others who may not have the resources, time or mental fortitude to see themselves through a similar creative endeavor. I worry about those who may not have the same determination as myself when faced with these challenges, and may be tempted by the allure of AI as a more cost-effective and efficient option. I fear that individuals facing similar dilemmas may eventually feel compelled to turn to AI as a solution due to its affordability, productivity, and accessibility, even if it means sacrificing the personal touch and creativity that comes with collaboration.

Therefore, oversaturating the industry with less passionate businessmen and women who put out content and art that is void of collaborative creativity, resulting in damaging genuine and well-thought-out art and story. Not to mention, taking away from our inherited social dependency we have built within us that when a product has had to pass through the hands of actual passionate artists, it becomes a collaborative product to take pride in at the end result because of the effort of many on one; in this case, a comic book issue.

As we delve deeper into the era of artificial intelligence and its impact on various industries, one particular challenge that has emerged is the relationship between AI and artists. This relationship has brought about a new wave of industrialization, presenting both opportunities and obstacles. One of the challenges I have encountered is the struggle with artists who either fail to deliver work despite payment or produce subpar work solely for financial gain.

Here are some complications as a creator that I have run into. I'll list two common ones: There have been instances where artists disappeared after being compensated for their services with no results at all. The most common issue I face is finding talented artists whose rates don't exceed my budget, making it disheartening to realize that only established names in the industry can afford their services. Can you understand the appeal that AI holds for those who may choose to take that path?

Again, I have observed a lack of collaboration among individuals to create a cohesive and successful product that benefits all parties involved in the creative process. While some may be open to negotiation, it can be disheartening for creators like myself who are hesitant to compromise on payment in fear of compromising the quality of the work. I wonder if this is driven by a desire for financial gain, a recognition of the limitations of high rates in attracting diverse projects, or simply a deep passion and eagerness to collaborate on exciting projects with creators. I believe in fair compensation for all contributors and am reluctant to settle for less in order to maintain the integrity of the project. I've noticed that some individuals are willing to reduce their prices in order to work with independent creators.

So it's either pay the full price or risk negotiations and get low-quality work. Not saying this has happened because I truly believe people are worthy of their work, at least the ones I've reached out to, but whatever happened to collectively coming together on an idea, working together for a moment to create a great piece in order to build up? Is it a thing anymore, or is it dying because everyone feels like they should be getting top-grade pay at all times regardless of whether it's from an independent creator vs. a well-established creator?

I believe that the challenges faced by independent creators in the industry are leading more people to turn to AI for assistance. This trend is exemplified by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is utilizing AI for his upcoming comic book. Despite having the financial means to hire artists and writers, Kaepernick may find it more cost-effective to use AI.

If his success in this venture encourages others to do the same, it could potentially harm artists, writers, and creators by fragmenting a once unified experience. This could lead to a shift towards collaborating with artificial intelligence rather than with creative individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives to develop a singular project. I am a proponent of collaborative creations, as we are inherently designed with social structures ingrained within us.

Likewise, in the era of the industrial revolution, entrepreneurs were instrumental in championing the concept of industrialization. They highlighted the advantages of mechanized production, higher productivity, reduced expenses, and greater financial gains. They made significant investments in building essential infrastructure like factories and transportation systems to facilitate the expansion of industrialization. Could this be the beginning of promoting artificial intelligence creations through methods similar to Kaepernick's?

Overall, businesses were instrumental in driving the Industrial Revolution and shaping the modern economy as we know it today. And because of AI and its rise, I believe we are headed into a new era where people will cut out not just the middleman but several spots within the comic book industry if we don't come together. This will not only be a problem in the comic book industry but also in all of pop culture for creators and inventors.

However, I do think there could be some good usage out of AI from creators without compromising the integrity of collaborative effort. It's possible to use AI as a tool without relying on it.

But what are your thoughts on the impact of AI? Are there potential problems on the horizon, and if so, what are they? Should creators and artists collaborate differently, or is the current approach sufficient? Is this a fixed issue, or is it open to individual interpretation? There are many questions to consider, but I'm interested in hearing your perspective.