As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it’s reshaping creative industries in ways that are both exciting and uncertain. From ethical debates to questions about originality and authorship, the role of AI in the arts, especially in digital illustration and concept design, is under growing scrutiny.
So, what does AI mean for working artists? And how can creatives adapt to stay ahead of the curve?
In this article, we look into the world of AI-generated art, explore some of the tools available, and share insights from concept artist and Head of Digital Painting at CGS, Brandon Reimchen (EA, Activision, Capcom, Disney Interactive) on how artists can thoughtfully approach AI in their practice.
What Is AI Art?

AI art refers to any creative work—images, videos, music, or text—produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence. While the process may involve some level of human input (usually prompts or reference materials), the final output is generated by an AI system.
Although AI-assisted art creation isn’t brand-new, it’s only in recent years that it has become widely accessible, sparking global discussions about its impact on creative work.
The Role of Machine Learning in AI Art
Machine learning—one of the core technologies behind AI—enables computers to “learn” from data without being explicitly programmed. By analyzing massive datasets (often scraped from the internet), machine learning algorithms can recognize patterns and generate new content based on them.
In the context of AI art, these algorithms range from basic randomized models to more advanced techniques like neural networks and deep learning. The result: highly realistic or stylized visual content created with minimal manual input.
Common AI Art Tools
Below are some popular platforms used to generate AI-assisted artwork:
Midjourney
Midjourney combines machine learning with generative art to produce creative imagery based on user prompts. Users submit instructions through a Discord channel, defining styles, colors, and other visual elements. Midjourney is often used for its painterly, stylized aesthetic.
DALL·E
Developed by OpenAI, DALL·E creates images from natural language prompts. Known for its photorealistic capabilities, it can also edit existing images by adding or removing elements—something Midjourney does not currently support.
Google Deep Dream
An experimental tool created by Google in 2015, Deep Dream uses neural networks to transform images into surreal, dreamlike visuals. It’s less about control and more about exploration, offering unique, abstract results.
DeepArt.io
This tool allows users to upload an image and apply artistic filters based on various styles—from classical to modern. It also includes customization options like color correction, brightness, contrast, and cropping.
What This Means for Artists

AI doesn’t need to replace creativity—it can complement it. Artists who understand AI’s potential and limitations can use it to enhance their work, speed up workflows, and experiment with new styles. As Brandon Reimchen advises, it’s important to use AI thoughtfully, maintaining originality and respecting ethical considerations.
Ultimately, the key is adaptability. The technology will continue to evolve, but so will the creative community. By staying informed and open to change, artists can continue to thrive—even in an AI-driven world.