Welcome to ACES WEEKLY Volume 73, Week Two!

Friends! There's a lot of worry in the world of art and illustration about the growth of AI art. Old news, you might say, and yes.  But there's always a new factor to bear in mind about it all, that's worth noting. You might justifiably think that small groups of people wanting to promote something they're passionate about with an illustration of some kind are the most liable to use AI art because they're - usually - economically strictured.  And bigger bodies, with more cash, are less likely to do so, because they're not.  On the other hand, small groups of passionate people are usually passionate about the rights of others, and will want to employ a real artist for that very reason - even if they can't afford a lot to give them. In a recent example I heard about, a small group that had some minimal help in its survival from a well-financed body was not even asked about its wishes in this regard by that body, which went ahead with AI art-produced promo material in its material, and would have got away with that shamefully cheap-option decision if a flag hadn't been raised by those with principled viewpoints who opposed it.  Happily, a real artist was eventually hired to do all needed illustrative work for the group, and the outrage was buried in the name of diplomacy.  This will keep on happening, friends, and maybe we might all become like King Canute in trying to hold it back.  But we must keep trying and fighting.  Real art deserves that from us all... : )  Stay safe, everyone!

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