AI-generated action figures: A trend, then an artistic rebellion

Artificial intelligence has made its mark in the world of digital art, with AI-generated action figures recently becoming a viral sensation across social media. This growing trend, driven by the capabilities of AI tools like ChatGPT, gained widespread attention as users uploaded their personal photos and requested the AI to transform them into miniaturized action figures, complete with custom accessories like iced coffees, laptops, and even running shoes. These figures, known as “starter packs,” often featured labels with the subject’s name and profession, offering a playful and personalized touch.

While AI-generated action figures initially captivated internet users, the trend soon sparked a wave of resistance from human artists. Illustrator and ceramicist Holly Rolfe, based in England, was among those who felt disheartened by the rise of these AI creations. "The worst was seeing small, especially creative businesses—and even graphic designers—hopping on the trend," Rolfe shared. She felt that it highlighted a growing disconnect between corporations and the artists whose work was often overlooked in favor of cheaper, quicker AI alternatives. Rolfe, along with other artists, took to social media with their own hand-drawn renditions of the starter pack concept, using the hashtag #StarterPackNoAI to push back against the digital tide.

As the debate over AI-generated art intensified, concerns about the ethics and implications of such technology began to surface. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, faced criticism from several sectors, including news outlets, authors, and visual artists, for its role in enabling AI to replicate and reimagine copyrighted works. The company has since requested the U.S. government’s assistance in easing restrictions on the use of copyrighted materials to improve AI’s learning process, aiming to strengthen the U.S.'s competitive edge in the technology sector.

Despite these concerns, AI-powered platforms continue to evolve, and the conversation surrounding their impact on creative industries has grown more complex. Many AI models are now capable of mimicking the styles of specific artists or studios. This phenomenon became especially notable last month when AI-generated memes and portraits in the style of Studio Ghibli’s distinct animation style flooded the internet, prompting copyright debates. Studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has publicly expressed disdain for AI art, calling it "an insult to life itself." In response, OpenAI stated that it restricts AI from generating images in the style of individual living artists but allows for broader studio-based styles.

For graphic designer Rachel Dormal, who creates and sells her art online, the rise of AI-generated content poses a serious threat to her livelihood. Dormal expressed concerns that the ease and affordability of AI art could undermine the value of human-made creations, making it harder for artists to earn a living. "People don’t understand all the training data that is sucked up to create a soulless reproduction of someone’s style," she explained. "There are some artists who spend their entire lives building a specific style, only for it to be stolen and rebranded as the 'AI style.'"

Dormal, like many others, responded to the AI trend by creating her own personalized starter pack art, which she shared online to emphasize the importance of real human creativity. Similarly, Kentucky-based digital artist April Schweiss, who has struggled to make a full-time living from her illustrations in the face of AI-generated competition, joined the movement, sharing her own action figure starter pack with accessories that reflected her personal life and interests.

Artists like Haley Weaver, a Seattle-based writer and illustrator, also felt the weight of AI's growing presence in the creative field. Weaver, who has experienced the unauthorized use of her artwork online, noted that while the AI-generated action figures were “cute,” they lacked the depth and soul that come with human-created art. Weaver responded by creating her own "Haley Weaver Starter Pack" with the label “100% AI Free!” She emphasized that the value of art lies in the unique style and thoughtful effort behind it, something that AI-generated content often lacks.

As AI technology continues to evolve and shape the future of digital art, it is clear that the conversation surrounding its role in creative industries is far from over. While AI offers new opportunities for artistic expression, it also raises important questions about originality, copyright, and the economic impact on artists. For many creatives, the rise of AI art represents both a challenge and a call to action—an invitation to reclaim the authenticity and craftsmanship that defines human-made creations.

In a world where AI increasingly shapes how we experience art, the voices of human artists are essential in ensuring that creativity remains a deeply personal and irreplaceable endeavor.