Procreate Draws the Line: No Generative AI in Sight

Procreate, the popular iPad design app, has announced its firm stance against incorporating generative AI into its products. This commitment comes despite the rise in popularity and adoption of AI-driven technologies across the digital art industry. The company acknowledges that while machine learning is a significant technology, the direction in which generative AI is heading is not aligned with its platform's principles.

CEO James Cuda emphasized this position in a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he candidly stated, 'I really f****** hate generative AI. I don’t like what’s happening in the industry, and I don’t like what it’s doing to artists. We’re not going to be introducing any generative AI into our products. Our products are always designed and developed with the idea that a human will be creating something.' This bold declaration has resonated well with digital artists who have expressed dissatisfaction with other platforms that have embraced the technology.

The company’s stance has attracted widespread praise from the digital artist community. Many artists appreciate Procreate’s commitment to supporting human creativity over machine-generated content. This sentiment is increasingly relevant as major software companies like Adobe introduce generative AI features into their products, despite some backlash from users who are concerned about the implications for originality and creativity.

For example, Adobe, known for its extensive suite of design tools, has faced criticism for incorporating generative AI features and for concerns that user content might be used to train AI models. This has led to some users reconsidering their loyalty to Adobe and looking for alternatives that prioritize user creativity and control over their work.

Interestingly, Procreate’s decision contrasts sharply with the approach of its competitors. The illustration app Clip Studio Paint, for instance, faced backlash for initially attempting to release an image generator tool, ultimately resulting in them retracting the feature. This scenario showcases the contentious atmosphere surrounding the implementation of generative AI in creative tools.

Procreate's announcement signals a noteworthy moment in the digital art scene, especially at a time when the adoption of AI tools continues to spark debate about the future of human creativity. While the commitment not to follow AI trends could seem risky—potentially making Procreate appear outdated compared to its AI-embracing peers—it underlines the company's core values.

'We don’t exactly know where this story is going to go, how it ends. But, we believe that we’re on the right path, supporting human creativity,' James Cuda stated. This message of preserving human artistry has garnered significant support and may encourage other companies to reconsider their AI strategies.

As the digital art industry evolves, Procreate’s stance may influence other platforms and spark a larger conversation about the role of AI in creativity. The company’s commitment to human-made art over machine-generated content could inspire a movement among users and developers who prioritize creativity, control, and originality over the convenience and novelty of AI.