Procreate Takes Firm Stand Against Generative AI, Wins Praise from Creative Community
In a bold move that has resonated with digital artists worldwide, Procreate CEO James Cuda has publicly denounced the use of generative AI in the creative industry. The announcement has been met with relief and support from Procreate users, who have grown increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on their profession.
Cuda’s statement highlighted the negative consequences of generative AI on both the industry and individual artists. The creative community has raised alarm over AI models being trained on content without proper consent or compensation, as well as the potential reduction in employment opportunities for human artists.
Procreate’s official website now features a critique of generative AI, stating that it “removes humanity from art.” While acknowledging the potential benefits of machine learning, the company firmly rejects the current trajectory of generative AI development. This stance has been widely praised by creatives who have expressed dissatisfaction with other companies’ integration of AI tools.
The digital art industry has seen significant upheaval in recent months due to AI-related controversies. Clip Studio Paint, for instance, canceled plans for image-generation features following user backlash. Companies such as Wacom and Wizards of the Coast have issued apologies for using AI-generated assets. Even Adobe, despite claiming to use only licensed or out-of-copyright content for its AI models, has faced criticism for its approach to generative AI.
Amidst this turbulent landscape, Procreate’s market position appears to be strengthening. The company maintains a one-time purchase model at $12.99 USD, eschewing the subscription-based approach adopted by many competitors. Procreate has also expanded its offerings to include animation tools and plans for desktop versions.
James Cuda expressed his commitment to supporting human creativity, stating, “Despite the uncertainties in our industry, we remain dedicated to empowering artists and preserving the integrity of human-created art.”
As the debate over AI in creative industries continues, Procreate’s firm stance against generative AI has undoubtedly bolstered its appeal among digital artists seeking alternatives to AI-integrated software. The coming months will likely reveal whether this strategy will further cement Procreate’s position as a leader in digital art applications.