Lately, I've been asking myself a question that really shouldn't need asking: What makes art real? It seems like such a simple thing—art is creativity expressed. It's emotion, story, colour, contrast, symbolism, beauty, weirdness, joy, sorrow... all of it. But when you’re creating art with AI as part of your process, people suddenly start drawing lines in the sand.
I've poured myself into my work—guiding every brushstroke the AI helps me make, choosing each color and symbol with care, crafting entire series around themes I love. And yet, I've had people tell me it's not real art. Not valid. Not worthy. That it doesn’t count because I didn’t hold a physical brush. That hurts more than I like to admit.
But here’s the thing: creativity is still creativity. Vision is still vision. I’m still the one putting the pieces together, refining, deciding what feels right, and making it mine. The AI doesn't dream up these mystical mares or fallen angels or oddball characters—it’s me who does that. The tool just helps me bring them to life. Is it really so different from someone using Photoshop or a digital drawing tablet?
The sting has been sharper lately, because I was actually rejected from several local markets simply because I use AI in my work. One organiser even told me flat out "we don't allow AI art.” Not “we’re full” or “try next time”—just an outright no, because of the medium I work in. That hurt. It made me feel like my work was somehow less than, like it didn’t belong in the same space as other artists.
But art has always evolved. New tools, new styles, new ways of telling stories. There was a time when photography wasn’t considered real art. Digital art faced the same battle. And now AI is just the latest “unwelcome guest” in the art world. But I’m not going anywhere. This is my creative outlet, and I’m proud of what I make.
So if you’ve ever felt the same—if you’re a creator using new tools, and you’ve been told your work doesn’t count—I see you. Keep making what sets your soul on fire. The world doesn’t get to define your art. You do.
For this blog I'd really appreciate some feedback (if you can), let me know what you think about AI Art, whether you're a creator of AI art or not. How has your art been accepted? What comments have people made about your art?
🎇Take care and keep creating ❤️
Lisa (blue avalon)
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