My next story is still not quite ready to post so I’ve decided to share an art talk on two topics with you instead.
AI Art
First up, AI Art, a fiercely debated topic lately, especially with the latest lawsuit.
As an artist, I do worry that such tools will further devalue the hard work of artists. I frequently have to turn down clients because they expect me to work for either nothing citing I should “do it for exposure” or for so little it makes it honestly insulting ($3 for 3 hours or more of work? Really?). I do not inflate my prices and simply charge based on material costs (canvas, paint, etc) plus my time, which I use local average wage to calculate. A wage I might add that I would get as a minimum if I held a different degree and a ‘traditional’ job. This still gets people bemoaning that I “charge too much” even though I have noticed my prices are on the lower end of what many artists charge.
To be fair, I think most non-artists don’t realize how much time it takes an artist to create. My Inktober drawings, for instance, take roughly 2-3 hours to make, with some like Nest taking over 4 hours due to the level of detail in it. I’m working on an acrylic painting that’s 16” x 20” and have logged 18 hours of work on it so far and it’s maybe 25% done so will likely take me the equivalent of 9 days of a full time 8hr job to complete. How much can you earn in that time with your job? Even at the US minimum wage of $7.25 that’s over $500 of work. Another factor to remember is retail commissions. If it’s art sold in a gallery or store, then you can expect 40-50% of the cost to not even go to the artist. That ‘expensive’ painting you see in a shop could be equal to minimum wage or less depending on the time it took the artist.
However worrisome it feels to have computers generate in seconds what takes an artist days or weeks to do, a number of companies have made it a far bigger issue by adding a different element to the mix: Art Theft.
Midjourney and other companies have allegedly simply taken artists’ work to use in their generators with zero permission or compensation to the artists. It is all the more infuriating because they easily could have gone about it legally and ethically. As a result, we not only have three artists with a lawsuit pending, but Getty Images has thrown its own too. I may even be impacted by copyright infringement as my art is online in various spots, I am currently trying to look into it.
For those wishing to read more on the lawsuit here are a few links:
Business Insider MSN News PC Magazine
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My Muse
Let’s move on to the more positive topic I wanted to discuss…
As many of you may know, my muse (the well of creativity that fuels my art and writing) is music. I listen to a wide range of genres, but lately I have been binge-listening to a number of amazing indie artists. All are available to stream on your preferred platform, though I tend to use the paid version of Tidal as it has consistently had better sound quality and a supposedly higher payout to musicians. Some of the musicians have Bandcamp accounts too which allow you to buy their music that you can then download and play anytime anywhere.
Now, onto the musicians I’ve been listening to…
First up is Dain Weisner, a local Seattle musician that I will be hearing live tomorrow in Bellingham, WA. It’ll be the third time I hear him perform live so I know it is well worth the lengthy drive and hotel stay. He has a diverse collection of music that’s enjoyable for all ages. Indeed, my six year old daughter adores Comet and Tinman, frequently requesting them in the car. I’ve racked up over 350 streams so far this month so it’s safe to say I’m a fan, lol.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dainweisnermusic
Bandcamp: https://dainweisner.bandcamp.com
Next is Gavin Michaels, another Washington musician, though he’s currently in Ohio studying for his Master’s degree in theater. I had the pleasure of hearing him perform live earlier this month during his brief return home and it was an amazing, immersive experience. Fans of emo/punk style music will definitely enjoy his music. He doesn’t have his newer stuff on Bandcamp, but you can follow his Instagram and YouTube channel for some unique videos and updates.
Instagram: @_gavinmichaels
YouTube: @GavinMichaels
I also have a post with some pics and videos on my Instagram from the show:
Speaking of punk, Something United is up next. I heard this band alongside Gavin who actually used to be their bassist until he moved to Ohio. Lots of energy as you’d expect, but uplifting too, not the hate everything/everyone anger I’ve noticed is prevalent in the genre.
Instagram: @somethingunited
Bandcamp: https://somethingunited.bandcamp.com/
Moving to more of the emo side, we have two artists, one mellow and one decidedly not. Days to Waste was supposed to play at the show I attended, but ended up canceling. I still enjoy the moody emotional songs though and hope to catch a live show soon.
Instagram: @daystowaste
Bandcamp: https://daystowaste.bandcamp.com
Braden Ross did perform at the show and is an energetic, hip hop style powerhouse. The lyrics are emotional and his delivery live is so intense you can’t help belting them out alongside him. He, along with Gavin, had me sounding very croaky after the show.
Instagram: @bradenrossmusic
Bogus Lotus is based in Edmonds, WA and was Gavin’s bassist for his show here. He only has two songs available so far, but they are worth a listen.
Instagram: @bogus_lotus
Bandcamp: https://boguslotus.bandcamp.com/
Two Mile Moon is another musician with a limited selection, but this Cleveland musician goes for quality over quantity. The relatability of It’s Been Done Before makes it a must listen for any creative regardless of medium and his latest release, The Curtain, hits deep in the feels.
Instagram: @twomilemoon
Jumping to a bouncier band, Spooky Boys is not what you’d expect from the name. It’s actually surf rock style, in the same vein as The Beach Boys of the 60s, but with a slightly more rock/punk edge to the vocals. I’m hoping they come up from their hometown of Portland, OR soon so I can hear them perform live.
Instagram: @spookyboyssuck
Bandcamp: https://spookyboyspdx.bandcamp.com/
My final musician is actually one found right here on Substack. Fog Chaser releases complex, atmospheric instrumental pieces monthly here and also has a collection available on streaming platforms. They are a perfect accompaniment to reading, knitting, or just trying to wake up in the morning.
Substack:
Instagram: @fogchaser__
Bandcamp: https://fog-chaser.bandcamp.com/
I hope you guys enjoyed this interlude between stories. I will have at least the first chunk of Blood Rite, my second Tales of Tuomi story, ready to go by next week. I’m just having some trouble getting a few dialogue scenes to flow right. Feel free to share your comments on either topic or share some of your own favorite musicians.
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Art Talk
Great post. I’ve been getting increasingly uncomfortable using Midjourney for things. I like it for ideas, but doesn’t feel right half the time. I’d be interested to see how this lawsuit plays out. You know what it reminds me of? Early days of Napster illegal music downloads. Now we have Spotify, which Napster could have been had the technology and foresight been there. Idk maybe I’m conflating the two, but I’m sure we’ll see more regulation cone along and it’ll be something artists can be compensated for (like instead of streams it’s for every prompt that uses their art style they get a cut?)
I just downloaded Bandcamp last week. Very cool. Loving the indie support of these artists. Thanks for this curated list!!
Thanks for this. I have very mixed feelings about computer generated "art." Some of the images are really beautiful, and I can see the attraction to them and the possible applications, but at what cost to actual artists and art? I've been curious to try the programs, but I can't bring myself to do it. It feels weirdly like some kind of betrayal. As you say, people probably don't appreciate how much work goes into creating an original work, and this creates the illusion that art can be generated with the press of a button. But all those images are pirated from pieces actual artists labored over--artists who aren't getting credit or payment for their work.
Enjoyed the tunes, especially the Dain Weisner--such a great vibe :-) I'll have to look into Bandcamp!