Category: Industry

Illustration, Arts and Comics industry related news and opinions

AI Art Assist

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Ian C

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20241209155445347/index.html

I really like what this offers to someone like me who works alone on my comics; but I also worry that it could be used against me. If I train an AI to only replicate my style, what happens if I lose control of that AI? Theoretically I could also sell my AI assistant to someone else, and they could then make their own art that looks like mine without any input from me – at which point it doesn’t matter that I’m involved. It’s a complicated thing to consider and I’m already getting a headache.

Another important point – there’s nothing stopping someone else from mimicking my artwork to begin with, and that means that I’m already competing against AI art if someone wishes to replicate my style. Does that mean I should jump in to using AI assistants for my comics so I can produce more work before someone else tries to beat me to it?

Honestly, I would have preferred to retire never having to consider any of these implications, but the genie is out of the bottle and we’re all forced to deal with it. I think these new developments make earning a living harder, not easier, for artists.

The Next Panel – Group 6

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Ian C
A hand draws on sheets of paper laying on a desk with a coffee cup just within reach

Webcomic Creator Accountability Club

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash 

My webcomic creator accountability club, The Next Panel, is starting group 6 on September 2nd through November 25th, and applications are open for anyone eligible and interested. It’s free to participate, but I’m strict about the requirements to join and participate. The main emphasis is on improvement, so if there’s something you want to focus on getting better at/learning more/doing more/achieving on time; this might be a good group for you!

https://sites.google.com/unfedartist.com/thenextpanel-aclub/home

Applications are open until: 8/18/2024 6pm CDT

More info follows if you don’t want to click away yet…otherwise the info below repeats what’s on the site.

Groups are small (about 4-6 people); so if this sounds like something you’d like to do, please apply soon! I’ll do my best to answer questions on Reddit if you have them; but I appreciate your patience if I’m delayed in responding. Here’s the link to the Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/comments/1emo5jr/webcomic_creator_accountability_club/

WHAT to EXPECT

  • Identify your goals and receive constructive feedback to help you achieve them.
  • Collaborate with like-minded creators, holding each other accountable for progress.
  • Weekly live sessions to discuss successes, challenges, and exchange valuable insights.
  • Stay connected through our Discord channels, where you update others on your progress.
  • Completing Group #6 grants you alumni access to our discord, priority placement in future groups, and a small, exclusive network of like-minded comic creators genuinely eager to help each other improve and succeed.

REQUIREMENTS to JOIN

  • Your webcomic must be Safe for Work (SFW) with content appropriate for all ages. (No Exceptions)
  • Participants should have an existing webcomic that has been regularly updated for at least six months, with a minimum of one update per month. (I’m more flexible for this; explain your situation in the application)
  • Provide a public link to confirm that your current work meets the above criteria. (No exceptions – your site is part of the application)

CLUB COMMITMENTS

  • Try to spend at least 5-10 minutes every day on your improvement goal during the duration of the Group (84 dailies total).
  • Attend club meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
  • Share updates at least 3 times a week, asynchronously on a personal, measurable goal, keeping the group informed of your progress via Discord.