Artist Speaks Out on 'Heartbreak' Caused by AI-Generated Images

A Jersey artist has described the rise of AI-generated images as “heartbreaking” for the local creative community.

Abi Overland, known for her hand-drawn illustrations, says sharing AI images online is becoming dangerously normalised and threatens the livelihoods of working artists. “Everything AI produces is trained on the work of real artists,” she said. “It’s our joy and our income—why take away the human connection in art to save money?”

Her concerns are echoed by fellow illustrator Jamie Willow, who has noticed a growing number of Jersey businesses using AI art. “We’ve spent years honing our skills,” she said. “I hope people start to value genuine, ethically produced work.”

The warnings come as the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill faces pushback in the House of Lords, with calls for stronger protections for artists and musicians.

However, some in the tech sector see AI as a potential tool for artists. Sebastian Lawson of Digital Jersey said AI could help creatives enhance their work rather than replace it. “Artists still have the insight machines lack,” he said.

The UK government said it was working on policies that support both innovation and creators, and that no changes to copyright law would proceed without full confidence in protecting artists.