Why yes, yes I did! I get this all the time.
As AI drags is catastrophic techy ass into the artist stratosphere - I'm realizing that folks do appreciate genuine artwork more and more. It's been a struggle - however, I don't want to whine about how crappy AI has been for artists, I'm gonna talk about the good stuff.
For me, it's made me appreciate more and more the work that fellow artists and I do. Our experiences, technique and artistic journey leads us to how we express ourselves as artists. It's that intangible spirit that's ingrained in the work we do. Artsy magic, if you will. I love talking with clients - art is needed for so many things - to honor furry friends, sisters on birthdays, moms, dads, grandparents, co-workers moving onto the next gig and I even did a pencil piece for a quinceanera. There's also a slew of other life events or feelings that need to be expressed (looking at you stickers!) in art form.
I do feel with the surge of this AI (can you just do my dishes?) there is a renaissance underway of original artwork and making a statement with artists. I'm choosing to look on the bright side and continue on my path - I'll hope you do the same - thanks for appreciating this artist and my small business.