How To Tell Real Art from AI

I am the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus’ words seem to resonate more each day as we navigate our crisis of truth. Confusion is nothing new. Sin entered the world through deception, after all. Lies and false promises are part of the human condition since the fall. However, a new kind of threat to truth has turned up and it’s here to stay: artificially-generated or AI images.

People can say (and have said and will continue to say) so much about the nuances this technology offers…that it is a tool like any other, that people can use it for good or bad, but the technology itself remans neutral. That’s all well and good. But since these images are now sliding off the internet and into our books, our songs, our art, and our churches, we need to talk about it. Let’s explore how to tell the real art from AI art and why it matters.

There is a massive trend of using AI to make pictures of Christ and other Holy subjects. As a business with a mission dedicated to beauty through creating sacred art and helping others encounter the divine through beauty, this trend is deeply concerning. In record timing, artificially-generated images have infiltrated sacred spaces and people can no longer tell the difference between what is a machine-made picture and handcrafted sacred art created by an artist.

We’ve already explored the danger of generated “sacred art” on a theoretical and even sacramental level. (You can read that post here!) Today, we want to cover tips on how to tell real art from AI art.

Why does this matter?

Let’s take a minute to understand how AI image generators work. Adobe has a great article that explains the different kinds of AI generators, how they work and the drawbacks to AI generators. We are going to focus on one major drawback and its consequences.

We previously talked about why AI images do not belong in sacred spaces. Now, let’s talk about something major that is affecting even secular artists, copyright infringement. Individuals are stealing art from artists by the click of a mouse. These same individuals are creating images by directly altering copyrighted images and by having the AI image generators scan copyrighted images. Most times, individuals prompting AI generators to alter copyrighted art are not even aware that they committing copyright infringement. People will continue to create AI art without authorization until lawmakers create stronger laws on the subject.

AI is slowly replacing artists. These generators are taking the humanity out of creating art. We can talk a lot about the removal of humanity from the arts. Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas has a lot to say on the topic. We will discuss this in a follow up blog post.

What should you look for to differentiate real vs AI art?

Credit

• When you come across a work of art, be it book cover, bulletin, calendar, or framed print, can you find an artist’s credit? Performing an image search is a quick way to check to see if a piece of art has been plagiarized if you can’t find a credit.
• Does the artist have other work? You will be able to immediately tell if an artist made the works they claim to have created.

Coherence

• Is this work consistent with an artist’s portfolio? Artists have their own specific style of art that can be seen throughout their portfolio.
• Is the style consistent and cohesive throughout the piece? Each individual piece of work should be consistent with the artist’s style and not feel disjointed. If it is disjointed, it is a red flag, telling us it is likely ai.

Comprehension

• Are there any undefined shapes, figures, objects? Artists are intentional with each shape they make, AI generators are not.
• Is there anything that doesn’t look real, doesn’t have shadows or full definition? Are there missing fingers or toes? Artists take the extra time to make explicit details. Conversely, AI generators often miss the tiniest of details.

Artistic Quality

• Is there an overly perfect quality about the image? On the flip side, some AI generators can create an overly perfect “look.”
• Are their human imperfections, “mistakes,” or moments of character within the art? Human artists are human and will make mistakes/flaws that they work with, but it likely won’t be a missing toe.

Artist Medium and Process

• Do research on the artist and the mediums they use. Artists will list the mediums they work with in their bios. If you do not see mediums listed, that could be a red flag.
• Check out the artist’s social media and website to see their process. Most artists will share a bit about their process and what goes into creating their work.

A Note on Digital Artists / Artists who use Digital Tools

AI is not the same as digital artwork. AI is generated by prompting a generator to create something. Digital artwork is created entirely by a digital artist with digital tools, not prompts.

Are items labeled as being “handmade” real art or can it be AI?

• Just because it’s on Etsy or another “handmade” selling site…
• Just because a canvas in the decor aisle looks like it has 3D brushstrokes….
• Just because a creator on Instagram holds up art and calls it hand-made…

…. it doesn’t mean it’s hand made! Unfortunately

How can I support real artists?

Follow and Engage on Social Media

Not everyone has the means to support an artist financially. Following and engaging with your favorite artists on social media is a significant way to show your support. Artists are in a constant battle with algorithms to be seen by followers on social media. Taking the time to engage with posts (likes, saves, shares, comments) help get artists’ content in front of their followers.

Pray!

The greatest gift anyone can give an artist, especially for Visual Grace, is the gift of prayer! Prayers for beautiful work and especially work filled with the Holy Spirit. For success against the market of AI art. And finally, prayers to be an effective tool of Sacred Beauty.