“I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”
–Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli
Those are the words Miyazaki used to describe generative AI. To say that I agree with the sentiment is an understatement. As a visual artist, when generative AI first appeared, I was furious and upset. It is vile (ignoring that it’s illegal to infringe on copyright, because apparently, so many people are) to steal people’s work. People who have trained for years to hone their skills and then have a computer spit out some soulless image based on their stolen art.
It is even more of an insult for supposed fans of Studio Ghibli to post terrible generative AI images that ChatGPT spat out—bastardizing their work, all for a pointless post on the internet.
The movies that come out of Studio Ghibli are a testament to humanity. They depict real emotions and universal trials we all face. The animators there are masters of their craft, drawing each frame to convey the story beautifully. Artists take the risk of sharing their work that contains their emotions and vulnerability to the world. Kiki’s Delivery Service, for instances, showcases those heavy emotions brilliantly. Artist block, burnout, and finding purpose in your work again are something everyone can relate to in some way. It takes humans to make something worthwhile and meaningful. Not a computer.
It’s a symbiotic relationship, or should be, between the consumers of art and those who make it. To disregard and disrespect artists, take their work, shove it into a computer without their consent (robbing them of potential royalties, if the generative AI thieves did it legally) ruins that relationship. We are all looking for connection and community.
Not only is generative AI taking from artists, but it’s taking from the environment as well. Studio Ghibli films like Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Spirited Away all feature themes of environmentalism. Adding another level of irony to those mindlessly using generative AI as it ravages our environment. It uses up a substantial amount of energy, adding to our carbon emissions. It also needs a large water supply to cool these massive, unnecessary servers.
As an artist for the majority of my life, I know how deeply satisfying it is to create something you can be proud of. It’s also satisfying to see your skills increase over time. It’s really hard sometimes. I’ve wanted to pull my hair out. Definitely have strained my eyes. And it’s still worth it. As a creative, I want to make every decision in my work. My writing, which I am currently working on, has a long way to go, and I still cannot even fathom turning to ChatGPT. If you don’t find joy in creating, then it isn’t for you. Because even when I’m struggling, there isn’t any other job I’d rather be doing.
Also, everyone using AI, you are only lining the pockets of those in power. You are just another penny to them. And while you are supporting billionaires and hurting your own development and skills, you’re simultaneously stealing from artists who just want to make a living by sharing their work and connecting with people.
Later on in the documentary, Miyazaki says, “I fear the world’s end is near; humans have lost confidence.”
I have similar fears, but I still hope that things get better. I hope people will see the value in what a human makes, instead of taking the garbage that is given to them.