03/26/2026
Hey everyone!
If you know me, you probably know that I have strong feelings about this subject. I’ve made at least part of my living for many years as an artist. AI had a pretty tremendous financial impact there when it came to people who needed art created for a utilitarian purpose (logos, branding, things of that nature). The people who really cared about art stuck around - but they’ve always been a beautiful minority.
As AI generated art has grown in popularity and ease of access, the visual landscape has become sort of homogenized with visually similar slop.
One place I didn’t anticipate that growth to spread was in the punk rock scene, but it has become increasingly prevalent. It was surprising mostly because of the jarring contradiction - passionate and talented people who care deeply about creating and sharing art resorting to a method which actively harms art and artists. It’s a snake eating its own tail. I didn’t think this would be the group of people who didn’t care about paying artists, or who would contribute to destroying the uniqueness of art.
I’ve always made our band’s own flyers when possible, but I’m also aware that as a visual artist and graphic designer that I have access to tools and abilities that aren’t universal. I know that as a visual artist, I’ve come a long way since black sharpies and scotch taped letters from magazines - but there was just as much love and care in those old flyers too. And I think I’d still rather see that than have to endure more “art” that isn’t fooling anyone, looks uncannily like every other generated “thing”, and may also be destroying the fu***ng planet.
The problem is spreading (check out Save Ferris’ merch page), and fast.
Here’s the good news. People still care. I think we can all be understanding of the temptation of pushing a button and having a device s**t out something that you need - but it’s gotten to the point where talented artists have noticed and are offering their services. (Some even for free!)
It’s also becoming much more user friendly to create art, even if you don’t have experience.
Here are some resources:
First off, me! I’m always available to help. I can do flyers, tour posters, merch, whatever you need. I may charge you a little something depending on what you need.
Smash it up comics **tupcomics on instagram offers free graphic design work for bands, promoters, and DIY labels - flyers, album art, logos, etc. FREE! Artists like this are incredible, and volunteer to give back to a community that gives something to them.
Canva, procreate, and many other easy to use programs are FREE and easy.
And there’s always sharpies and scotch tape.
Paying artists is punk,
Making art is punk,
- E
