AI art is everywhere right now. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, it’s impossible to ignore its impact—especially in creative industries like print on demand (POD). As someone who designs for my own online boutique, I’ve been thinking a lot about where AI fits into my creative process, how it affects human artists, and what it means for the future of small businesses like mine.
The AI Art Controversy: A Tool or a Threat?
Let’s be real—AI-generated art is impressive. It can take a few words and turn them into a polished design in seconds. That speed and efficiency are exactly why it’s so controversial. Many artists see AI as a threat, arguing that it devalues their work and even borrows from existing art in unethical ways. And honestly, I get it. Creativity isn’t just about producing an image; it’s about personal experience, emotion, and the time spent perfecting a skill.
On the other hand, AI isn’t inherently bad. It’s a tool, just like digital illustration programs, tablets, and graphic design software. The real debate is how we use it. Are we relying on AI to replace artists, or are we using it to enhance and inspire human creativity?
AI in Print on Demand: The Rise of Instant Designs
In the POD world, AI-generated designs are becoming more common, and that raises some big questions. Will AI flood the market with generic, mass-produced designs? Will small businesses struggle to compete against instant, AI-created artwork?
Personally, I see AI as a tool, not a replacement. My brand—whether it’s Cheerful Comforts, Abbya Pet Boutique, or my bookish merch—is built on storytelling, emotion, and connection. AI might be able to generate trendy designs quickly, but it doesn’t understand the heart behind my work. When I create a mental health-inspired hoodie or a pet bandana, I’m thinking about how that design will make someone feel. AI can’t replicate that level of intention.
How I Approach AI as a Designer
Right now, I still prefer creating my own designs—whether I’m sketching by hand, using Procreate, or designing in Canva. That’s not to say I wouldn’t use AI in certain ways, like brainstorming concepts or speeding up repetitive design tasks. But I want to make sure that anything I put out there still feels like me.
Transparency is also key. If AI ever plays a role in my designs, I’d want to be upfront about it. I value authenticity, and I know my customers appreciate knowing where their designs come from.
The Future of AI and Creativity in POD
AI isn’t going anywhere, and I think we’ll continue to see it evolve in the POD space. The challenge for small businesses like mine is to stay original and personal in a market that’s becoming more automated. That means focusing on branding, storytelling, and offering something AI-generated art can’t—real human connection.
At the end of the day, AI is just another tool in the creative toolbox. How we use it is up to us. For me, I’ll always choose creativity, quality, and authenticity over mass production.
I even created a full on AI generated store on my Zazzle… the logo, the name, the art and the descriptions are all done by AI. Just to experiment with it…..
What do you think? Does AI have a place in art and print on demand, or is it taking away from real creativity? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep the conversation going.
— Abby
