A growing trend of AI-generated toy-like portraits using personal photos has sparked worries among artists about the impact on traditional craftsmanship, privacy, and environmental sustainability.
Artists and creatives are expressing concerns over a growing trend involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create "starter pack" images of individuals portrayed as toys. This trend, which gained momentum at the beginning of April, has seen thousands of people uploading personal photographs to AI platforms to generate doll-like images of themselves. However, some in the creative community warn that this practice could pose risks to their livelihoods and the broader artistic landscape.
Nick Lavellee, a craftsman who has specialised in making custom action figures for six years, spoke to the BBC about his unease regarding the impact of AI-generated images on his work. He noted that social media has become saturated with such AI-created portraits, leading to a growing weariness among audiences. "People are sick of them," he said. Lavellee described his craft as an "artistic aesthetic" and expressed the belief that AI-generated art tends to diminish this traditional form of creativity.
Beyond potential economic consequences for artists like Lavellee, concerns have also been raised about broader implications of the trend. Critics highlight risks including environmental damage due to the computational power required for AI generation, as well as privacy issues stemming from the sharing of personal photographs with AI platforms. There are also worries about the devaluation of genuine creative efforts in favour of algorithmically produced images.
As the use of AI continues to intersect with various forms of artistic expression, the debate around its influence on creativity and the livelihoods of human artists persists, reflecting a complex and evolving relationship between technology and the arts.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references a recent trend gaining momentum at the beginning of April 2025, indicating current and timely content. There are no signs the information is recycled or outdated, and no mention of individuals or roles that have changed. The discussion appears fresh without reuse of old press releases.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The direct quote from Nick Lavellee about people being 'sick of' AI-generated portraits appears original and tied to a recent BBC interview, consistent with authentic and early source material. No earlier sources for this quote were found, suggesting it is a primary statement rather than recycled.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a BBC interview, a well-known and reputable media organisation known for reliable journalism and fact-checking standards. This adds strong credibility to the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about artists' concerns over AI-generated images decreasing demand for traditional crafts, environmental impacts, and privacy risks align with broader, well-documented debates around AI-generated art. These assertions are plausible and coherent with ongoing discussions about the intersection of AI with creative industries.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and not recycled, quoting an identified and reputable source, the BBC, with original statements from a craftsman active in the field. The issues raised are plausible and supported by wider discourse on AI's impact on creativity. The information can be trusted as fresh, reliable, and credible.
