We are definitely not on the “No-AI” bandstand, but there are appropriate and inappropriate places to use it. Below are the reasons why we strongly suggest that our clients not use AI-generated images in their marketing. A general guideline is if you do use AI-generated images, then I suggested using it only to make a model that you then have a digital artist render from scratch.

This Getty Images study found that:

  • 98% of consumers say that “Authentic images and video are pivotal in establishing trust.”
  • 87% say “It’s important than an image is authentic.”
  • 90% want to know if an image has been created using AI.

Here are a few companies that received public criticism or ridicule for using AI imagery in their advertising:

  • Amnesty International, “We have removed the [AI] images from social media posts, as we don’t want the criticism for the use of AI-generated images to distract from the core message”
  • Wacom tablet manufacturer, “Popular drawing tablet company Wacom is under fire for allegedly using AI-generated artwork on its social media, infuriating the company’s customer base”
  • Nine News, “Part of the mess that AI tools create is not just the fake images, video and audio but the doubt they sow about everything else.”
  • Lego, “Following an outcry from fans and creators, Lego said Friday that its use of generative AI for a series of images on its website was a test that went against its policies”
  • Melbourne Mayor’s office, “The Melbourne lord mayor, Nicholas Reece, has been pilloried online after posting what appeared to be AI-generated images of proposed parks in the city containing AI-like features”
  • Queensland Symphony Orchestra, “inappropriate, unprofessional and disrespectful”
  • FoundersCard, “ridiculous”
  • Toys “R” Us, “sparked online backlash after releasing an ad created with [AI imagery]”
  • blackarrowscoffee, “Another reason for graphic designers to be wary of utilizing AI is that [is is] being embraced more rapidly by the lower-end tier of advertisers. I do not want my client’s brands to be associated with, get-rich-quick schemes”
  • Popcorners, “AI art in advertisements is unethical, unwanted”
  • Film Studio A24, “AI-generated images promoting Alex Garland’s new dystopian flick, Civil War, has the internet up in arms”
  • Disney, “A promotional poster… has sparked controversy.. over concerns that it may have been partially created using generative AI”
  • Willy’s Chocolate Experience, “nightmare, disastrous”
  • North Carolina political candidate, “Using AI in campaign advertising is the wrong approach”

California has banned AI imagery in all political advertisements.

Advertising agency Inspiration Agency says “In marketing, authenticity is key. Consumers today value genuine, transparent brands. The use of AI-generated images can sometimes feel impersonal or inauthentic, potentially alienating your audience”

An article in Medium recommends: “if you’re thinking about using AI-generated art in your marketing campaigns without telling your customers, just don’t.”

An article in The Verge says “Artists are making creative companies apologize for using AI”

Quote by The Daily Cougar: “AI art, especially in advertisements, is jarring and misleading and judging by just about every comment section under a clearly AI generated piece, audiences don’t want to see it.”