Here’s a look at what Shutterstock’s creative communities think about Generative AI . . . and how many people are already using it.
Whenever a new technology disrupts the creative world, people tend to have mixed feelings. After all, when photography first became accessible to the masses, many people criticized it. They feared that it’d replace artists who paint, sketch, and sculpt. Obviously, this didn’t happen, and these creators very much have their own places in the arts today.
We think that generative AI will hold a similar place in the art and design world. There are many ways this technology will change the art world but, ultimately, it will never replace human creativity. Instead, generative AI will complement it.
Though there are many uses for it, tools like OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 allow users to enter descriptive text before the AI generates an image of what the text represents. Shutterstock has partnered with OpenAI to lead the way in bringing AI-generated content to the world.
We are building generative AI solutions that are responsibly developed and that compensate Shutterstock contributors. Still, because this technology is so new, there may be many questions about how well it will be adopted.
To answer these questions, Shutterstock surveyed more than 3,000 Shutterstock customers and contributors on their thoughts on generative AI. We asked them whether or not they’ve used it, and if they foresee themselves using it in the future.
Across the board, we learned that people are curious about this type of AI. They know it’ll impact the art and design worlds . . . and many people have optimistic outlooks on exploring this new medium.
Let’s take a look at what Shutterstock’s creative audience has to say about generative AI.
The State of Generative AI Infographic







AI-Generated Content Inspires Creativity
As a leader in the generative AI space, Shutterstock firmly believes that this technology is ushering in a new era of creativity. It’ll never replace human artists but, rather, it will inspire future creative endeavors.
Our team is working to ensure that Shutterstock’s generative AI solutions will create even more avenues for artists to explore. With so many survey takers already using generative AI for fun and inspiration, we know that many creatives have taken the first step in implementing it into their creative processes.
Creativity is always changing. Over the course of history, creative thinkers have always found new ways to explore via artistic expression. AI-generated content is another step down this path of innovation.
By combining both artificial intelligence and human imagination, Shutterstock’s community will produce richer experiences and stronger creative projects.