HOW THE ILLUSTRATION INDUSTRY IS GRAPPLING WITH AI – A SPECIAL REPORT

Summary from the TLDR Design newsletter

About a quarter of illustrators have reported losing work to AI. Industry surveys show declining fees, lost commissions, and rising legal uncertainty over image use and copyright. While some illustrators embrace AI as a creative aid, others see it as a threat, citing plagiarism and lack of transparency. Agencies like Jacky Winter are developing clear AI policies, while groups such as the Association of Illustrators are pushing for stronger legal protections amid an evolving, divisive landscape.