I am considering starting a POD Etsy store. I read what is allowed on Etsy, and it says as long as you where involved in the design process you can do POD. I was wondering with new AI being able to draw what you tell it if I can sell a drawing that I tell AI what to draw. I tried to do some research but because of how new AI drawings are I could not find if this was allowed. Does anyone know if I’m this is allowed?
Posted Nov 3, 2022, 2:50 AM UTC
The most original POD item I've ever seen is a coffee mug with "World's Best Dad" and one with "World's Best Boss".
I think it's kind of shady to use an AI to make art to sell. AIs sample work from other people, so I feel like that would be similar to stealing someone else's work to sell for your own profit, even if you typed in the words to "make" the art. But as an artist myself, I'm a little biased against AI art in the first place.
If you used AI for a reference or inspiration instead of just slapping it on a shirt or mug or whatever, I think that would be better.
Hard agree, thank you!!!
Contrary to the comments, I say absolutely do NOT do this. A lot of AI software "train" using artists work and often adapt their styles. It's borderline art theft and while you might make sales, if certain communities or artists see you're doing this, you'll be dragged and you won't hear the end of it. For the record, I would consider myself part of those groups and think AI art is genuinely one of the worst things to spring up lately
I see the same designs everywhere. Designs that were free downloads, so people just posted them. It’s the wild west - post whatever you want! You will make more sales and maybe build some followers if you do the artwork and make unique items though.
You have to make the designs. Someone else can make the shirt or poster.
You’re still involved in the creation, AI is ultimately just a tool. You aren’t going to find a policy on this because it’s already covered by existing policies.
Just go for it. Etsy is so overloaded with POD sellers already that this decision will be your smallest challenge. Getting sales? Now that's something to actually worry about.