Art Students Take a Stand Against AI Art on Campus

Editor’s note: In the story’s original version, The Journal neglected to include why the student creator of @no_ai_wu chose to remain anonymous. The student requested anonymity out of concern for her safety and fear of harassment from those who may not share her point of view.

After seeing an AI-generated Gorlok on a poster in the athletics hall, an anonymous student created an Instagram account to fight back against the growing use of artificial intelligence in club advertising. The account, @no_ai_wu, protests the use of AI, encouraging artists to recreate flyers at Webster that contain generative AI

Webster is home to many artists, one being the account’s creator. As an art minor, she is outraged by Webster’s use of AI. She expressed her concerns to Campus Activities, a student organization that has frequently been using AI art in their event flyers, but no changes were made to their AI usage. In turn, the student decided to take a stand for artists.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction. I do feel that a lot of people are dismissive, even though it is an art school. I really think there needs to be a voice at Webster,” the student said.

Muazuddin Mohammed, one of the graphic designers for Campus Activities, confirmed the use of AI for their recent Casino Night poster and defended the decision.

“I agree that we have a lot of wonderful talent on campus, but as the sole designer for this team and with so many different events and marketing materials to work on, it is simply not feasible to distance oneself from using generative AI,” Mohammed said.

Some students were offended and disappointed by Campus Activities use of AI. As a result of the pushback, Mohammed is starting to recognize the negatives of the technology, but still defends using it.

“You cannot avoid [AI], so do it mindfully. Collaborate with students who can create advertising materials. Let your creativity flow by using AI to augment your skills, not by generating slop in two prompts,” Mohammed said. “Educate yourself and those around you about the negative impact of AI. Also, try to understand where AI is winning and could be seen as a positive if we implement it correctly.”

Using AI has become an ethical debate to many, as the technology has detrimental effects on the environment. Michelle Turner, a parent of a fine arts student, recognized the desire to save time and money, but still doesn’t agree with some students’ actions.

“AI is a drain on our water as well as fossil fuels,” Turner said. “People’s electric bills are going up. It seems like every time I turn around I see someone fighting yet another proposed data center in the St. Louis Metro area.”

The use of AI is becoming more common on campus, and Campus Activities is not the only culprit. In fact, organizations like the Nepalese Student Association and faculty-led Career Prep Workshops have used AI to advertise themselves.

After followers of @no_ai_wu submit their recreations of AI-generated posters, the account’s creator plans on posting them on bulletin boards around campus. The first submission was posted in the University Center and was promptly taken down.

She wants to get the message across that there are artists who are more than willing to provide art for these posters, emphasizing that if event organizers reach out to artists, people will jump at the opportunity to have their work featured and gain exposure.

Karlene Hoch, a junior art major, emphasized the fact that artists around campus would be interested in helping create art for posters so people can avoid using AI.

“Within the art department, I’ve witnessed my own peers creating posters for clubs for commission, or just to get their name out there,” Hoch said. “I do think that some artists at Webster would be willing to make art for free. However, clubs and organizations have money. It would be best if some of that money was used to pay artists for their labor.”

Though aware that the movement will spark controversy and debate, the account’s creator is persistent in taking a stand and doing what she believes is right, even if she is unsure of its future as an upcoming graduate.

“Maybe I’ll pass the torch onto someone. I want to keep this going,” she said. “If we continue heading in the direction of relying on AI, then at some point we’re just going to stop evolving.”

To join the movement, any student can submit their recreations to the Instagram account, @no_ai_wu. The owner of the account encourages anyone to join, no matter their major.