Artists Express Concern Over AI-Generated Doll Images Impacting Creativity and Livelihoods

Artists and creatives are increasingly pushing back against the growing trend of using artificial intelligence to create ‘starter pack’ images that depict people as dolls. Since early April, thousands of social media users have uploaded their photos to generate such AI art, sparking concerns over its impact on the environment, data privacy, and the devaluation of human creativity. Veteran custom action figure creator Nick Lavellee fears that AI-generated art is oversaturating the market, threatening both his business and the appreciation of handcrafted work. Lavellee, known for making figures for celebrities and artists, is among those worried about AI’s potential to erode the uniqueness of human artistry.

The #StarterPackNoAI movement has gained traction on Instagram and X, with artists like Maria Picassó Piquer and Dav le Dessineux joining to showcase the diversity and authenticity of manually created art. Many of them emphasize the value of time, effort, and personal expression that goes into each piece—qualities AI cannot replicate. Critics also argue that AI often relies on copyrighted or ‘stolen’ artwork, raising legal and ethical concerns. Despite the backlash, some creatives like Lavellee acknowledge AI’s potential as a tool, provided it is used responsibly. Meanwhile, AI experts caution against trivializing its power, suggesting it be reserved for more impactful applications.