How to Ethically Use AI Drawing Generators

AI drawing generators like DALL·E, MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and Craiyon are reshaping the way we create art. With just a few words, anyone—from seasoned artists to total beginners—can generate vivid, complex, and unique images in seconds.

But as the technology evolves, so do the ethical questions around it. Are you unintentionally copying a real artist’s work? Can you sell ai sketch creator art? Should you disclose how the art was made?

In this article, we’ll break down how to ethically use AI drawing generators—so you can enjoy creating while respecting artists, ownership, and originality.

🤖 First, What Is an AI Drawing Generator?

An AI drawing generator uses machine learning—often trained on millions of images—to produce visual artwork based on user prompts. Some tools let you mimic certain art styles, generate photorealistic scenes, or even create fantastical mashups like “a cat riding a skateboard through space.”

Sounds fun—and it is. But underneath that creativity is a lot of borrowed data, and that’s where things get tricky.

⚠️ The Ethical Gray Areas of AI Art

Here’s why AI art can raise eyebrows:

Many AI models are trained on artworks scraped from the internet without artist consent.
Some users pass off AI art as their own, without giving credit to the tool or process.
Artists are seeing their distinctive styles mimicked and mass-produced by people who’ve never picked up a pencil.

That’s why it’s important to use these tools mindfully—not just legally, but ethically.

✅ 8 Tips for Ethically Using AI Drawing Generators

1. Disclose When You Use AI

Be transparent. If you’re using AI to create art for a portfolio, blog, social media post, or commercial use, let your audience know. This builds trust and avoids misrepresentation.

Try lines like:

“Created with [AI tool name] using a text prompt.”
“AI-assisted artwork inspired by [style/theme].”

You don’t need to explain every detail—but acknowledging the tool matters.

2. Avoid Mimicking Living Artists’ Styles Without Consent

Many prompts like “in the style of [famous artist]” might feel innocent, but they can cross ethical lines. You’re benefiting from someone else’s creative labor without permission or credit.

If the artist is still alive—or recently active—respect their boundaries. Instead, try prompts like:

“Impressionist landscape” instead of “in the style of Monet”
“Surrealist portrait” instead of naming a modern painter

Some artists have explicitly asked not to be included in AI datasets—support them by respecting their wishes.

3. Use Tools That Offer Ethical Training Options

Some platforms, like NightCafe and Dream by Wombo, are starting to offer models trained on opt-in or public domain datasets. Choosing tools that respect artist consent is a great way to ensure you’re not contributing to unauthorized usage.

Do your research. Ethical sourcing is becoming a feature—and a responsibility.

4. Don’t Use AI Art in Contests Without Permission

Submitting AI-generated artwork into traditional art competitions—especially when the rules prohibit digital tools—is misleading and unfair to human artists. If the contest allows digital or AI art, great—just disclose it clearly.

5. Don’t Sell AI Art Without Understanding Copyright Risks

Most AI art is still in a legal gray zone when it comes to copyright. Some platforms allow commercial use, others don’t. Before selling AI-generated designs on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Gumroad:

Check the AI tool’s license agreement.
Make sure you’re not using copyrighted names, styles, or characters.
Consider remixing or editing the AI art into something more original.

6. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

If you’re inspired by an AI image or use one as a base for your own artwork, mention the tool or the model. Treat it like any other creative resource.

You wouldn’t use a stock photo without credit in some cases—why treat AI differently?

7. Use AI as a Collaborator, Not a Replacement

AI works best as a creative partner—not a shortcut. Many artists use AI to:

Brainstorm concepts
Generate mood boards
Create thumbnails for larger works

Think of AI as a sketchpad with a mind of its own. You bring the vision, judgment, and refinement.

8. Support Human Artists

If you love a style that AI mimicked, find the real artist behind it. Commission them. Share their work. Promote them.

AI may help you create something cool, but real artists keep the creative world alive. Ethical AI users give back to the community they draw inspiration from.

✨ Final Thoughts

AI drawing generators are powerful, exciting, and full of potential—but they’re also a mirror of the creative world we’ve built. That means the choices we make when using them matter.

If you want to be a responsible, respectful creator:

Use AI tools transparently.
Avoid exploiting someone else’s style or work.
Choose platforms with ethical practices.
And most of all—create with intention, not just automation.

The future of art is evolving, and there’s space for both humans and machines. Let’s make sure we build that future with respect, creativity, and conscience.

Lachaumiere Desmots