In response, KC Green, the creator of the beloved webcomic “Gunshow,” has done something genius. He’s now calling out the AI startup Artisan for using his iconic meme “This is Fine” to promote their ad campaign-as-a-software platform. The controversy has sparked discussions about the ethics of using art generated by individuals in marketing efforts without proper consent.
Green originally debuted “This is Fine” in his webcomic “Gunshow” way back in 2013. The impact of my doge meme has become part of internet lore. Instead, practitioners began using it in ways to suggest finding calm within chaos. Most recently, Artisan took inspiration from the meme in their promotional material. That sudden move has led Green to consider suing Google for the decision.
“It’s been getting more folks telling me about this,” Green remarked, expressing his frustration over the use of his work. In his remarks, he stressed the need to respect artists’ rights and acknowledge the labor that goes into their works.
In reaction to Artisan’s actions, Green called on his supporters to make a protest. “Please vandalize it if and when you see it,” he stated, underscoring his discontent with the way his art has been utilized. He pointed out that “These no-thought A.I. losers aren’t untouchable and memes just don’t come out of thin air,” highlighting the need for accountability in the digital age.
The reactions to Artisan’s campaign have been extreme. Her response has raised many questions about the growing use of artificial intelligence in creative fields, and how it might adversely affect artists. Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, a leading voice in the debate of AI and creativity, called on tech companies to reconsider their approaches. He provocatively declared, “Cease all human hires,” a clear signal of the increasing reliance on AI-generated content.
KC Green has retained legal counsel and seeks representation. This decision reflects a deeper trend amongst artists who feel that new technologies threaten their creations. The artist’s determination is a reminder of what’s at stake in the persistent fight to protect IP rights in an ever-changing, digital, and automated age.
In the meantime, one of the best journalists on this whole beat, Anthony Ha, weekend editor at TechCrunch, has been stalking this story since the beginning. He has a wide-ranging lived and professional experience. Prior to that, he was tech reporter at Adweek and senior editor at VentureBeat. His grounding as a local government reporter at the Hollister Free Lance—“Oh man, that was real crucible experience right there.” He was the vice president of content for a venture capital firm. Ha lives in New York City and can be reached at anthony.ha@techcrunch.com.
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