Market & Income Shifts Impact of 2D-Digital Illustrators in the Generative AI Era in Social Media Peers

Pengaruh Generative AI terhadap Pasar dan Pendapatan Illustrator Digital 2D di Media Sosial

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the sustainability of income among digital illustrators, employing a qualitative descriptive method supported by data triangulation through interviews with both illustrators and clients. The findings reveal that the rapid development of generative AI has significantly influenced the digital illustration ecosystem, particularly in terms of market demand, client preferences, and competitive dynamics. From the artists’ perspective, challenges include reduced commission opportunities, changing community interactions, and the necessity to adopt adaptive strategies such as diversifying marketing platforms, enriching portfolios, and maintaining consistent visibility on social media. Clients, on the other hand, tend to weigh the efficiency, cost, and uniqueness of human-made works against AI-generated illustrations, leading to nuanced shifts in consumption behavior. The study highlights that illustrators who actively sustain engagement and expand their promotional reach across multiple platforms have greater resilience in maintaining their client base, despite the overwhelming speed and volume of AI outputs. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of adaptive strategies—ranging from pricing structures to preventive measures against income decline—as crucial efforts for illustrators to remain competitive. In conclusion, although AI poses a disruptive force by accelerating production and lowering costs, human illustrators maintain a distinctive value rooted in originality, creativity, and professional trust-building with clients. This research contributes to the business and creative industry discourse by presenting empirical insights on the challenges and strategies faced by illustrators, while also reflecting client-side perspectives on quality, trust, and purchasing motivation.