“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” For senior Gray Elliot, the answer is designing haunted houses, theater production sets and theme park rides. Until now, though, it never occurred to Elliot that artificial intelligence may become a vital part of their dream career.

“It could be useful,” they said, “especially with help generating costs and supporting structures. AI could generate architectural designs that would be amazing, but it may not have the personality or feeling that theme parks want.”

In the past year, artificial intelligence programs that generate images from text prompts have gained traction. AI tools such as Dall-E and Midjourney have a database of images that they utilize to produce something new. Since AI lacks a traditional human touch, some struggle to see the artistic merit of AI. However, according to Elliot, “Programming is not only a language, it is an art.”

“Everything is art, whether created intentionally or accidentally,” they said. “AI generated art is an amazing concept. It produces really amazing scenery and has the potential to create something that people will relate to or find intriguing.”

Getty Images and individual artists have filed lawsuits against the creators of AI tools, alleging that their programs steal their intellectual property to generate new images. Elliot said that it is “impossible” to replicate handmade art entirely.

“Since AI is sort of new, nobody really knows what to expect, so it’s a valid fear,” they said. “An artist’s thoughts, emotions and experiences go into creating their art and I personally believe that those feelings cannot be completely replicated, so consequently, their art can never be replicated.”

As an aspiring entertainment designer, Elliot said they do not feel “threatened” by AI.

“I understand being afraid of AI, but it can’t replicate the efforts of a team or the emotions of an artist,” they said. “Until AI can consider the emotions of guests, costs, materials, manpower, support and theme of an area, it will likely remain a person’s job.”

Junior Cole Murray uses Dall-E to garner inspiration for his concentration in AP 2-D art when he is “stuck.” While Murray acknowledges the efficiency of AI,  he said he understands the frustration artists may feel.