Is paying artists enough to convince them to embrace AI?

Generative AI companies are increasingly attempting to reach licensing agreements with artists to address ongoing concerns regarding the use of copyrighted works in model training. While these payments aim to mitigate claims of unauthorized data usage, many illustrators remain skeptical of the long-term impact on their industry. The tension persists as creators weigh the potential for compensation against broader fears regarding the devaluation of human-led artistic labor in the face of automated alternatives.