The beloved comic featuring an anthropomorphic dog calmly stating, "This is fine," has become a cultural phenomenon over the past decade. Recently, however, the artist behind this creation, KC Green, has raised concerns that the AI startup Artisan has used his artwork without permission in an advertising campaign.
A post on Bluesky showcased an advertisement in a subway station that featured Green's character with a twist: instead of the original phrase, the dog says, "[M]y pipeline is on fire," alongside a call to "Hire Ava the AI BDR." Green expressed his discontent, stating that this use of his art was unauthorized, referring to it as "stolen like AI steals." He encouraged his followers to "vandalize it if and when you see it."
In response to inquiries from TechCrunch, Artisan acknowledged their respect for Green's work and indicated they were reaching out to him directly. They later confirmed that discussions were scheduled with him.
Artisan has previously faced scrutiny for provocative advertisements, including billboards that suggested businesses "Stop hiring humans." Despite the controversy, founder Jaspar Carmichael-Jack clarified that the intent was to address specific job categories rather than a blanket statement against human employment.
The comic, which first appeared in Green's webcomic Gunshow in 2013, has transcended its original context, and while Green has embraced the meme's popularity in some ways, he has also expressed frustration over its appropriation. Many artists have encountered similar situations where their creations have been exploited for commercial gain without consent.
Green mentioned that he is considering seeking legal representation to address this issue, feeling it detracts from his passion for creating comics. He remarked, "These no-thought A.I. losers aren't untouchable, and memes just don't come out of thin air."
This incident raises important questions about intellectual property rights in the age of artificial intelligence and how creators can protect their works from unauthorized use. As technology continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding artistic ownership and ethical practices will likely shape future interactions between creators and AI-driven enterprises.