AI, Elections, And A Bunch of Sh*t

I really don't want to sugarcoat this; Everything really sucks right now. I started my career selling my artwork in the middle of the year last year, doing conventions and everything that I could, especially after my last job. It is a slow start but that's usually the case. I knew it would be a while until I get my name and business out there, but with everything happening in the world, that might take even longer. AI is pushing itself onto every single app, and never the good kind of AI. It's not the "We are trying to save the world!" kinda AI; its the "We want to steal original content" kind. I already struggled with making videos and keeping up with social media as is to post my artwork on, but now its a new thing I have to worry about? I have to glaze/nightshade my artwork whenever I want to post it online for fear that some AI techie is going to take my artwork for their own gain. Plus AI being so damaging to the environment that it's not even funny anymore how much power they waste. It's sickening. Along with bad AI and stuff, the recent presidential election here in the United States is going to make my job harder as well. Many artists use websites like Vograce, Wooacry, Melody, etc, to make acrylic and resin keychains, pins, standees, and the like to make their products. They are easier to product over there (Asia, specifically China) and I don't think anyone really complained with that. The prices and the quality of the goods are always really great, but now we have to worry about skyrocketing prices and potentially not even being able to receive products. This will harm so many small businesses and artists.

Another thing to add about the presidential stuff, the lack of healthcare, removing rights from women, people of color, and people under the trans umbrella are all going to be hurt from the decisions being made. I'm fearful for what is happening but I'm also hopeful that the people will see through all the shit and come together and fight for their rights. It might be a little optimistic to think that, but we also have to do our parts as well, whether its downloading an app to see if a brand supports the evil, not shopping at big retailers that support them, that kinda thing.

I'm going to be trying out the apps "No Thanks" and "Goods Unite Us" for the foreseeable future. I have also deleted Facebook and Instagram off of my phone, and currently in the process to remove Twitter (I will NOT call it X) entirely, taking my data off that hellscape website. I will be using Bluesky (@cyanideserket.bsky.com) and Tumblr (@cyanideserket). I'm also considering figuring out how to make my own website since I know Wix ALSO uses AI. So it kind of loops back around that a lot of sh*t is happening. But I'm also hopeful that things will work out in the end.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading!