Why is 2026 the year artists can't afford to ignore AI anymore?

While 2024 was when AI launched and early adopters got involved, and 2025 was when many people kicked the tires, 2026 is the year where everything changes and using AI is no longer optional. The potential upsides for making you more effective as a creator marketing your creations are so significant that there’s no more time to waste. It’s required, mandatory. As artists and photographers running solo businesses without employees and only maybe a significant other helping, you need every advantage you can get. AI provides one of the most significant advantages available, and you need to start taking it seriously this year.

Asked by an artist hesitant about AI adoption · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2026-01-27