The onset of artificial intelligence (AI) has made waves across various sectors like finance and healthcare. And now it’s positioned to rock the modeling industry with the advent of intellectual property rights.
Traditionally, the modeling world has thrived on models’ physical attributes, high-fashion shoots, and catwalks. But this age-old system is set to be shaken as generative AI starts a new era.
With several image-based generative AI platforms making millions of dollars in revenue, it’s just a question of whether or not the entire modeling industry will adapt alongside.
This article will break down the current state of the modeling industry, why AI imaging platforms might transform it, and an up-and-coming company that’s well-positioned to actualize change.
The current state of the modeling industry
Known for its glitz and glamor, the modeling industry has a well-structured, traditional ecosystem. It revolves around an intricate network of talent scouts, modeling agencies, fashion brands, advertisers, and the models themselves.
Its basic premise hinges on the physical appeal of the models who become the face of fashion brands and other advertising campaigns.
Talent scouts and agencies are instrumental in spotting potential models, grooming them, and then connecting them with the right opportunities. High fashion photoshoots, runway walks, and other brand endorsements become their work routine.
This industry is marked by fierce competition, with hundreds vying for a handful of coveted spots in high-profile campaigns or fashion shows. While there are only about two thousand professional models in the United States, Instagram and other social media platforms have brought thousands into the industry without traditional means (e.g. agencies). That means it’s never been easier to get into modeling.
But this surface-level glamor masks an industry fraught with challenges.
Models often face rigorous and sometimes unrealistic physical standards, stressful schedules, and concerns about job stability and longevity. Plus, models often receive limited intellectual property rights over their images used in various advertisements and campaigns.
The truth is that AI could lessen the stress and rigor of a model, providing the means to work much less and get paid significantly more through generative content.
How AI and IP rights might flip modeling on its head
Are you asking yourself, how could AI impact an industry built around the human aesthetic? The answer lies in the evolving world of image generation and the intellectual property rights that come with it.
AI technologies, like generative adversarial networks (GANs), can now create realistic human images. These AI-generated images can mimic different emotions, expressions, and poses with remarkable precision.
This technology reduces the need for live models to participate in exhaustive photoshoots or video commercials. Advertisers can use these AI-generated models, offering fresh faces without the limitations of geography or physical constraints.
With AI models, the cost of production for a photo decreases significantly. For instance, they can model a variety of clothes in different settings, without the overhead of travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to a traditional photoshoot.
AI also brings in a new paradigm of intellectual property (IP) rights. Traditionally, models had limited control over their image use in campaigns. But with AI-generated images, there’s a unique opportunity for models to lease out their AI-generated semblance for advertising campaigns.
This disruption in IP rights can lead to new income models for individuals. People can “sign away” their IP rights to their AI-generated images, allowing them to earn income passively. Just imagine a model reaping the rewards of a photoshoot without actually having to be present!
Example of image-based generative AI
One company at the forefront of this revolution is Artisse AI. It offers a unique AI generative image app that allows users to train an AI model of themselves using just 10-15 photos.
Users can then generate unlimited variations of photorealistic outputs based on text or visual prompts. It’s like having your digital twin, ready to model at any given moment, without the physical stress or time commitment.
Modeling agencies could instead use AI-based tools like Artisse AI to create new campaigns at a fraction of the cost. And, models could sign their IP rights to several advertising agencies, bringing in money without having to leave home.
However, as we shift to this new era, there are ethical and legal considerations to ponder. Issues like consent, misuse of images, and regulation of AI-generated content will be at the forefront of the discussion.
But when done correctly, generative AI could help drastically reduce costs, improve the quality of life for models, and foster longevity in the industry.
Either way, big changes are coming to the modeling industry. Thanks to artificial intelligence, things might look very different soon.
The technology can create very lifelike pictures, solving many problems that models and agencies deal with today. For example, costs could go down and models might not have to work as hard physically.
Companies like Artisse are leading the way in this change. They show us that AI beauty content can compete on quality with in-person professional photoshoots and still allow the models themselves to make money from their image rights.
We must remember to think about the rules and the right ways to use this technology. If we do it right, AI can make the modeling industry better, fairer, and more fun.
The big question is: how quickly will these changes happen?
We’ll be watching to find out.
