AI Is Cutting Into Creative Incomes, New Survey Finds

[madmax]

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cultural sector — and not everyone is benefiting. A new survey by Dutch knowledge center Boekmanstichting shows that one in five freelance artists has lost income or work due to AI.

The study surveyed more than 700 creatives, including illustrators, voice actors, translators, and camerapeople. Around 6% reported a significant drop in income, while another 12% saw a smaller decline. Translators were hit hardest, with one-third reporting lost earnings.

Researchers say commercial assignments are disappearing first, as clients increasingly turn to AI for cheaper, faster alternatives. While these jobs aren’t always creatively fulfilling, they often fund artists’ personal work — making their loss especially damaging.