Why AI Isn’t Cheating — It’s Just a New Way to Tell Our Stories

Let’s talk about something I hear all the time when I share my work: “That’s not real art.” “Isn’t using AI kind of… cheating?”

And honestly? I get it. New things are uncomfortable. Change can feel threatening. Especially when it challenges what we thought we knew about creativity.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to know: AI isn’t killing creativity. It’s unlocking it — for a whole new group of storytellers.

AI Imagery Created by Maribeth Woodford

Some of Us Think in Pictures — But Can’t Always Paint Them

Not everyone has the physical ability to draw or paint. Some people — like me — just have a wildly creative mind. I’ve always seen stories in images, even when my hands couldn’t sketch them out on paper. That didn’t mean I wasn’t an artist — it meant I needed the right tools.

AI gave me those tools.

And before anyone thinks I’m new to this “creative” life — writing has been part of my journey for a long time. I started blogging in 2015 when I was teaching yoga. Back then, it was about movement and breath. Now it’s pixels, light, and color. But it’s always been about storytelling.

For the Traditional Artists Who Are Hating on AI Art… Hear Me Out

To the incredible painters, photographers, illustrators, and sculptors out there who feel like AI is taking something away from them — have you tried it?

Instead of resisting it, try enhancing what you already do. Animate your work. Expand your vision. Take your existing art and evolve it.

AI isn’t the enemy. It’s just another tool. Just like a camera, a stylus, or a brush. It doesn’t replace your creativity. It extends it.

And let’s be honest — if you’re seriously that against it, keep in mind: you’re probably already using AI every single day without realizing it. From photo editing to text prediction to how your social media feed shows up — AI is integrated into daily life.

Why not use it to tell your story?

Storytelling Is Evolving — So Let’s Evolve With It

AI Artist Maribeth Woodford

When I create with AI tools, I’m not just pushing a button and walking away. I’m building a visual narrative. I’m prompting, refining, adjusting — sometimes dozens of times until I get the right feeling, the right texture, the right light.

Every image I make has a reason behind it. A message. A memory. A mood. Sometimes it’s emotional, sometimes it’s fashion-forward, sometimes it’s totally surreal.

But it’s always mine.

And it’s opened the door for so many others who never felt seen in traditional creative spaces — people with disabilities, neurodivergent thinkers, busy parents, people who never had access to training or tools. Now they do.

That’s not cheating. That’s progress.

What This Means for Brands and Creatives

If you’re a business still relying on generic stock photos or dated visuals, you’re missing out on a major opportunity.

AI-generated visuals help you:

• Capture attention quickly

• Tell your brand story more clearly

• Align your visual messaging with your values

From fashion to real estate, health and wellness to automotive — your visuals matter. Consumers want more than a logo and tagline. They want feeling. Aesthetic. Vibe. Authenticity.

And that’s what AI-generated art can deliver — faster, more affordably, and more aligned with your brand than ever before.

So… Is It Cheating?

Let’s stop asking that. Let's stop speaking negative about something you may not know much about.

Instead, ask:

• Does it mean something?

• Does it make you feel something?

• Does it tell a story worth sharing?

If the answer is yes — then it’s art.

And it’s time we stopped apologizing for how we create, and started celebrating that we do.

Interested in custom AI imagery or video for your business or project? I create one-of-a-kind, meaningful visuals that reflect your story and speak to your audience — fast, high-quality, and always original.

Reach out via my contact page or find me on Instagram @dream_canvas_explorer.