The world of sports graphic design is in a state of flux as it grapples with the rise of AI art. The launch of ChatGPT Images 2.0 and its ability to generate graphics has sparked a debate among designers, with some fearing for their jobs and others embracing the technology. The viral posts showcasing AI-generated jersey swaps of soccer players have caused a stir, with some designers feeling defensive about their craft. John Osborn, a sports designer, loves the negativity towards AI and believes that his expertise and skill will not be replicated by AI, at least not yet. However, he worries about the future of the industry and the potential for a cultural shift where AI becomes the norm. Jason Matheson, director of college sports creative talent headhunter SkullSparks, shares Osborn's concerns, fearing that AI could replace human creatives in the era of cost-cutting and consolidation. Johnny Smiley, Oklahoma athletics' director of creative content, believes that AI is error-prone and lacks the distinct identity that a designer brings. He worries that AI could become the go-to solution for smaller schools facing budget cuts, but he also acknowledges that AI tools like Generative Fill in Photoshop are still frequently used by designers. The real concern lies in the future of the industry, where AI's capabilities grow and budgets shrink. The question of what is 'acceptable' AI use among designers is also a point of contention, with some embracing the technology and others sticking to traditional methods. As the industry navigates this new landscape, it remains to be seen how AI will shape the future of sports graphic design.
