Ok i need to talk about this because i recently found out a designer at another agency used midjourney for hero images on a client website and didnt disclose it. the client found out and threatened legal action
so where does the community stand: is using AI-generated assets in client work without telling them a red flag or fair game?
arguments for “fair game”:
- we use stock photos without disclosing where we got them
- we use plugins and presets that automate parts of our work
- the client is paying for the end result not the process
- as long as the quality is good who cares how it was made
arguments for “red flag”:
- there are real copyright and licensing questions with AI generated images that are still unresolved in court
- the client is paying for human creativity, theres an implied expectation
- if you wouldnt put “images: midjourney” in your credits, you know its deceptive
- stock photos have clear licensing. AI images… dont, really
where i personally land: i think you HAVE to disclose. not because of ethics necessarily but because of liability. if a client finds out later (and they will eventually) the damage to your reputation and the potential legal issues arent worth the time saved
the designer who got caught? lost the client AND the agency is now dealing with potential copyright issues since the AI images are on a live commercial website
what do you think? have you used AI assets in client work? did you disclose?