# @stevedmcdonald on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlbaFAuorS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63359889-stevedmcdonald-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ba13ca643a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-03-24T14:05:51.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Steve McDonald 🎨📚 (@stevedmcdonald) — https://gondola.cc/stevedmcdonald

## Caption

"Building up" 

Something’s been weighing on me—honestly, it’s feeling like déjà vu in my inbox.

I've been getting a lot of comments from people concerned about AI: ethics, IP, originality, authorship—the big, complicated stuff. I hear you. These conversations matter, but many worries stem from misunderstandings or outdated info.

So let me clarify (with kindness and caffeine-fueled exasperation):

I try to teach ethical AI use. I use ethical datasets where possible, and train all my own diffusion models—styles, characters, objects—with my illustrations, photos, and sketches. My work and inputs only, full stop.

The good news? These tools are powerful enough that we don't need to steal. Real innovation comes from creating something new—with your own work- not remixing someone else's work. Ironically, I see far more questionable IP issues in fan art than in custom AI workflows like mine.

Ethical tool use is a choice. Like a hammer: build a house or smash a window. My course helps artists build, using their own inputs (NOT text prompts) to create original diffusion models. It's about artistic growth, not shortcuts. I teach artists how to thrive, and maybe NOT get replaced by AI. 

I've been doing this ethically and successfully for thirty-five years...illustrations, book covers, album art, editorial work, publications —all without stepping on anyone's IP. I'm not about to start now. 

My ask: please research how these tools actually work today. Spreading misinformation empowers the truly unethical operators. Let's lift each other up. Let's teach, talk, and build together. But please, stop accusing those of us trying to guide this technology ethically. It’s hurtful—and plain wrong. We are on the same side. 

With appreciation (and strong coffee),
Steve

#lessons #digitalillustration #midjourney #customdiffusionmodels #openart #digitalart #traditionalart #didfusionart #imagecrafting #hybridart #community #teaching #art

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## Tags

imagecrafting, digitalart, community, lessons, traditionalart, didfusionart, teaching, midjourney, art, customdiffusionmodels, hybridart, digitalillustration, openart

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