While Adobe claims that its Firefly AI models were trained on Adobe Stock image data, some artists have accused Adobe of using their work without explicit consent or proper compensation, according to VentureBeat . Not only that, AI technology is growing so powerful that it could put designers out of work. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could eliminate 300 million jobs worldwide , a quarter of which are in the art and design industry.
On the internal Slack app, Adobe employees have repeatedly expressed frustration with the company’s AI revolution. Some feel “slaves” to AI algorithms, as their work largely involves creating AI-generated art. Others are positive, believing that Photoshop makes designers more productive. A senior designer at Adobe revealed that an advertising agency he knows is planning to cut its graphic design team because the AI features in Photoshop will help the company save money.
Adobe asserts that data from Firefly has a safe legal basis for commercial use.
Jefferies analyst Brent Thill said the question he gets from investors is whether AI will reduce Adobe’s “seat count,” a closely watched measure of the company’s customer base. Adobe typically sells cloud software subscriptions based on the number of “seats,” or licenses, that customers get to access the technology. For example, a company with five in-house graphic designers would buy five licenses. So if designers are laid off, demand for licenses could fall, hurting Adobe’s revenue or slowing sales growth.
Responding to Thill’s question, Adobe President of Digital Media David Wadhwani said the company has a history of introducing new technology that leads to greater productivity and jobs. But some employees say there is a fundamental difference between generative AI and previous breakthroughs. For example, cameras still require skill and expertise to create good photos, whereas creating AI images requires virtually no skill. This raises concerns about losing the craftsmanship and expertise that can only be achieved through constant practice and individual creativity.
Adobe is now encouraging employees to try out AI chatbots, but the company still has specific safeguards in place when using them in the workplace.
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