In a striking turn of events, the popular meme featuring a smiling anthropomorphic dog surrounded by flames, stating “This is fine”, has resurfaced in an advertisement campaign by AI startup Artisan. The original artist, KC Green, has expressed outrage, claiming his artwork has been exploited without his consent.
An ad spotted on Bluesky, showcased in a subway station, features Green’s creation with the altered message “[M]y pipeline is on fire” alongside a call to action to “Hire Ava the AI BDR.” Green voiced his discontent in response to increasing reports from fans about the use of his artwork, stating it was taken without agreement and urging individuals to “vandalize” the ad if they see it.
Artisan responded to inquiries from TechCrunch, stating they respect Green and are reaching out for a dialogue. They later confirmed a meeting was scheduled with him.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of Artisan’s controversial history, including previous ads urging companies to “Stop hiring humans.” Despite the provocative nature of their campaigns, founder Jaspar Carmichael-Jack clarified that the intent was to critique a specific category of work rather than disparaging all human employment.
The iconic “This is fine” meme emerged in Green’s webcomic “Gunshow” in 2013 and has since gained an independent life, showcasing the often-uncontrollable nature of internet culture. Although Green has adapted his creation into various forms, including a game, he has faced challenges in retaining ownership and control of his intellectual property, a common struggle among artists today.
In parallel, other creators have faced similar predicaments, such as cartoonist Matt Furie, who took legal action against Infowars for misusing his character, Pepe the Frog. Green has indicated he might seek legal representation to address Artisan’s appropriation of his work, expressing frustration that this situation detracts from his passion for creating comics and stories.
He firmly stated, “These no-thought A.I. losers aren’t untouchable and memes just don’t come out of thin air,” highlighting the concerns surrounding the ownership of digital art and the implications of AI on creative work. As this situation develops, it raises critical questions about artist rights, consent, and the impact of AI on the creative landscape.
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