How I Spot AI Coloring Books and Tips and Tricks for Catching It Yourself

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Hi all! Please remember your stance on AI is totally fine, but we do not want any debates or bashing here in the comments or the comment will be removed. This is simply to help you identify those books and pages that are not clear. I support artists, I'm sure you know that, but I'm not going to judge anyone for purchasing AI artwork either. So, please keep it neutral, friendly, and just take the tips and tricks for what they are :)

[@LeeDee5]

Thank you Kori. I don't particularly care if other people buy AI books but I am personally against these coloring books. I like to follow and support actual artists because i'm just blown away by their effort and talent.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, I love to support the actual artists as well, but I don't judge people for how they enjoy their hobby, because, well, it's a hobby :)

[@raggedblossom508]

Good tips, Kori. I don't have any negativity toward AI because some people might be able to afford only the cheaper books, but for myself I prefer to support the artists that we all know and love. There's a life and soul in their work that AI images totally lack.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Like I said to each their own. I want to keep it neutral in regards to what's right/wrong, because at the end of the day, it is someone's money, time and their hobby. Who are we to judge. I do agree, however, the talent and passion of a real, genuine artist cannot be matched.

[@Tser]

As an artist, I just wish those AI things didn't steal from real artist's work. Hopefully we artists will find a good way to prevent AI from gleaning from our images, soon. The hands are often a major giveaway in these coloring books! AI's getting better at it, but in the fairy coloring book you showed for example, hands were often on backwards, weird fingers, extra fingers, and so on.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, it definitely would be different if AI was actually creating it rather than compiling images off keywords eh?

[@keriko2445]

To be honest the AI art has an emptiness to it whereas the art by Tatiana Bogema shows the joy and humor of the artist. Perhaps a list of true human artists and non-AI publishers could be drawn up as a guide. Also check out the named found on these books if the artist or company doesn't have a website with info on the artist then its AI.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

So, it is hard to list/name them all, and not fair to really do so, because, as I mentioned, I know this is a hot debate and I don't want this to turn into a pointing fingers, blame game :)

[@keriko2445]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic You are right. There is nothing wrong with coloring AI art. I will personally though on etsy download PDF s that are listed as hand drawn. Thank you for listing the ways to spot AI coloring books.

[@medicineponygirl]

Thank you so much for the great info. Personally I cant stand A.I. I get a creeped out feeling just flupping through these books. Cant explain it really. I send every A.I. book I have received, back. I so appreciate you taking the time to make this video!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, the AI images, up close, look quite odd

[@kimamethyst6338]

Yes! I can spot AI quickly now a days. You have to zoom in to catch the disharmony in the picture. Like you said, there is usually some random flowers, lines, etc. The first one I purchased looked beautiful at first. The main picture is great but the smaller details are so off. Now I only purchase from qualified brands, like coloring book cafe, creative haven, jade summer, etc, or etsy shops that have been reviewed by colorist like color my world, etc. I personally don't mind coloring AI when it's created by an actual colorist. You can tell the difference and they will say it's AI. The whole picture makes sense. Great video.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah, often if you stick to the larger publishers you know, that is safest, BUT there are some new ones that will come out that are also legitimate. So, it can be hard.

[@MissAnthropy143]

Very helpful! Thank you. 💜 For the longest time, I thought Rachael Mintz, Jade Summer, etc. were actually artists. Now, it just irritates me because I feel like they want us to think that and it's sneaky.

[@nicnaccolours]

Jade Summer doesn't use AI. Alexandra Frenzese and Joshua Dunbar use to work as artist for Jade Summer. The two names I'm mentioned now have gone out on their own to create colouring books. They don't use AI either. Jade Summer do have artists create their books. I know Rachel Mints don't. But each to there own.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Jade Summer is not AI. They curate artists, but there are quite a few that have their own line of coloring books now thanks to their start with Jade Summer. Neither are AI generated. So just keep that in mind about that brand, because they are definitely legitimate.

[@myskascreations]

@@MissAnthropy143 I always wondered how Summers managed to publish so many of her colouring books cos I just couldn’t keep up! It takes me 3 months to create my books! And that’s on a tight deadline, and then creative burnout happens

[@juliemaitland1176]

If AI books are not being sold as such, perhaps the many genuine and very talented artists should make it very clear that they drew the pictures. I don’t know if I have any AI books but certainly when I flip through a new book it doesn’t make me want to colour it. I shall take a closer look now. I don’t usually buy the cheaper books because for whatever the reason, you get what you pay for with colouring books.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Most artists are starting to add that they drew the images but really these sellers using AI should disclose it

[@tinniaphillips4059]

Thank you for doing this video. I don't buy any amazon books just because i am a paper snob anyways. I stick with the more pricey creators like Klara Markova, Hanna and Maria trolle. Just to name a few. But it's good to know the tips you shared with us and what to look for. Thanks again.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolberres5528]

Thanks Kori, I was stung by some AI images from Etsy. I printed them, and filed them in the garbage where they belong. I didn’t notice the hair or fingers☹️. Recently I purchased a book that had flowers in the clouds. Your video is helpful, and hopefully I won’t get any more crappy books. Also if you message the seller and ask if the book is A I generated and they don’t answer back, don’t buy it. .

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Ah yes, Etsy is over saturated with AI and Amazon is just flooded. It is awful

[@Anna-jl3dy]

Useful content, thank you. I appreciate that you're not debating the rights and wrongs of AI art, but it's worth saying that, as far as I'm aware, a lot of this is generated from existing images, so someone's work is being used as a starting point for each element of an AI image, and I doubt the 'someoneone' is the person generating the AI. So that's why you often see a mishmash of styles and weights, because artists out there use different styles and line weights.

[@eevee6005]

Good information to try to spot AI for those who do not wish to purchase it. It is unfortunate that so few disclose the provenance of their images when they are not drawn by artists.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, honestly if these companies just disclosed what it was, then it would be less shady because at least they are admitting it.

[@edithparra3356]

Thanks for the tips, I would prefer to buy coloring books made by actual artists rather than AI, just watching this video made me want to correct some of the mistakes, but kudos to those who want to buy them for coloring practice or for fun

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I mean I don't judge either way. We all have budgets too and sometimes people can only afford these and not the more artist-created ones, so I get it either way.

[@lorigreenfield7363]

Thank you for this video. Personally, like a lot of others, I only buy from actual artists. I understand that many people like AI and when it comes to cost, it can be a big factor when buying these images or books, but I wish that it could be stated somewhere that they were produced using AI.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, I think if the people selling AI books just disclosed it, it would be best

[@tara-lee]

I only buy from known artists, but this is great info for those who like to buy books based on images they like.👍

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Well, there will be new artists that come out that are legitimate, so it is good to at least know what to look for

[@leighs_coloring_world]

Thanks for this video! I had been wondering how to tell the difference in AI. That’s why I stay away from anything on create space and people that I don’t know. I’m like you I rather have the nicer paper and nicer books! I personally would rather spend my money on a nicer book than to buy cheaper books that would end up collecting dust!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Just don't assume all Createspace is AI, because there are quite a few brands hat aren't. However, a majority are for sure.

[@olwynnsay237]

Unfortunately KDP gurus have been advocating AI to death and creating videos to show how every man and his dog can make a tonne of money just by uploading colouring books using Midjourney and similar platforms. There are so many books out there with flaws like that and not just colouring books now. I am a classically trained artist and illustrating my own picture books. I wouldn't use AI as I can't get it to do what I want.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, I've seen quite a few of those videos floating out there, and it is quite sad. I know there are AI novels being published too, but those aren't hitting writers as hard because they just can't compete (yet), but for children's books, there are people using AI to do everything from write the book to create the images. Ugh

[@yazosoyo]

AI seems to have a lot of trouble with representing limbs, the difference in lines I had not noticed, yet again I don’t have any AI books 😊

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah hands are one of the biggest struggles for it

[@tiffanysjustcoloring]

Those AI grayscale super “realistic” books of people really bother me. They just look wrong and give me the heebie jeebies. It’s like an uncanny valley thing or something. When I first started coloring, I was really into the kawaii stuff and got duped by one of the crappy publishers that took clip art and pasted it on top of other clipart and called it a coloring page… not fun.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yea sadly the clip art theft is growing

[@iliana.m]

My problem with ai books is that they don't care to correct the images after they generate them.... If the edited them etc then it would gain value and then I don't have any problem with it. Either way, you have to be an artist to some extent to be able to correct so..

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, I definitely agree if they just took some time to improve them and not leave those flaws, they could be a lot better.

[@tommiesmith8925]

Thank you 🙏🏽 so much Kori for the informative video on A.I. it’s good to know what to look for when your going to spend your money for coloring books. I guess it’s best to stick with the artists who love their craft and the people buying their books. I have been buying PDF’s lately from Etsy and decided not to buy any physical coloring books because I really don’t have the space for them, and I believe they are A.I. generated, but they look beautiful and well done. So my hat goes off to you for stepping forward in giving us the lowdown. Always enjoy your videos.👍👍👍💞💞🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I'm glad it was helpful. Like I said, I try to stay neutral in peoples preferences because I'm no one to judge, but I definitely want to support those talented artists and all of their hardwork.

[@tinekebak7142]

Very clear, objective and helpful. Thank you❤

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching

[@lindaverkade438]

Hi Kori! I own 62 colouringbooks and just 1 is AI. I thought Rachel Mintz was a person, but you told me it isn’t. Luckely it is a really cute and nice grayscale book without odd pictures. That’s said, the most books with shutterstock pictures i don’t like so i hope they don’t get better😂! I really love coloring books from real persons like Tomislav Tomic, Joseph Catimbang, Melpomeni, Johanna Basford and offcourse Jamie Courtier.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes I always support the real artists but I'll never judge someone for coloring AI

[@BarKeegan]

By the way, I think some people create colouring books using free ( poor quality ), Stock vector art. This is pre AI, so even though the line work is inconsistent, that might just be a sign that whoever created the original vector art, wasn’t very good at it… 😬

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

So, the company here does say on their site it is AI generated. Yeah I know some were just poor vector line art, but in this case, these are just signs of AI generated too.

[@After40Art]

Really great tips for what to keep eyes open for. 😊. Thank you

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

You are most welcome

[@CaityRaindrop]

I had added a ton of of fantasy house styled books to my wishlist a week ago and just realised now they're prob all ai

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

awe I'm sorry. There are quite a few of those, sadly.

[@BarKeegan]

I’m really interested to know if those who like colouring, mind if the line work produced for colouring books is done by AI or not. Not judging either, but good to know before I put the time in doing line work by hand

[@Suzite]

Thank you, good information.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, of course!

[@Bloomkyaaa]

A bought a few coloring books with AI art in them, but it's so hard for me to find coloring books with males... I just bit the bullet and got them. 😭A super easy way to tell is the HANDS. AI cannot draw hands. Also disconnecting lines and unfinished open ended bits of art.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah hands are often a number one tell-tale sign

[@iliana.m]

Haha in the first book you can also tell by the cover image !!! The tree up right has a weird branch AND daisies on the branches 😂 😅

[@Disneyandcoloringwithjamie]

Cool Coloring Books

[@wendys8595]

This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Of course!

[@MbeanzColorwithMe]

Very helpful. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

My pleasure 😊

[@justdea5757]

Thank you, this info is helpful.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@LL-qi9mb]

Because I personally do not like AI art, I now only buy coloring books from established artists.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Just always remember there are some new ones that come out too that aren't AI. You can of course research and find out quickly if they are AI or a re-use/print publisher or real artist though.

[@diamondlee9034]

thank you for informing us, great explanations on all of them. I do NOT like all this AI crap. its basically ripping off the original artist, SO wrong on SO many levels.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, but again, I'm not here to judge. I definitely support the artists but never judge how people want to enjoy their hobby

[@RealMelodyBlue]

I will never buy Ai artwork!! 🤬 I believe it takes away from the artists who draw their own art, like Hannah, Johanna and Kerby Rosanes. If others want. to color Ai I don't mind them doing so, all I'm saying is I personally don't want to color Ai artwork.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

There is nothing wrong with having your personal feelings toward it :)

[@RealMelodyBlue]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic I'm not trying to start anything, I said if others want to that I'm fine with that, it is first and foremost that people do their own thing, including Ai artwork.

[@p46709394]

i Will Never use a calculator or excel. It takes away the math from mathematicians and accountants.

[@mesekkai]

@@p46709394 you can't own math equations ....

[@thestitchinandbitchinseams646]

@p46709394 from first-hand experience here: CGI artists aren't real artists like 2d animators! (Which I was going to become back in the 90's) I will never watch a CGI movie! No offense doll. I was the biggest luddite. My beloved Disney movies were no longer what they were. I'm fully embracing this AI (even though it is scary)

[@BarKeegan]

I wonder as well, would a potential buyer feel ‘cheated’, if they knew the linework was produced artificially, and for free, while the consumer is paying for this product?

[@susanmorgan5591]

Good video!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thank you

[@deewhite0612]

The AI Coloring Books are not produced by companies. They are mostly produced by individuals simply trying to make some money. Many of them are from countries where they don't earn very much. As AI evolves, it is going to be harder and harder to tell the difference. I have no problem buying AI books as long as they are well done and properly edited. FYI some big companies (you would be surprised who they are) also use AI but the difference is that they are edited after the image is generated.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Some are individuals, some are listed on Amazon as companies as a way to make themselves look more "legitimate" and confuse consumers into thinking they are a publishing company when they are an individual.

[@sharonfeatherstone8219]

I honestly don’t care if it’s AI or not - I just want to color a picture that I like.

[@zoescozycoloring]

Same ❤

[@diamondlee9034]

you WOULD care if you were the artist & they were ripping off your work

[@sylviaclark5376]

If I like the picture, I don't care if it's AI either.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

There is nothing wrong with that, and like I said, I don't judge people either way.

[@sharonfeatherstone8219]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic I have favorite artists and I will always buy from them first and foremost! Sometimes I run across something that I’m in the mood to work on and I’m new, so don’t always recognize AI. As I get better, I’m sure I’ll avoid them more and more.

[@aliceaiken3162]

I always buy coloring books from artists. I don't buy AI art.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I don't judge either way ❤️

[@aliceaiken3162]

However I did buy a diamond painting kit that was AI called Moon Goddess. It was beautiful.

[@handdezign]

they did that with ai tools without any correction.. for an example, they generate a woman with 6 fingers

[@ariann.]

I personally hate the idea of giving money to companies that produce coloring books using AI generated illustrations because AI art is always an amalgamation of stolen work from real artists.