After 20 years in 3D animation, specializing in stylized characters for films, games, and avatars, I’ve seen the industry evolve through countless shifts—new software, rendering breakthroughs, even economic downturns. But nothing compares to the arrival of AI. Its impact on the creative space is transformative, disruptive, and deeply controversial, especially when we weigh AI-generated outputs against artists’ rights. AI can now churn out paintings, music, and 3D models, often trained on human-made work without clear consent, sparking thorny debates about ownership and ethics. It’s a conversation we can’t dodge—and one most of us have wrestled with.