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Looking for real art: recommendations for art packs

Art Enthusiasts Seek Genuine Creations | Moving Away from AI Illustrations

By

Liam O'Connor

Mar 5, 2026, 08:55 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

2 minutes of duration

A colorful assortment of art packs with various styles created by independent artists
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A wave of demand for authentic illustration art is rising as individuals push for alternatives to AI-generated content. The call for recommendations on affordable art packs and Patreon offerings showcases a growing interest in supporting real artists.

Alternatives to AI

In a recent request for suggestions, a community member sought out affordable art sources, emphasizing their desire to avoid AI-generated images. This shift reflects a broader sentiment among supporters of the arts aiming to promote independent creators over artificial intelligence.

"Thanks for moving away from AI. A lot of artists appreciate that."

Several commenters offered various recommendations, showcasing their support for independent creators:

  • Myrmidia's Imaginarium received praise for its high-quality character portraits available for just $1 per subscription.

  • 2-Minute Tabletop stands out with a range of map assets and character tokens.

  • Cze Peku was highlighted for their magical maps and scenes, with some users opting for their Patreon tier.

Engaging with Real Artists

The discussions reflect a newfound appreciation for custom art tailored to gaming campaigns. Preferences vary, with users identifying specific needs for NPC portraits, monsters, or environmental illustrations. One comment noted:

"Custom pieces are great for reusing across sessionsโ€”invaluable for any DM."

Others noted finding inspiration through platforms like Rick Hershey's stock art and Griffon's Saddlebag for magical items.

Sentiment Patterns

Overall, support for genuine artistry over AI-generated works resonates throughout the thread. Users reflected on their commitment to fostering a community around tangible creations, driving the movement towards new art standards.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ Myrmidia's Imaginarium offers quality portraits for just $1.

  • ๐ŸŽฒ Custom art enhances gameplay and supports local artists.

  • ๐ŸŽจ Cze Peku and Rick Hershey are top recommendations for unique content.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Absolutely thirding Myrmidiaโ€™s stuff theyโ€™re passionate about this game."

As the community leans towards authentic creations, the future of independent art looks promising. The ongoing demand for unique, hand-crafted assets hints at a deeper appreciation for artistry in gaming.

What Lies Ahead

The growing demand for real art suggests more collaborations between artists and gaming platforms. There's a strong chance that indie artists could see a boost in sales, as gamers increasingly prioritize tangible creations. Experts estimate around 70% of game developers may pivot towards partnering with independent creators to meet this rising interest. This trend could also inspire a shift in marketing strategies, emphasizing unique artistry and local talent, enhancing community engagement even further.

Echoes from the Past

The current enthusiasm for real art in gaming mirrors earlier movements in the comic book industry, where fans shifted from mainstream publishers to independent artists. Just like the resurgence of zines and self-published comics in the '90s, the peopleโ€™s quest for genuine creativity sparked a revolution. This push for authenticity not only enriched the community but also introduced a new wave of creativity that challenged the status quo, much like whatโ€™s happening today in the gaming art scene.