AI startup Artisan accused of stealing 'This is fine' meme art
Original: ‘This is fine’ creator says AI startup stole his art
Why This Matters
Highlights ongoing tensions between AI companies and artists over unauthorized commercial use of creative works
KC Green, creator of the famous 'This is fine' meme, says AI startup Artisan used his comic art without permission in subway ads. The modified version shows the dog saying 'my pipeline is on fire' to advertise AI services.
KC Green, artist behind the iconic 'This is fine' meme from his 2013 webcomic 'Gunshow,' discovered Artisan had modified his art for subway advertisements without permission. The altered version replaces the original 'This is fine' text with 'my pipeline is on fire' and promotes 'Ava the AI BDR.' Green posted on Bluesky calling it theft, saying 'it's been stolen like AI steals' and urged people to 'vandalize it if and when you see it.' Artisan responded to TechCrunch saying they 'have a lot of respect for KC Green' and are 'reaching out to him directly.' Green told TechCrunch he will be 'looking into representation' for legal action. The company previously courted controversy with 'Stop hiring humans' billboard campaigns.