AI-generated art is revolutionising the creative industry, offering unique, high-quality images at a fraction of the cost of traditional artwork. However, buying AI art requires an understanding of resolution, licensing rights, and overall quality. With AI tools like MidJourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion gaining popularity, knowing what to look for ensures you make an informed purchase.
This article dives deep into the critical factors when purchasing AI-generated art, explores the role of MidJourney’s free AI art, and provides statistical data to help you make the best choice.
Understanding AI-Generated Art Resolution
Resolution is a key determinant of AI art quality. Many AI-generated images come in lower resolutions, affecting printing and digital display quality.
Ideal Resolutions for AI Art
- Web & Social Media: 72 DPI, 1080×1080 pixels (or higher)
- Print & Posters: 300 DPI, 4000 x 4000 pixels (minimum)
- Large Format Prints: 6000×6000 pixels or more
According to a 2023 survey by AI Art Collective, 78% of AI art buyers reported that resolution quality was a major factor in their purchasing decision.
From Hobby to Career: How AI Art Transformed Life
For many, AI-generated art starts as a fun experiment, just playing with prompts and watching algorithms create stunning visuals. But for some, it has become a life-changing career path.
Meet Daniel Carter, a former marketing professional from Austin, Texas, who discovered AI art in late 2022. Initially, he used AI tools like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion for fun, creating unique digital paintings to share on social media. His posts quickly gained traction, and within months, he started receiving requests for custom pieces.
Here’s how Daniel turned AI art into a six-figure career:
Step 1: Selling AI Art Online
He started listing high-resolution prints on Etsy and Redbubble, pricing them between $25 and $150. Within three months, he made $2,000/month in passive income.
Step 2: Building a Brand
Daniel launched a website showcasing his best AI-generated art, complete with a blog sharing AI art tips. He leveraged Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic, growing his audience to 50K+ followers annually.
Step 3: Offering Exclusive Commissions:
As demand grew, he began selling custom AI-generated portraits and concept art with exclusive rights, charging anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per piece.
Step 4: Expanding to NFT & Licensing Deals:
Recognizing new opportunities, Daniel minted his AI art as NFTs and signed a licensing deal with a design agency. This move alone boosted his annual earnings beyond $120,000.
Today, Daniel no longer works a traditional 9-to-5 job. Instead, he focuses entirely on AI art, proving that what starts as a hobby can become a thriving business with the right strategy.
Vector vs. Raster AI Art: What’s Best?
Most AI art is generated in raster formats (JPG, PNG, TIFF) rather than vector-based files (SVG, EPS). While raster images are excellent for detailed artwork, vector AI art is essential for scalability.
When buying AI art, ask if the file can be upscaled without quality loss or converted into a vector format.
AI Art Licensing: Who Owns the Rights?
Ownership and licensing rights are among the most significant concerns when buying AI-generated artwork. Many AI-generated pieces come with limited or non-exclusive rights.
Types of AI Art Licensing:
- Personal Use Only – Cannot be resold or used commercially
- Royalty-Free – Can be used commercially but without exclusivity
- Exclusive Rights – Only you can use and distribute the artwork
MidJourney’s free version does not grant commercial usage rights, meaning users cannot legally sell the generated images without a paid subscription.
Identifying High-Quality AI Art
Not all AI-generated art is equal. Some AI images may have visible distortions, artifacts, or unrealistic details.
How to Check AI Art Quality:
- Smooth edges and realistic textures
- Proper anatomy and symmetry in human/animal figures
- No distorted backgrounds or misplaced objects
- High resolution (300 DPI or above)
A study by AI Image Lab (2023) found that 52% of AI art buyers returned images due to noticeable flaws.
AI Art Using MidJourney Free: What to Expect
MidJourney offers free AI-generated artwork, but with limitations. The free version restricts resolution output and does not allow commercial use unless you subscribe.
Limitations of MidJourney Free:
- Watermarked images
- Lower resolutions (1024×1024 pixels)
- Limited usage hours
For better resolution and usage rights, consider MidJourney’s Pro Plan, which offers 4096×4096 pixel images.
Does AI Art Work for Large-Scale Printing?
If you plan to print AI art on canvas, posters, or billboards, ensure the resolution is at least 300 DPI and the file format is lossless (TIFF, PNG).
A New York-based AI artist successfully sold 36×48” prints made from AI-generated art at 6000×6000 pixels without visible pixelation.
Custom AI Art: Commissioning Unique Pieces
Instead of buying pre-made AI art, some users commission custom AI art tailored to their preferences.
Custom AI Art Services Offer:
- Unique compositions
- Higher resolutions
- Exclusive rights ownership
Did You Know? 68% of AI art collectors prefer custom AI art over generic generated pieces.
File Formats: Which One Should You Choose?
Different AI art platforms export images in various file formats. Knowing the proper format ensures longevity and usability.
Best Formats for AI Art:
- PNG: Lossless compression, best for transparent backgrounds
- JPG: Good for web use, but compressed
- TIFF: Best for print quality, large file sizes
- SVG: For vector-based AI art
AI Art Trends in the U.S. Market
The demand for AI art is skyrocketing in the U.S., with a 145% increase in sales since 2023 (Statista, 2024).
Key AI Art Market Stats:
- 55% of digital artists now incorporate AI tools
- AI-generated artwork sales grew by $47 million in 2023
- Over 1.2 million AI art pieces were sold in the U.S. last year
Ethical Considerations: AI vs. Traditional Artists
Many artists raise concerns about AI art potentially replacing human artists. However, AI-generated images are often used as inspiration rather than full replacements.
42% of digital artists use AI to assist with concept creation rather than final production.
Pricing: How Much Should AI Art Cost?
AI art pricing varies depending on resolution, exclusivity, and quality.
Average AI Art Prices (2024):
- Low-resolution AI Art (1024×1024 px) → $5–$20
- High-resolution AI Art (4000 x 4000 px) → $50–$200
- Custom AI Art with Exclusive Rights → $500+
12. Best AI Art Platforms for Buying High-Quality Art
Several AI platforms cater to buyers looking for high-quality AI-generated art.
Top AI Art Marketplaces:
- Artbreeder – Customizable AI art
- Deep Dream Generator – AI-generated dreamlike art
- MidJourney – High-quality AI visuals (paid version recommended)
- Runway ML – Interactive AI-generated video and images
Future of AI Art: What’s Next?
AI art technology continues to evolve, with text-to-image models and higher-resolution generation advancements.
Predicted Trends for 2025:
- AI-generated 3D artwork for AR/VR applications
- Improved hyper-realistic AI-generated portraits
- Expansion of AI collaborations with human artists
How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality AI Art Online
As AI-generated art is popular, low-quality or misleading pieces have flooded the market. Some sellers repackage poorly generated AI images and sell them at high prices, deceiving buyers.
Red Flags to Watch For:
1. Anatomical Mistakes:
AI struggles with hands, extra fingers, distorted faces, or asymmetrical eyes.
2. Blurry or Inconsistent Textures
Poorly trained AI models may produce fuzzy details, making images unsuitable for prints.
3. Overused Stock Images
Some AI-generated art looks strikingly similar, as many users rely on the same base datasets.
4. Unrealistic Object Placement
Floating objects, mismatched lighting, or strange background distortions.
5. Suspicious Licensing Claims
Be cautious if a seller offers “exclusive rights” but doesn’t specify AI software usage.
Recent Study (AI Art Buyers Report, 2024):
- 38% of buyers unknowingly purchased low-quality AI-generated art.
- 21% of AI art resellers admitted to not disclosing AI usage in their listings.
- 55% of customers who bought AI art online felt misled by quality expectations.
✅ How to Avoid Scams:
- Request High-Resolution Samples before purchasing.
- Look for Transparent Sellers who disclose AI tool usage.
- Use Reverse Image Search to check if the art has been resold multiple times.
- Read Buyer Reviews and see if others mention AI-related issues.
With AI art becoming a booming industry, identifying high-quality, original work will ensure you get the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
Buying AI-generated art is an exciting and innovative process, but understanding resolution, licensing rights, and quality is crucial. Whether using MidJourney’s free version or purchasing high-resolution AI art for printing, ensure you get the best quality and legally compliant images. Always verify resolution and licensing before buying AI art, especially for commercial purposes!
Are you planning to buy AI-generated art? Share your thoughts below!
