While the world is praising the innumerable benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), artists around the world have been left in the dust.
What has happened, even in the Catholic world, is the increasing reliance on AI to create both artwork and graphic design. From book covers to depictions of Catholic saints that are frequently shared on social media, everyone is in awe at the beauty and ease at which someone can generate artwork with AI.
There is even an entire comic book Bible that was generated with AI that is being sold on Amazon.
The scary part is that most people either don’t know, or simply don’t care. Why shouldn’t I use a tool like AI? Some might say, “It’s cheap and saves me a ton of money. I’m not an artist, so what other options do I have?”
Strictly speaking, AI is a “tool,” and like every tool or technology (such as the bicycle), it is morally “neutral.” As of right now, AI is not out to get us or usher in a new apocalypse. Catholics can use it (most of the time) without having to go to confession afterwards.
However, there is more to the story that we need to consider.
AI art negatively impacts the lives of artists (real people)
While it’s true that using AI can save a business a ton of money, that money would have originally gone toward a real person. Instead of paying a graphic designer or an artist money that helps that individual feed their family, we choose to keep that money and use it elsewhere.
Unfortunately, artists are not often viewed as “essential” to the functioning of society and so the rise of AI will only increase that viewpoint.
The reality is that artists around the world who have put their heart and soul into learning the skills necessary to make pieces of beauty will be unemployed.
Some might say that artists just need to “get with the times” and learn to utilize AI, or find another profession.
While that certainly is an option, it also brings up a very important point about artwork in general.
Creating art is a uniquely human activity
One of the most defining features of humans that sets us apart from apes is our ability to create masterful pieces of artwork. Your pet dog will simply never be the next Michelangelo.
In an article for the National Catholic Register, Kathleen Carr, president of the Catholic Art institute, said “AI creates images ‘but is not really art since it lacks a human’s imagination and hand in creating it. Sacred art is a human endeavor, and artists mirror God by being co-creators, bringing beauty and order into the world in architecture, beauty and art.’”
No matter how much AI can imitate a person’s art style, that piece of machinery simply cannot listen to the Holy Spirit.
It’s not possible.
AI can imitate, but it can’t “create” as God creates, or as He invites His own creation to participate in co-creating in the world today.
We risk losing the ability to create art
Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a potent reflection on the use of AI in a YouTube video that addresses fake videos of him that have been circulating around the internet. He goes on to explain that the more we use AI, the more likely we will begin to “amputate” certain human abilities.
“What happens is the creativity that is innate to humanity is extended by technology…But something in the process is going to be lost.”
Fr. Mike then gives the example of Wall-E and how our future may end-up being more like that, with humans hovering on hoverboards, watching a screen as they drink their smoothies. The humans in that movie barely know how to walk when everything is upended in the final act.
Essentially, if we rely too much on AI to do uniquely human things, we risk losing that ability in the long run. Sure, AI can imitate the Sistine Chapel, but can it imitate the blood, sweat and tears that went into it?
Countless artists were spiritually changed through the process of creating art. When AI takes over our artwork, that path to holiness is gone.
Voyage Comics Art Contest
It’s easy to talk about these things, but what should we do going forward? At Voyage, we are committed to paying real artists, real money for their time and efforts. We may not have any current openings, but we do want to inspire the next generation of artists!
To help inspire creativity, especially among young people, we are going to host a Voyage Comics Art Contest! There will be two primary divisions of the contest, with multiple categories for entry.
First, there will be a Draw a Voyage Comics Character contest, where you will be challenged to draw your favorite Voyage character (could be Phantom Phoenix, Medal Knight, Lionette or anyone in the Finnian Series). A $75 Voyage Gift Card will be awarded to each winner in this division (which could be used on any of our products, including our Merch, such as posters, backpacks, water bottles, etc.).
The second division is the Voyage Coloring Contest, where contestants can color one of the following “inks” from one of our comics. A $50 Voyage Gift Card will be awarded to each winner in this division.
Both divisions will have the following categories: Children (up to age 12), Teen (ages 13–18), and Adult.
As expected, no AI art will be considered. Artwork can be submitted either electronically, or in the mail.
All entries should be submitted by February 19, 2026 and the winner will be announced the following week.
Please use one of the following templates when submitting your artwork. (If you have any issues downloading it, let us know).
We look forward to seeing the spark of your creativity! Who knows, maybe one day you can work for Voyage?!
Philip Kosloski
Philip Kosloski is the founder of Voyage Comics & Publishing and the writer and creator of nearly every comic that has been published by Voyage.