06/01/2026
This is a bit of a vulnerable post (and a long one).
As you may have seen, I updated my profile picture to a new logo. While my previous logo was cute and whimsical and filled with lots of my favourite things, I created it using Chat GBT/ AI. At the time, it was a fun and easy way to get an image that I felt represented components of my brand. However, over the last year I’ve learned more and more about AI and its various impacts, not only on the environment, but also on artists. I have no problem admitting I was ignorant to these problems a year ago, but I took the time to educate myself. And from what I learned, I made a decision that was right for me and my business and I decided to create a new logo using my own skills and talents, without the assistance of AI.
For me, this logo better represents Alyssa’s Cozy Creations, and my ongoing goal of sharing handmade items with customers, and supporting other small business owners and local makers. For me, it was important to make this change to show solidarity with other artists.
I didn’t want to just make the change and not say anything, because I believe in transparency, but I also believe in learning and teaching others. Over the last year, I saw lots of things that provided me with new knowledge, but I also saw so much hate and shaming. So much so that I felt embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I felt on edge, waiting to be “called out”. We don’t know what we don’t know. We have a responsibility to teach ourselves but that does not mean we are bad people for having to learn. And sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we get it wrong, and that’s okay. I don’t know everything about AI, but I do know that I’ve heard from local artists the negative impact it has had on their businesses. As an artist, it was important for me to remedy my actions and move forward more sustainably.
It hurts my heart to see so much hate in what can be such an amazing community of local makers. As I said, I’m not hear to argue or defend the merits or dangers of AI. I made a decision that was right for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s a decision that’s right for everyone. I hope my words make you think and encourage you to do research of your own, but please know that none of my words are from a place of hate or judgement. Call people “in” to opportunities to learn rather than calling them out.
And for gods sake, be kind to each other, be creative, and support local makers! Buy the cute s**t! You deserve it and it makes an artist so so happy 💜