Powell’s Books responds to allegations of AI art in new merchandise designs

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Powell’s Books is responding to criticism to its new merchandise designs after customers and its employees’ union said the designs appeared to have used artificial intelligence to create the images.

The designs initially drew skepticism on Reddit last weekend, with one user noting “some of the books look a little wonky.”

In a Saturday statement, the bookstore aimed to address the controversy, claiming the designs were created by a local artist using Adobe tools, which have AI-assisted features.

Meanwhile, ILWU Local 5, the union which represents Powell’s workers, posted on social media Wednesday regarding the new merchandise.

“Powell’s workers have been voicing concerns about the use of AI in these designs for months and company leadership has been unmoved,” the post stated, in part. “Maybe feedback from customers and book industry peers will move them?”

The recent Powell’s statement further stressed they “value the work of human artists and designers” and “remain committed to keeping Powell’s designs rooted in creativity and imagination.”

“We’re already working on new apparel for the holidays and spring, and we would love to invite local artists who are interested in helping us create new designs,” they added.

ILWU Local 5 issued another statement in post on social media in response to Powell’s on Sunday morning, noting they appreciated Powell’s acknowledging the issue, but “also lament the fact that it took public outcry for them to do so.”

Additionally, the union stressed how Powell’s workers had been raising concerns about the use of AI in the company’s merchandise for months, but with no follow-through. They further urged leadership to be more receptive to feedback and take a firm public stance on their future use of generative AI.

“In the interest of rebuilding trust with the community of artists whose work they are now soliciting (and who we hope they intend to pay fairly and not use as a permanent replacement for the capable and talented union designers who have historically done this work), we also urge Powell’s leadership to take a decisive and public position on generative AI and its place in an independent bookstore,” the statement added. “A company whose entire business model is dependent on human creativity should be safeguarding against any technology that exploits, devalues, or displaces it.”

The union noted a group of Powell’s workers have already formed an Anti-Generative AI Committee to further address the issue moving forward.