The #StarterPackNoAI Movement: A Creative Counter-Movement
The #StarterPackNoAI movement has sparked a heated debate about the role of artificial intelligence in the creative industry. On one hand, people are using ChatGPT’s image generator to create digital versions of themselves as plastic-packaged toys. On the other hand, a counter-movement has emerged from the creative community, with artists creating their own hand-drawn interpretations to champion human creativity. **How We Got Here**
The original AI doll trend gained traction when people discovered they could upload selfies to ChatGPT and generate plastic-looking, packaged versions of themselves. The results, typically resembling action figures in blister packs or Barbie-style boxes, quickly saturated platforms like LinkedIn and spread to Instagram, Facebook, and beyond. While many find the novelty entertaining, many illustrators and creative professionals aren’t happy about the environmental impact of AI image generation, copyright issues, and the devaluing of human artistic skills. **A Growing Movement**
The #StarterPackNoAI movement has quickly gained momentum, with hundreds of artists sharing their hand-drawn interpretations. Unlike the uniformity of AI-generated images, which quickly get boring to look at, each #StarterPackNoAI creation showcases the artist’s unique style, personality, and creative vision. For many artists, the trend represents more than just creative expression—it’s about highlighting the value of human artistry in an increasingly AI-driven world. **What Inspires the Movement**
Illustrator and graphic designer Lizzie Knott shares her motivation for joining the #StarterPackNoAI movement. “I find it SO important to amplify the work of real-life humans, as opposed to tapping into AI and the harmful energy it generates,” she reasons. “It’s been really disappointing seeing which companies are using AI to create these starter packs when it took me less energy than AI uses to create something unique and personal.”
Illustrator and designer Rosie Wilson points to the emotional dimension of this work. “The AI figurines can feel a little soulless, whereas all the illustrated, handmade versions are full of character, life, and a genuine way to see into someone’s personality,” she explains. **A Call to Action**
For many artists, the trend represents more than just creative expression—it’s about highlighting the value of human artistry in an increasingly AI-driven world. Illustrator and picture book maker Francesca Grech emphasizes the importance of individuality and creativity. “I think what makes the handmade ones stand out from the AI ones is the personality you can clearly see in every artwork created,” she observes. The movement has fostered a sense of community among artists facing an uncertain future with AI image generators. Illustrator Penny Fournier describes it as “a really sweet trend that highlights everyone’s individuality and quirks.”
**Genuine Craft**
Fellow illustrator Holly Farndell has found the trend inspirational. “Seeing the creative community bond over something that does and will affect us all is really heartwarming,” she enthuses. “There are so many different styles and interpretations, so much genuine craft, and so much consideration over what would make up people’s’starter pack’: their favourite outfits, food and medium to work in.”
In contrast, illustrator and animator Graeme Daly expresses frustration with the uniformity of AI-generated images: “It’s so odd when you look the trend up on Instagram and see thousands of these little figurines stuck in plastic that all look the same.”
**Fight Against Theft**
For some illustrators, creating their own starter pack serves as a form of protest against the perceived theft of artistic techniques. As illustrator and surface pattern designer Carrie Cantwell explains: “The viral AI trends are cheapening art. First, we had the Ghibli one—which was just outright theft and totally wrong—then I got whiplash with the action figure one. It all made me feel so uneasy.”
**A Message of Hope**
The #StarterPackNoAI trend has also sparked conversations about the environmental impact of AI image generation. With growing awareness that AI systems like ChatGPT consume enormous amounts of energy, participants see hand-drawn alternatives as more sustainable. Visual communication and interactive design student Alice Jones Fjordside highlights how the two approaches differ in impact: “The first [AI-generated image] you see is fun, but after that, it’s just not that interesting. In contrast, I’ve found it really fun to see every single handmade illustration in the trend.”
**A Personal Stand**
Finally, designer and illustrator Laura Soto Salazar sums it up perfectly: “I created this illustration as my way of reclaiming space, a direct response to what I see as a dangerous erosion of human creativity and the serious environmental cost of large-scale AI systems.”
She adds, “I believe AI can be incredible if used to save lives, clean the oceans or help us with tasks that drain us of our humanity.
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