Jessica Norton AI-generated art is everywhere right now, from Facebook photos and restaurant menus to small business branding. While it may be quick, easy, and low-cost to produce, it takes a significant toll on the environment and has a negative impact on local artists. And here at the Jersey Shore, there’s no shortage of local talent producing everything from murals and websites to photography and hand-drawn designs. In this article, we’ll break down the nuances of “AI slop,” and explore why choosing to work with local artists supports the creative community and leads to more intentional, meaningful work. Because an artist’s personality, perspective, and human touch can’t be replicated with a ChatGPT prompt. Read on to learn more about AI slop and local Jersey Shore Artists you can hire for design work.
Disclaimer: Know of an artist to add to this list? Please let us know by emailing [email protected] and we will add in ASAP!
What is AI slop?
“AI slop” is a slang term used to describe low-quality, mass-produced content (videos, photos, audio, posters, and graphics) made with AI tools like ChatGPT. And yes, the word “slop” is meant to be critical. “AI slop” is, for lack of a better term, “lazy” media content. AI slop is, subjectively, ugly and an eyesore, particularly to those who can recognize work from actual human artists. Viewers who are familiar with the nuances of human-made art, like brushwork, composition choices, or anyone who can recognize stylistic inconsistencies, will find AI content to feel generic or “off,” or even visually overwhelming or unpleasant.
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While AI-generated work isn’t always immediately obvious, it often contains subtle flaws that can go unnoticed in today’s fast-moving, scroll-heavy digital culture. AI content can be flagged by finding extra or completely missing appendages, blurry details, crossed eyes, spelling mistakes, gibberish-like text, and highly saturated coloring. In video, small things like fluttering eyes, a delay in the mouth matching the dialogue, or stiff, repetitive motions can indicate that it is in fact AI-generated, but as noted, it often does take a very close and careful look to notice, and we’d be lying if we said our team didn’t get fooled by some form of AI content (slop) on a weekly basis.
When businesses and individuals choose AI-generated images instead of hiring illustrators, designers, or photographers to design artwork, it reduces paid opportunities for creative professionals, especially smaller, local artists who rely on that work to make a living.
Local Jersey Shore Artists to hire + work with, instead:
Here at the Jersey Shore, there is no shortage of artists (illustrators, photographers, painters, muralists, graphic designers, and more) creating thoughtful, original work. Locally, AI-art has popped up on social media feeds, in restaurant menus, and even bathroom decor. Eventually, it could start to crowd out work made by actual artists, writers, and creators in our local communities.
The point isn’t to shun small businesses for using new technology or experimenting with new low-cost tools, but to encourage more intentional choices. Instead of leaning on generic AI-generated content, businesses can collaborate with local Jersey Shore artists and creators who bring originality and heart to their work.
Ashley Crosby
Website | Portfolio | Instagram
Services: merchandise design, branding illustrations, label illustrations, digital illustrations, and more.
Currently accepting new commissions.
Brittany Vogel
Website | Instagram
Services: portraits + large-scale abstract paintings
Cassie – The Lettering Mermaid
Website | Instagram
Services: ocean-inspired hand lettering
Custom designs can be scheduled on her website.
@dani.inked at White Wolf Tattoo
Instagram
Services: custom tattoo artistry + blends creativity, precision, and personal expression.
Deb Neri
Website | Instagram
Services: logo design, illustration, brand development, web design, social media, and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
Jessica Giovine / The Jess Press
Website | Portfolio | Instagram
Services: modern calligraphy and invitation studio for weddings
On maternity leave until June 1st, 2026.
Julie Chencinski / Unwork of Art
Portfolio | Instagram
Services: branding, illustration, photo + video, merch, web + social, album artwork
Currently accepting new commissions.
Katy / Daughter Earth Illustration
Website | Instagram
Services: illustration + custom artwork
Based in Normandy Beach, Katy of Daughter Earth Illustration creates thoughtful, shore-inspired artwork and illustrations.
K_o
Instagram
Services: flyer design, art pieces
Currently accepting new commissions.
Madison Van Houten
Website | Instagram
Services: admats, album covers, posters, merch, and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
Mady (Dietrich) Cohen / In The Wash Art Works
Website | Instagram
Services: watercolor illustration, custom commissions, graphic design, classes + workshops, and more
Mariska Voell
Meagan Crocke
Website | Instagram
Services: coastal-inspired artwork + handmade goods
Meghan Coppinger / Sea Spark Creative
Website | Instagram
Services: branding + Squarespace website design
Maria Dominguez
Website | Instagram
Services: branding, website, creative direction, and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
Michelle Renee Bernard
Website | Instagram
Services: custom artwork + live event painting
Nikki Dippy
Website | Instagram
Services: illustrations, web design, book covers, infographics, posters + prints, and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
Patricia Mi
Website
Services: ocean-inspired hand-printed artwork
Tori Sabba Creative
Instagram
Services: illustrations, maps, graphic design, and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
Victoria Hayden
Website | Instagram
Services: design, branding, collage, illustration, packaging, art direction and more
Currently accepting new commissions.
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