AI IMAGE GENERATION & AI ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES

AI tools are becoming increasingly common in creative spaces and SS recognizes that they can be useful support tools when used thoughtfully and transparently. However, because SS is a creative community built on personal effort, skill development, and original work, the use of AI needs to be limited and clearly disclosed.

We, the Gladrags mod team, strive for these guidelines to protect creators, maintain fairness, and prevent plagiarism whether unintentional or otherwise.

We also want to acknowledge that many popular creative programs, such as Photoshop, Procreate, Clip Studio, and Canva, include helpful AI powered features such as smart selection tools, background removal or extension, content aware fills, noise reduction, color adjustments, layout suggestions, and so on. These tools are widely used as part of the normal creative process and are generally okay when they're helping you refine, clean up, or enhance work you've created yourself. This is different from using external AI image generation platforms (such as text-to-image tools like Sora or similar services), which generate large portions of an image on their own. The heart of the distinction is simple: tools that assist your creativity are welcome while tools that replace it need to be handled much more carefully and transparently.

PERMITTED USE: CONSIDER THE 30 / 70 RULE

For personal graphics, portfolios, and non official SS event creative threads and work, Gladrags follows the 30 / 70 Rule of Thumb:

• No more than 30% of a work may be generated or directly assisted by AI
• At least 70% of the final piece must come from the creator’s own effort, including:
  • Manual editing, repainting, or redraws
  • Original composition and layout
  • Significant transformation beyond simple filters or touch-ups
  • Personal artistic decision-making

AI should function as a support tool similar to how calculators are used in mathematics. This means they may be helpful for efficiency, but never a replacement for skill or creativity.

Examples of acceptable AI use under this rule:

• Using AI as a reference base that is heavily painted over or reworked
• Generating a texture or background that is then substantially altered
• Using AI for ideation, color exploration, or rough concepting

Examples of unacceptable AI use:

• Posting largely unedited AI-generated images
• Making only minor adjustments (cropping, color correction, filters) to AI output
• Presenting AI generated imagery as primarily hand made work

Mandatory Disclosure

Any use of AI in graphics, portfolios, or creative threads must be clearly declared in the post description for the piece.

This declaration should state:

• That AI was used
• The general role AI played (e.g., reference, base image, texture generation)

Failure to disclose AI usage will be treated as a rule violation, even if the work might otherwise fall within the 30 / 70 guideline, and may carry further moderation action depending on severity.

Absolute Prohibition for Official SS Events

AI assistance is not allowed in any capacity for official SS events, including but not limited to:

• Site wide contests and competitions
• Seasonal site wide events (such as Days of Potter)
• Gladrags specific challenges, competitions, or showcases (including Seektober)

This includes:

• AI generated images
• AI assisted bases
• AI generated textures, elements, or compositional aids

These events are designed to celebrate personal creativity, skill, and effort, and AI use undermines that spirit.

Any confirmed AI usage in official events will result in disqualification and may carry further moderation action depending on severity.

The Fine Line: AI Use vs Plagiarism

Plagiarism is not limited to copying another person's work directly and AI image generation presents a unique plagiarism risk because:

• AI models are trained on vast datasets of existing artwork
• Generated images can replicate styles, compositions, or specific visual elements from identifiable artists
• Users may unknowingly reproduce copyrighted or recognizable works

Posting AI generated imagery as original art (or without clear disclosure) constitutes misrepresentation, and in many cases, functional plagiarism. If a piece is primarily the product of an AI model rather than the creator's own artistic labor, it cannot be claimed as original work, regardless of intent.

When in doubt:

• Disclose
• Transform further
• Or do not post

Text Cut: AI in Use: An Example of Appropriate Assistance vs. Creative Ownership

special thanks to Charely Potter for providing the example

Below is an example that illustrates acceptable AI-assisted use, as well as where that use would not meet the threshold for original graphic creation.

In this case, the creator used an AI tool that generates variable outputs when the same source photo is uploaded in the form of Yearbook photos. Each time the image is processed, the AI randomizes elements such as clothing and styling. From the same original photo, the tool produced variations including a sweater vest, a polo shirt, and a blazer with a tie:



From one of these outputs, the creator then manually selected, cropped, and composed the image into a larger piece, where the AI-generated face is one element among many:



This usage demonstrates AI as a starting tool, not a finished product. The final signature involved a significant amount human decision-making, composition, and intent, which places it within acceptable bounds for personal use on the site.

That said, it's also important to when the line is a little more blurred and less clear.



The profile image above is a borderline case. The primary subject is largely AI-generated, with human adjustments applied to elements such as colouring, background, and texture. While those edits add refinement, the overall piece may or maynot meet the Gladrags 30/70 threshold for original graphic creation.

As such, it may be acceptable for limited uses - such as a character biography, where the image functions mainly as a visual reference - but it would not meet Gladrags standards for the following::

• graphic contests, under any circumstances
• portfolios, unless AI use is explicitly outlined
• Graphic Requests shop examples and fulfilled requests, unless AI use is explicitly outlined
  
  Any graphic maker running a shop must clearly disclose AI use if AI-assisted images are used to fulfill requests. This allows members to make informed choices and helps maintain trust within the creative community.

The goal here isn’t to discourage experimentation, but to ensure clarity, fairness, and respect for creative labor with AI as a tool rather than a replacement.

At its heart, these guidelines are meant to support creativity. We believe the most meaningful work comes from personal imagination, effort, and growth. Where tools, when used thoughtfully and transparently, can enhance rather than replace that process. Whether you're experimenting, learning new techniques, or refining your style, your voice and vision are what matters most. Creativity here is about exploration, integrity, and celebrating the work you put into bringing those ideas to life.