Proud Animator of Rick And Morty Shares Daughter's Artwork, AI Advocates Use It for Promotion

Animator John Fountain made it clear that his daughters artwork is not to be taken lightly after a tense exchange on X. The discussion highlighted his strong opposition to the use of generative artificial intelligence in creative fields.

Fountain is known for his contributions to popular animated series, including work on The Fairly OddParents, The Wild Thornberrys, and Rick and Morty, as well as animation roles on Invader Zim and the film South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut. He also directed episodes of The Fairly OddParents and Yin Yang Yo. His background gives weight to his views on art and animation.

The animator recently shared drawings by his ten year old daughter, Gypsy, showcasing her developing skills and emphasizing that her abilities come from effort and practice, not automated tools.

An AI advocate on X, known as SirSpamsAlot, attempted to demonstrate the supposed advantages of generative AI by feeding Gypsys illustration into a program called Nano Banana. He presented modified versions of the drawing, claiming that added color and poses improved the original and suggesting that generative tools could broaden her creativity.

Fountain and numerous users criticized the act as an appropriation and distortion of Gypsys work. Commenters noted clear inaccuracies in the AI output, including misinterpreted clothing elements, missing accessories, and stylistic changes such as adding pupils where the original artwork intentionally had none.

As several users noted, generative AI does not create independently. It replicates and alters existing material rather than developing original concepts, a point underscored by how the software reworked Gypsys design without understanding its intent.

Fountains response reflects a broader stance shared by many creatives who oppose the use of generative AI in artistic production. Various figures in entertainment have voiced similar concerns, stressing the value of human creativity over algorithmic imitation.

The attempt to repurpose a childs drawing to argue in favor of AI was received poorly across the platform. Fountains reaction echoed that of any parent defending a childs effort when it is misused or undermined.

Author: Connor Blake