Jesscia Hische, a lettering artist from the Bay Area, took on a freelance project to design the M logo for Meta's new AI assistant, Muse. Hische acknowledged the potential for backlash due to the controversial nature of AI and Meta. In her newsletter, she explained her decision, citing the need for income to support her small business, which includes two art and stationery shops in Oakland. Hische stated, "New Work! (Don’t be mad at me)," as she announced her collaboration with Meta, emphasizing the positive aspects of the project despite the mixed feelings surrounding AI and the company.
The announcement gained attention on Threads, where many designers criticized Hische for her decision. In response to the criticism, Hische explained her financial situation, noting that she had invested significantly in her businesses and needed the income to sustain her payroll. She mentioned that she had four employees, including her mother, and expressed her desire to alleviate financial stress.
Despite her explanations, Hische faced severe backlash, with some users expressing disgust and others making harsh comparisons regarding her ethics and financial status. Hische had anticipated some criticism but was surprised by the intensity of the reactions. She highlighted that her work for Meta did not involve generative AI, which she believes should be recognized as a positive aspect of the collaboration.
In an interview, Hische discussed her design process, stating that she completed the logo in two days and that the Meta team sought to create an inspiring and creative image for Muse. She charged $12,500 for the project, which she considered a fair fee for the work involved.
Hische also reflected on the emotional toll of the backlash, describing feelings of sadness and misunderstanding. She noted that while some people supported her decision to take the job, others felt she should not have publicly discussed it. Hische acknowledged the fears within the design community regarding AI's impact on commercial art and shared her evolving perspective on the technology.
The conversation surrounding AI and its implications for artists continues to be a contentious issue, with Hische's experience highlighting the complexities of navigating this landscape as a creative professional.