Art by Humans, For Humans: A Letter from Our Editorial Director

Dear Reader, The New York Times recently sought the opinions of ten-year-olds on what the world will resemble in 2050. Some remain hopeful, envisioning a female president, increased kindness, and even pet foxes. However, others present a bleak picture, filled with world wars, monarchies replacing democracy, brain sensors transmitting thoughts to an app, and the complete collapse of human civilization.

Regardless of whether these accounts are hopeful or not, they frequently reference artificial intelligence (A.I.) as a fundamental aspect of their futures. As A.I. continues to advance rapidly, concerns about its influence have emerged, prompting numerous industry leaders and experts to advocate for a more measured approach to its development.

The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it will undoubtedly impact our world for countless generations. For professionals in the fields of art, illustration, design, and writing, such as myself, A.I. poses not only a threat to our professional prospects but also to the essence of our humanity. The critical question is not whether a machine can create a technically proficient painting or offer a more insightful description of a sculpture than I could, but rather what we stand to lose by delegating the uniquely human skill of artistic creation to machines.

Art is inherently human and serves as a powerful vehicle for empathy and connection among individuals. As I have learned through my experiences, it also represents a genuine act of faith in a world that can make hope seem unattainable. Over the past seven years, I have engaged with countless individuals who are passionate and creative, constantly searching for fresh perspectives that challenge preconceived notions and highlight the overlooked or unimaginable.

Artists are particularly adept at envisioning alternate ways of existing, and through their generous contributions, they share their aspirations for both the grand and the minute with us. Their faith translates into something we can all embody. Colossal operates on the principles of generosity, driven not by algorithms or A.I. models, but by a team of four dedicated individuals.

Our mission is to ensure that a diverse range of readers, including students, educators, fellow creatives, and art enthusiasts, can access the work of artists they might not otherwise encounter. We also place a strong emphasis on a deeply personal approach. Every aspect of the magazine, from image selection to headline writing to the compilation of our daily newsletter, is meticulously curated by hand.

While automation and outsourcing could undoubtedly increase efficiency, doing so would fundamentally alter the core of what makes Colossal unique. By embracing this friction, we are not only supporting the artists, illustrators, and designers who have selflessly shared their talents and aspirations with us but also actively shaping the world we wish to inhabit.

However, this intentional, people-centered process cannot succeed without additional resources. Currently, less than 0.5% of our weekly readership contributes financially to Colossal. If we could raise that support to 1%, it would guarantee our long-term sustainability and enable us to continue showcasing the unbounded human creativity that has defined the magazine for the past 16 years.

Becoming a Colossal Member is a powerful act of generosity and a direct pathway to engaging with the work that truly matters. Members of Colossal recognize the transformative potential of creativity and have faith in its ability to pave the way for a brighter future. In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over the nuanced, messy, and idiosyncratic, Colossal champions the artistic expressions that can only be made by humans, for humans.

Yours in hope, Grace Ebert Editorial director, Colossal Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month.