Hello ~ I want to take a moment to appreciate those who have supported me through the years. These past few weeks have been incredibly challenging, but it’s also reminded me of the kindness and encouragement so many of you have shown. I’m truly grateful for this community and the conversations we’ve shared.
Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about my work, particularly regarding AI and about my artistic process. I want to take a moment to address these concerns directly. I take my integrity as an artist seriously, and I understand why this issue matters. I want to clarify my stance, provide transparency, and address what’s necessary.
In 2022, I made a video expressing my curiosity about AI as a creative tool. At the time, I saw it as an interesting and fun experimental resource—something many artists were exploring as it emerged. However, as the conversation around AI evolved, so did my understanding of its impact on the art community.
At my core, I love experimenting with different ways to create. Whether it was blending art with video to launch my YouTube channel or turning food and people into paintings, curiosity has always been a driving force in my work. But I acknowledge that I failed to properly educate myself on how AI’s role in art has changed—and for that, I take full responsibility.
When I slowly returned to social media in 2024, that creative curiosity remained, but I should have taken more time to catch up with the evolving conversation around AI. Out of the 600+ published pieces of art I’ve created over the past 16 years, 5 have had some AI influence. I now recognize that I should have been more thoughtful and aware of the broader conversations around the subject.
For my most recent book project, I briefly explored AI in the early concept phase, but I made the clear decision to remove it to ensure the final work is entirely my own. This book is a reflection of my artistic vision, and I want to reassure you—there is no AI in it.
That said, I’ve had important conversations with friends and peers who have helped me better understand the impact AI can have on artists. I take full responsibility for my missteps and recognize that I need to do better in educating myself—especially since so much has changed since my return to social media. I now understand that AI poses a real threat to the job security and livelihood of my peers.
To my longtime fans, I’m truly sorry for letting you down. To the art community, I sincerely apologize, and I am committed to staying informed and doing better moving forward.
You’ve shown me so much love and support over the years, and I don’t take that for granted. Meeting and connecting with so many of you has been one of the greatest joys of my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for you.
Navigating the balance between RossDraws and Ross Tran hasn’t always been easy, and I know I haven’t always gotten everything right. If I’ve let you down, I sincerely apologize.
I am committed to creating work that fully reflects the values I care about—honesty, passion, and artistic integrity. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being on this journey with me. I truly appreciate you.
With gratitude,
Ross