The British Association of Illustrators (AOI) reports that 46% of surveyed illustrators have had commissions taken over by generative AI, a rise from 32% in 2025.
The data, released on 2 November 2026, highlights a rapid shift in demand for AI‑generated imagery within the illustration market.
Respondents indicated that the loss of assignments was directly linked to clients opting for AI tools that can produce images faster and at lower cost.
The AOI survey underscores growing concerns among professional illustrators about the impact of emerging technologies on traditional freelance work.
Industry observers note that the trend may prompt calls for clearer guidelines or protective measures for human creators.