Artisan AI Startup Accused of Stealing Iconic Meme for Ad Campaign
You’ve seen this cartoon before: an anthropomorphic dog sits, smiling, surrounded by flames, and says, “It’s okay.”
This illustration has become one of the most enduring memes of the last decade. Now, AI startup Artisan is under fire for allegedly incorporating it into an ad campaign without permission — a claim made by KC Green, the artist who originally created the comic.
Subway Ad Sparks Controversy
A recent article on Bluesky displayed an advertisement in a subway station, featuring Green’s art. However, this time, the dog says: “[M]Your pipeline is on fire,” accompanied by a message that encourages viewers to “Hire Ava the BDR AI.”
Green has noted that “more and more people are talking to me about it,” and expressed frustration over the situation, saying the ad was “stolen like AI steals.” He even went so far as to urge his followers to “please vandalize it if and when you see it.”
Artisan’s Response and Ongoing Controversies
When contacted by TechCrunch, Artisan stated, “We have a lot of respect for KC Green and his work, and we are reaching out to him directly.” They later confirmed that they had scheduled a discussion with him.
Artisan has a history of controversial advertising, including billboards that provocatively suggested businesses should “stop hiring humans.” Founder and CEO Jaspar Carmichael-Jack clarified that the intent was to address “a category of work” rather than humanity as a whole.
The Origin and Misuse of “This is Fine”
The “This is fine” meme originated from Green’s 2013 webcomic “Gunshow.” Although he has adapted the comic into a game, he acknowledges the widespread, often uncontrollable, use of the meme. Green’s experience isn’t unique, as many artists have faced similar issues with their work being used without consent.
Examples abound, such as when cartoonist Matt Furie took legal action against Infowars for using his character Pepe the Frog in a poster without permission. Furie eventually reached a settlement with the site.
Legal Action and Artist Concerns
In communication with TechCrunch, Green expressed a desire to seek legal representation, stating, “I feel I must do.” He lamented the necessity of engaging with the legal system, which diverts his focus from his passion for creating comics and stories.
Green emphasized, “These thoughtless AI losers aren’t untouchable and memes don’t come out of nowhere.”
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