  The rapid proliferation of AI-generated image tools is transforming the art
and design fields, challenging traditional notions of creativity and impacting
both professional and non-professional users. For the purposes of this paper,
we define 'professional users' as individuals who self-identified in our survey
as 'artists,' 'designers,' 'filmmakers,' or 'art and design students,' and
'non-professional users' as individuals who self-identified as 'others.' This
study explores how AI-generated image tools influence these different user
groups. Through an online survey (N=380) comprising 173 professional users and
207 non-professional users, we examine differences in the utilization of AI
tools, user satisfaction and challenges, applications in creative processes,
perceptions and impacts, and acceptance levels. Our findings indicate
persistent concerns about image quality, cost, and copyright issues.
Additionally, the usage patterns of non-professional users suggest that AI
tools have the potential to democratize creative processes, making art and
design tasks more accessible to individuals without traditional expertise. This
study provides insights into the needs of different user groups and offers
recommendations for developing more user-centered AI tools, contributing to the
broader discussion on the future of AI in the art and design fields.
