TechCrunch·May 3, 2026

🚨Artisan Ad Campaign Steals 'This is Fine' Comic

Your favorite comic was just used without permission

TL;DR

AI startup Artisan has launched an ad campaign featuring KC Green's 'This is Fine' comic, which the artist claims was used without his consent. The company faces legal action and backlash from artists.

Artisan, an AI startup, recently debuted a controversial subway ad campaign that features a modified version of KC Green’s iconic “This is Fine” comic strip. The original artwork shows a dog sitting amidst flames with the caption 'This is fine.' Artisan altered this message to promote their AI product called Ava the BDR (Business Development Representative), urging passersby to hire her instead of humans. This move has sparked outrage among artists and legal concerns, as it mirrors previous instances where creators have taken action against unauthorized use of their work.

Artisan Ad Campaign Steals 'This is Fine' Comic

Key Points

1

KC Green’s original 'This is Fine' comic first appeared in his webcomic Gunshow in 2013.

2

Artisan has scheduled a meeting with KC Green to address the unauthorized use of his artwork.

3

The company's previous ads, including billboards urging businesses to stop hiring humans, have already courted controversy.

4

Cartoonist Matt Furie successfully sued Infowars for using Pepe the Frog in their materials without permission.

5

KC Green has encouraged followers to vandalize Artisan’s ads if they encounter them.

Why It Matters

Artists like KC Green and Matt Furie have faced legal battles when their work was used without consent. This case highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, especially in the digital age where content can be easily repurposed.

ArtisanAI startupKC GreenThis is Fineintellectual property

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

Artists like KC Green and Matt Furie have faced legal battles when their work was used without consent. This case highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, especially in the digital age where content can be easily repurposed.

What happened?

AI startup Artisan has launched an ad campaign featuring KC Green's 'This is Fine' comic, which the artist claims was used without his consent. The company faces legal action and backlash from artists.

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