The situation around Grind King Trucks and its head, Donald Cassel, is still getting a lot of heat after he posted AI generated artwork instead of working with a traditional artist.
As we previously reported, Cassel has been facing backlash from skaters and artists who feel the brand should be paying real creatives for design work instead of using AI tools.
READ MORE: Grind King Boss Defends His AI Art After Getting Backlash & Skaters Demand He Pay Real Artists
A lot of people in the skate community say it takes away opportunities from artists who rely on this kind of work to earn a living.
The reaction online has been strong, with many calling out the decision and saying brands should keep artwork in the hands of real people rather than software.
Cassel responded by standing by his choice and explaining his view, saying he has been using what he calls his own version of AI since 1988, which he describes as “Always Innovating.”
Not everyone agrees with the backlash though.
YouTube skater Ricky Glaser stepped in to support Cassel and shared his thoughts on the situation.
He said: “Love to see it, some people will never understand this mindset”
While some agree that new tools are just part of how creative work changes over time, others still feel strongly that AI should not replace paying artists, especially in a culture that has always leaned heavily on hand drawn graphics, video edits, and independent creators.
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At the center of it all is a simple disagreement that keeps coming up.
One side believes brands should prioritize hiring real artists whenever budget is available.
The other side sees AI as just another tool that can be used for creative output, depending on how it is applied.
For now, the conversation around Grind King and Cassel is still ongoing, with strong opinions coming from both sides of the skate community.