Illustrator
Commercial illustration, game concept art and character IP.
Illustrator is projected to be largely replaced by AI by 2036 (≥70% of tasks); 33% replaced so far. Replaced: Stock art / spot illustrations. Being replaced: Game concept art. Next: Original IP and signature styles.
Replacement year (≥70% of tasks replaced)
2036
About 10 years from now
Replaced 1Being replaced 1Will be replaced 1
Share of tasks replaced over time (dashed line = 70% threshold)
Commercial Illustration
Replacement year 2036Will be replaced
Stock art / spot illustrations2022 → 2025 · Text-to-image models
Game concept art2023 → 2028 · AI sketches + human polish
Original IP and signature styles2028 → 2036 · Needs originality and clear copyright
Replaced (1)
- Stock art / spot illustrationsreplaced 2025
Being replaced (1)
- Game concept artuntil 2028
Will be replaced (1)
- Original IP and signature styles2028–2036
FAQ
Will AI replace Illustrator?
Illustrator is projected to be largely replaced by AI by 2036. As of 2026, 33% of tasks are replaced and the status is “Will be replaced”. “Largely replaced” means over 70% of tasks no longer need a human — it does not mean the job disappears entirely.
Which parts of Illustrator work has AI already replaced?
Already replaced: Stock art / spot illustrations. Being replaced now: Game concept art.
Which Illustrator tasks are hardest for AI to replace?
The last to be replaced: Original IP and signature styles, Game concept art. Not yet affected: Original IP and signature styles.