Overview
Character or Personal Brand: Unknown (a photographer).
Implementation Timeline: Started in 2022, sold image after 8 months (around May 2023).
Country of Implementation: Unknown, image sold to a Swedish newspaper through Alamy.
Revenue Model
Primary Revenue Stream: Selling stock images to press/media.
How AI-Generated Revenue:
- Created AI illustrations and uploaded to Alamy, a stock photo platform
- Revenue from image licensing rights (a Swedish newspaper purchased for $14.88 gross)
- Note: Alamy later banned AI images, but this case occurred before the ban
AI Tools Used
DALL·E 2:
Role: Create illustrations based on descriptions (example: “robot writing news”)
Key Features: Creates creative images suitable for journalism needs
Implementation Process
Phase 1 (January 2022):
- Researched Alamy market, identified demand for unique illustrations
- Registered as contributor on Alamy
Phase 2 (February-March 2022):
- Used DALL·E 2 to create 10-20 creative illustrations
- Uploaded images to Alamy, added keywords and descriptions to increase searchability
Phase 3 (April-November 2022):
- Waited (8 months) until a Swedish newspaper purchased image rights for $14.88
Phase 4 (After May 2023):
- Alamy banned AI images, photographer switched to other platforms or stopped project
Results Achieved
Revenue: $14.88 gross from one image sale.
Other Achievements:
- Proved AI images can be used by press for paid licensing
- Opened potential for AI images in media field (before bans on some platforms)
Key Lessons Learned
Main Success Factors:
- Created creative images meeting journalism’s unique illustration needs
- Patient waiting for stock photo revenue (drip income model)
Creative Differentiators:
- Used AI to create illustrations instead of photography or hand-drawing, saving time
- Targeted journalism market, a less competitive niche than general stock photos
Tips for Beginners:
- Use DALL·E 3 (via ChatGPT Plus, $20/month) to create unique illustrations
- Register on stock platforms still allowing AI images (like Shutterstock, check policies)
- Create 10-20 initial images, optimize keywords to increase sales potential
- Starting cost: ~$20 if using ChatGPT Plus
Sources and Links
Original Link: brutallyhonestmicrostock.com – First AI-Generated Image Sold