Why I Use Artistly for My Creative Business (Even With Its Quirks)

First, a Disclaimer

If you’ve seen Artistly’s ads, let me just say it: the marketing is terrible. It’s all big promises, old-school hype, and 1980s-style over-the-top copywriting. Please don’t buy it for that.

And if you’re already in love with Midjourney for high-end, polished art pieces, this isn’t going to replace it. Artistly isn’t the “Michelangelo” of AI tools.

So why do I use it—and love it anyway?

The Real Reason I Chose Artistly

Artistly is a pay-once, lifetime tool. That alone set it apart for me. I was tired of monthly subscription fees adding up just to make the images I needed for my creative business. I had actually found my groove with Dall-E and then ChatGPT did all kinds of switheroos and, while I can still get some nice images from it, most times, I just sit, screaming at my screen.

With Artistly, I can create as much as I want, whenever I want, without worrying about hidden costs or usage caps. That sense of freedom is a big deal for me-and for anyone who wants to play without a meter running.

What Artistly Is Actually Good At

Here’s where Artistly shines (at least for me):

• Social Media Images → Pinterest graphics, blog visuals, and social posts without needing to buy stock photos.

• Product Mockups → I’ve used Artistly images on my journal covers, Etsy listings, and marketing mockups. I also use it with amazing results for tshirt mockups.

• Book Covers & Printables → Perfect for creating unique cover art or illustrations for journals, coloring books, and guided notebooks.

• Website Images → Almost all of the visuals you see across Following Sparks came from Artistly.

• Play & Exploration → You can create consistent characters for personalized storybooks, restore old photos, or make silly pictures of your pets. It’s like a sandbox for your creativity. Take a look at just 3 of the Artistly creation dashboards below to get an idea of just how many tools you get.

These are just 3 of the tool dashboards in Artistly. There is a lot to play around with.

What’s Not So Great

• Clunky Interface: It takes some patience to figure out- not because you need AI knowledge but because it’s badly designed. There are simply too many tools, and it feels a bit awkward to find your way to what you need.

• Not for High-End Finish: If you’re a professional designer aiming for top-tier, gallery-ready AI art, Artistly won’t replace Midjourney or Photoshop.

• Quirks: Like all AI, it has its weird moments—hands, faces, or details don’t always render perfectly. Learn to have some good laughs at bad results and remind yourself that all AI has it’s moments of insanity.

Why I Still Recommend It

For me, Artistly isn’t about creating perfect masterpieces. It’s about having a pressure-free space to experiment.

It’s a place where you can play a lot, try things you’d never thought of, and maybe spark new creative ideas. And because it’s a one-time purchase, you don’t have to stress about whether you’re “using it enough” to justify the cost.

If you want to:

• Make your own social graphics

• Explore digital art without limits

• Add unique images to your products and website

• Have fun experimenting

• Think of some fun new business ideas (clipart, stickers, pet portraits, storybooks, etc)

…then Artistly is well worth it. I bought it expecting that I would request a refund before m 30 day trial was up, but after my fisrt day playing, that thought left my mind.

Final Thoughts

Artistly isn’t perfect. But for me, it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made in my creative toolbox. Almost all of the images you see on my site and Pinterest were made with it—and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

Check out the lifetime deal here (my affiliate link).

If you’re curious, you can find the other tools I use to run Following Sparks here: followingsparks.com/favorite-tools

🌱 A Quick Note on AI and the Planet

Like everything digital, AI tools have an environmental footprint. Every image generated uses energy, and at scale that adds up. I believe tools like Artistly are worth exploring- but I also believe in using them responsibly.

Here are a few ways to offset your creative play:

• Be intentional: Don’t run endless generations “just because.” Play, yes—but also pause when you’ve got what you need.

• Repurpose your creations: Use images across multiple platforms (website, Pinterest, products) so each one has real value.

• Offset your usage: Consider supporting reforestation projects, clean energy initiatives, or carbon offset programs. Even a small monthly contribution can balance out your digital footprint.

• Mix & match: Blend AI-generated images with photography, hand-drawn elements, or found textures. It not only reduces your usage but also makes your work more unique.

AI can spark ideas and make creative work more accessible—but it’s on us to use that spark thoughtfully.