That survey claiming 73% of buyers want photorealistic renders over stylized art

I saw this stat in a CG Spectrum report from last month that said 73% of buyers prefer photorealism in digital art showcases. I think that's complete BS for this community. Stylized work like what you see on ArtStation from guys like Ian McQue gets way more engagement and sells just as well. Am I the only one who thinks they rigged that sample to push a certain toolset?

3 comments

3 Comments

mila_brown102mo ago

maybe it's just me but I can barely make a photorealistic toast without it looking like a burnt rock, so clearly the survey was rigged by people who actually have skills lol. idk, feels like they asked a bunch of AI bros instead of actual artists.

grace6072mo ago

That "ask a bunch of AI bros" part hits hard, I used to think the survey was legit until now.

cora8631mo ago

I get what you're saying about the AI bros, but I actually think that 73% number makes sense for the real market outside of ArtStation. Look at what sells on Etsy or Society6, it's all realistic landscapes and pet portraits. Stylized stuff like Ian McQue's work is great for portfolios and getting likes, but when people pull out their wallets they want something that looks like a photo they could hang on their wall. I've seen friends drop real money on photorealistic prints for their living rooms, but they'd never pay for a stylized painting of a spaceship. You really think the average buyer is picking abstract over realistic when it comes to actually spending cash?