Moleskine's AI Lord of the Rings collection can only mock
Moleskine’s new Lord of the Rings notebook line has triggered controversy over the use of AI-generated imagery in its marketing and possibly in some cover designs. Commenters debate whether AI is acceptable as a commercial design tool, especially for a brand that trades on artistic heritage and “authenticity,” and whether using AI-derived or inaccurate visuals in ads amounts to deception or just modern production efficiency. The thread also touches on broader concerns about AI’s impact on working artists, brand “enshittification,” and declining product quality.
What was actually AI-generated
- Commenters note Moleskine’s update: covers are said to be made by in‑house designers; AI was used to “enhance the background” of marketing images.
- Some suspect this still leaves room for AI use in cover design or mockups, pointing to an unused cover with an obviously wrong Middle‑earth map.
- Others think this is just standard marketing imagery work and not a significant issue.
AI in marketing vs product art
- Some see no problem using AI in ads, comparing it to Photoshop or stock photography; marketing is already manipulative and “anti‑art.”
- Others say it matters if ads misrepresent the product or if AI recreates the very art being sold.
- A subset would avoid buying AI-decorated products but care less if AI is used only in ads.
Authenticity, intent, and “art vs commodity”
- One side frames notebook graphics as commodity packaging for a franchise; efficiency and accessibility of AI tools are seen as positives.
- Opponents stress authenticity, human intent, and alignment with Lord of the Rings themes; reducing everything to efficiency is viewed as reductive.
- Debate on whether prompting an AI is “artistic creation” parallels questions about whether a film director is an “author.”
False advertising and the map issue
- Several highlight that an ad image includes a blurry, geographically inconsistent Middle‑earth map and/or gibberish place names.
- Some argue this is literally false advertising; ads should depict the real product and be checked, AI or not.
- Others counter that ads have always embellished, though one commenter links to US law about deceptive advertising.
Impact on artists and “the market will decide”
- Some argue AI will inevitably dominate low‑end commercial art, and artists should “move up the stack” to more specialized or high‑value work.
- Others see this as work simply disappearing, worsening already precarious artistic livelihoods; boycotts and backlash are framed as legitimate market pressure.
Perceptions of Moleskine as a brand
- Multiple commenters say Moleskine’s paper and construction quality have declined and no longer justify premium pricing.
- Using AI “slop” (or even appearing to) is framed as part of the brand’s enshittification, especially given its historic positioning as a beloved tool for artists.
Legal and IP questions
- One commenter wonders whether AI‑generated images are uncopyrightable and thus freely copyable, implying a business risk for companies leaning on AI art.
- The thread notes this as an open question; no clear case law is cited.