Name:
Kelly McKernan
Role:
Artist, Educator, and Activist.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, Kelly McKernan’s net worth is estimated at $1 million.
Profile Overview:
Kelly McKernan is an American artist, educator, and activist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for their vibrant and surreal artwork, McKernan has gained recognition for their contributions to the art world and their advocacy for artists’ rights in the age of generative artificial intelligence (AI). In 2023, Time magazine named McKernan one of the Most Influential People in AI for their efforts to address copyright infringement issues related to AI tools. They are also a dedicated educator, teaching at Nossi College of Art & Design.
Bio:
Born in 1986, Kelly McKernan grew up with an early passion for art. They joined DeviantArt as a high school student in 2002, immersing themselves in the online art community. In 2009, McKernan graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kennesaw State University.
McKernan’s career spans both artistic creation and education. They specialize in surreal and colorful paintings that often explore themes of identity and transformation. As an educator at Nossi College of Art & Design in Nashville, McKernan mentors aspiring artists while continuing to produce their own work.
In January 2023, McKernan joined fellow artists Sarah Andersen and Karla Ortiz in filing a landmark copyright infringement lawsuit against Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt. The suit alleges that these companies used generative AI tools trained on billions of images scraped from the web without consent, infringing on the rights of countless artists. Although much of the case was dismissed by Judge William Orrick III in July 2023, the plaintiffs were encouraged to provide additional evidence to support their claims.
Kelly McKernan’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
Kelly McKernan has emerged as a prominent advocate for ethical AI practices within the art community. Their lawsuit against major AI companies highlights concerns about how generative AI tools impact artists’ intellectual property rights. Through activism and public discourse, McKernan has raised awareness about the need for transparency and consent in AI training processes.
Their inclusion in Time magazine’s Most Influential People in AI underscores their role as a leading voice on this critical issue.
Nationality:
American
Age:
39 years old (as of March 31, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kennesaw State University (2009).
Sources of Wealth:
- Artistic Career: Revenue from selling original artwork and prints.
- Teaching: Educator at Nossi College of Art & Design.
- Activism: Advocacy for artists’ rights in the digital age.
- Recognition: Named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People in AI (2023).
- Speaking Engagements: Featured speaker on topics related to art and AI ethics.
Random Fact:
Kelly McKernan is a single parent and identifies as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns.
Kelly McKernan’s career reflects their dedication to artistic excellence and advocacy for ethical practices in AI development. Their leadership continues to inspire conversations about protecting creative rights in the evolving digital landscape.
Check here to see the most influential people in AI
