Hi MuhGuy, I'm sorry to hear that.
I'll give you some information before explain: the main project (HelenQ) is online since Oct 2021 (more or less 38 months), it gained until now nearly 1200$, so approximately 30 $/month. I ask to the artist for 2 commissions/year (400/500$ each). I'm paying the remaining obviosly.
For me that's only an hobby and I'm not earning from that- and that's ok for me, it's a pleasant hobby to create something from nothing. Having said that, I can afford only two commissions/year from an artist so the main project it's slow, and I know it.
But if I want to advance or try something different I'm a bit stuck, because without CG a game is only a bunch of text and some sound.
I wanted to try a different type of game (Helen is a classic fantasy/adventure RPG, while Ark47 is a RPG shooter, with a lot spent on the backbone of the gameplay, so, totally different) with different dynamics. I can't afford a full new commission only to try something new for my pleasure (only for the menu part it'll be 10 images, nearly 800$)...so...the options were two: AI generated CG or handmade by me (my current drawing skill is close to "stickman style" by the way).
I opted for the less atrocious way, AI, and it's clearly stated. In addition, all my updates are free (now and in the future) for both games so please don't accuse me "to lure new members", it's painful: 92% of my patreons are free members and I'm fine with that. I only want to get better and work freely in something I like to do. Helen Quest is going forward, paying a real artist, slowly, but it can't be otherwise.
I'd like to do more for it but I can't, I have a job like all the people and I can't "invest" more than that.
If you want more info or simply want to talk more about that you can contact me any time I'm always open :)