The Future: Universal Creativity

We may be surprised at how quickly this transformation occurs. AI technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, with new innovations emerging almost daily, leaving little doubt that our lives will be fundamentally altered.

In the realm of creativity, AI holds the power to democratize the ability to create. Seriously, whether you want to delve into protein folding or filmmaking, AI can enable you to do so without the need for extensive training in biology or film theory.

Some might counter, “But synthesizers didn’t eliminate musicians!” True, they didn’t, but that’s because synthesizers were merely new tools for sound creation. Musicians still had to master music theory and practice tirelessly to hone their skills.

AI, however, represents a different paradigm. It’s not just a new interface; it’s a revolutionary tool. For instance, with AI, you can compose music, generate sounds, and create compositions in mere seconds—without needing to grasp music theory or memorize chord progressions. You could also write books or scripts in various styles without having to learn narrative techniques.

While this may lead to an oversaturation of clichéd tunes and uninspired stories, it raises pressing questions about the future of creative jobs.

What Does Obsolescence Feel Like?

Consider a time before refrigerators existed. People had to venture out onto frozen lakes and rivers to harvest enough ice for the year. This labor-intensive work required enduring harsh winters, standing in the cold for hours while cutting through thick ice with massive saws.

Fast forward to today, where we might be remembered as those who lived during the dawn of the AI age. Imagine a future where creatives are described as individuals who had to generate enough content to sustain their careers amidst intense competition and time constraints.

AI is a powerful cognitive tool with transformative capabilities, yet many may underestimate its potential. Like the ice cutters of old, many creatives may find their roles diminished. However, there may be strategies for survival in this new landscape.

The Creative Dilemma

Are you a screenwriter, novelist, illustrator, or painter? Your profession may face obsolescence. AI is poised to disrupt creative fields to an extent that’s hard to envision, rendering many of us redundant. Yet, it will also open new avenues for creative minds willing to collaborate with AI.

The challenge lies in our need to embrace AI to thrive as creatives, reshaping our craft into something entirely new. If we were to ask ice cutters on the day refrigerators emerged where they envisioned themselves in the future, they likely wouldn’t have known. Their jobs were taken over by machines, but these machines required skilled individuals to build and maintain them—people well-suited to labor under tough conditions.

Guiding AI as a New Role

Creative professionals, such as screenwriters, can recognize essential plot points and dramaturgical elements, while an average person reading an AI-generated script may lack that insight. Similarly, illustrators and designers have an eye for composition and detail that AI might miss.

This presents a pathway for us: guiding and curating AI-generated content. Just as ice cutters had a niche skill set, there could emerge a unique group of traditional creatives who excel without AI, creating remarkable works that stand out in a sea of AI-generated content.

The Future is Uncertain, But…

It’s not about a battle between "AI vs. creatives," but rather “creatives using AI versus those who do not.” Many of the latter will likely fade away, while those who adapt will find their place in niche or nostalgic markets.

Here are some guiding principles for creative professionals as we embark on this new journey:

• AI will generate new job opportunities that we cannot yet fully envision.
• Creatives will be instrumental in steering and curating AI-generated works.
• Opportunities may arise as consultants and educators bridging AI and creativity.
• Embracing AI can enhance output and inspire like never before.
• Creatives can assist others in realizing their visions by teaching them how to collaborate with tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney.
• There’s potential to establish businesses utilizing AI, whether as a film studio, art gallery, or a creative enterprise.

For more insights on AI and creativity, feel free to connect with me on Twitter or Medium (use my referral link for full access to my articles and many others).

The first video, "Digital dilemma: Does AI help or harm the creative community?" explores the implications of AI on creativity and the potential impact on creative professionals.

The second video, "The A.I. Dilemma - March 9, 2023," dives deeper into the challenges and opportunities AI presents to the creative industry.

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