AI Vs Creativity: Reflection

In our previous digital marketing class, we had the opportunity to learn about a subject that personally relates to my interests as a creative in the digital marketing industry; how AI is affecting the technology sector, as well as how creativity isn’t as fluid and scattered as people would think, it actually takes precise, informed decisions in order for ideas and concepts to translate efficiently into any project. Our knowledgeable speaker, Sabaa Quao, Chief Creative and Innovation Officer at Cossette presented an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion on digital creativity when facing the unsettling fast paced nature of AI technologies, and how it’s presenting both negatives and positives in multiple sectors of multiple industries. As a visual artist and someone who wants to pursue creative work in the marketing sector, I especially appreciated this discussion as we creatives need to be aware of these constant shifts and AI advancements, and use caution and become adaptable to these changes; we cannot change the course of AI, but we can learn how to use it as a tool that is ethical, rather than replacing creative departments all together. 

During the session, the one point that really stood out to me, or rather the “AHA” moment relates to the discussion when Sabaa mentioned an interesting statistic; “you’re 96% less creative than when you were as a child.” This fact truly resonated with me, as from a personal perspective when thinking about how creative I was as a child and even in my preteen years, I notice that the changing in my thought patterns was perhaps due to the natural process of aging, but maybe its also because my generation is the last to remember a time before we were introduced to cell phones and ipads. We were living in a time where although the internet was present, social media wasn’t as developed and prevalent in our lives as it is today, thus allowing for less distractions and more creative liberty. Although I still identify myself as a creative and artist, there are times when I find it difficult to come up with concept and new ways of thinking. 

Additionally, the discussion helped me think differently in terms of how I approach AI. During the session, Sabaa discuses how the fast-paced evolution of Ai has led to a lot of individuals feeling a sense of dread and anxiety. This relates to the fear of AI eventually replacing many professional online industries that once were high coveted role, including graphic design, art, and any business sector that requires advanced literacy. But that not necessarily the case in some instances. Yes, AI will completely eliminate some sectors, but there’s some areas of creative industries that AI can never fully replace to an extent; this is where us as creatives need to be mindful of how we use AI systems. As Sabaa mentioned, AI is a collection of collected information across the internet, and has the incredible ability to collect and analyze data in business fields, and provide other technical advancements to streamline work in order for businesses to optimize other areas for greater success. For us as digital marketers, it would be easy to solely rely on AI to streamline work such as  writing content, creating impactful visuals for eye catching campaigns. However, in order to maintain and enhance our creative imaginations as a skillset, it’s important to make informed decisions on having AI as a tool, rather than replacing our creative work all together.

Following the seminar, this discussion has directed me to alter the way I view creativity in professional sectors, as well as inspired me to exercise my skillsets in my daily work, personal creative projects, as well as implement these practices into my future career placements. I will aim to set a dedicated time each day for personal creative projects and exercises, for my case visual arts, to strengthen my skillsets. In recent months due to time constraints of work and school, I feel less motivated to hone my creative skills, so I will aim to carve a portion of each day where I can, and implement these times into my daily routine to win back that child-like imagination. I will also make informed decisions on how I utilize AI tools for streamlining work, to learn about generative AI programs and how they can enhance my graphic design and creative writing, rather than do the work for me, allowing more creative freedom and creative skills strengthening to brainstorm concepts and mock-ups. The perspective I gained from the seminar was eye opening, and allowed me to appreciate the connection between technology advancements and creativity, and how I can utilize both mindfully in my career, whilst maintaining my own creative individuality to add value to my skillsets in future work placements