Here’s What You Need to Know.
AI is everywhere. News headlines hit by the minute, hourly – not daily.
“200+ Best AI Tools” (Yes, you read that correctly: 200+).
“107 AI Tools You’ve Never Heard Of” (Can’t even keep up with the ones you’ve heard of?).
It’s overwhelming. How can you make sense of all of this? I sat down with Natalie Buda Smith (Director of Digital Strategy, Library of Congress) Tj Cichecki (Principal Designer, Work Horse) and Vincent Wanga (VP of Creative, Taoti) with a packed house of DC creatives hosted by Taoti Creative and AIGA DC to explore AI and what it means for us as creatives.
Focus on Solving Your Specific Problem.
There are thousands of AI tools out there. Here’s a secret: they’re all using the same source technology. Don’t dive down the rabbit hole looking for “THE” AI tool among thousands. Rather, identify the problem you need to solve and then find the AI solution.
For example, TJ Cichecki’s team works remotely nationwide, and audio can be quite challenging. To hear each other clearly and ensure professional presentation, team members use Krisp, an AI tool that effectively blocks background noise. They identified a specific need and found the AI solution.
Use AI as a Multiplier.
You’re a creative because you create. It’s what makes you unique and your work original. AI is not a replacement; it’s a tool and resource to assist you. Leverage the technology to your advantage.
For example, Vince shared how he created a business using AI as a partner. He outsourced the low-level work to AI so he could focus on the high-level work: strategy, big ideas, design.
Ethics Starts with You.
Be your own ethical compass and don’t wait for policies and regulations to catch up. Thoughtfully consider your use of AI resources. Technology advancements often outpace regulations and policies. As creatives, we have a duty to safeguard art, culture, and intellectual property.
Before feeding data into AI models, like ChatGPT, consider if it is confidential, proprietary, or private. How will you use the results? As your own work or for inspiration?
Use of Your Unique Training, Skills and Talent.
As we embrace and use these tools, you’ll find you have an advantage because of your creative background.
Natalie Buda Smith shared how creatives have distinct knowledge and experience. Knowing what to ask and look for, especially, with respect to AI prompts, will get better results and is half the battle with AI.
AI is coming TO You, Not for You.
AI is already incorporated into many of the tools you already use. Expect more to come. You don’t need to be overwhelmed or in the know about every single tool. Someone once said, “AI won’t replace you. Someone using AI will.”
BE that someone who knows how to use AI. Just start. And keep it simple.
