Thoughtful and witty answers for those still questioning the future of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence
Over this holiday break, as you gather around the table once again, there’s a question that is likely to come up—a question filled with concern about the future: “How will you creatives adapt now that artificial intelligence and advanced technologies can perform your jobs?” Your instinct might be to cut it short with a simple, “They won’t.”
But let’s lean into those New Year’s resolutions and take this opportunity to provide a clear and straightforward explanation. Skip the overly technical jargon—no need to go deep on AR, VR, generative AI, IoT, blockchain, and so on. Instead, focus on sharing this simple truth: technology is not only here to help us keep up with the relentless changes around us; it’s here to liberate us from the exhaustion that comes with it.
By speeding up the repetitive tasks that often leave us overworked, artificial intelligence gives us back valuable time—time that can be better spent on important work and other pursuits that truly matter. The real value of innovation lies not in its ability to replace human creativity but in its capacity to reduce the daily grind that stifles it. Far from making creatives obsolete, technology allows us to focus on what machines can never do: think, imagine, design, and project with depth and nuance.
Think of AI like a washing machine. While you could hand-wash every item, isn’t it better to use a machine for the mechanical workload? With this approach, you would be free to focus on the delicate pieces or engage in more intellectually stimulating activities.
Today’s students are already embracing this trend, with emerging fashion designers eager to master tools like CLO 3D software. Meanwhile digital communication students are keen to learn how to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT while ensuring they maintain their human authenticity and unique tone of voice. Moreover, they’re increasingly advocating for the integration of these technologies, not only to enhance their skills but also to reduce their environmental impact and cultivate more sustainable practices.
View this post on Instagram
How can we effectively communicate that AI is not just a helpful tool but an essential part of our future? How do we explain that the transformation it brings will always rely on human creativity and involvement? For those still questioning the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future of creativity, we provide insightful—sometimes even humorous— responses. These are intended to shift the conversation from scepticism to an acknowledgement of the undeniable potential of a future where technology and human ingenuity not only coexist but thrive together.
1.“I’m Not Worried AI Will Take My Job—AI Will Do My Laundry”
When they say:
“I’ve read that creatives are concerned AI will make their jobs obsolete.”
What you might feel like saying:
“Human talent in the arts, communication, fashion, and music is irreplaceable. AI is just an ally that streamlines certain processes.”
A wittier response:
Why not borrow the viral tweet from artist Joanna Maciejewska, which has become a mantra for creatives everywhere? Simply say:
“The biggest problem with pushing all-things-AI? Wrong direction. I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so I can create art and write—not for AI to create art and write so I can do my laundry and dishes.”
Then add:
“That’s exactly how I use AI. High-tech programs take care of the grunt work, lifting the weight off my shoulders and keeping me competitive in today’s market. In the meantime, I’m free to focus on creativity, fresh ideas, and the kind of thinking that flourishes with the time AI has given me back.”
2. “AI Won’t Make Me Work Less—It’ll Help Me Work Better”
When they say:
“I hear AI-powered tech saves you loads of time—so you’re doing nothing all day, right?”
What you might feel like saying:
“Yes, technology saves time, but that time is spent deepening my knowledge, learning new skills, and creating. It’s reductive to say it’s all wasted doing nothing.”
A more thought-provoking response:
Start with:
“AI frees up valuable hours. Professionals use that time to immerse themselves in new ideas, conduct research, or acquire soft skills that boost their confidence as well as market competitiveness. They may even spend some of this extra time mastering the AI-powered tools that will become essential in the future—a virtuous cycle.”
Then add:
“The main issue with your assumption lies in the modern mindset: we’ve been conditioned to equate long hours with productivity. Yet science says otherwise. Let’s consider the data: since the 1960s, the average adult has spent 67 hours a week on what is typically deemed ‘productive’ work. Originally applied to American workers, this figure still resonates globally. While automation was meant to lighten the load, it often has the opposite effect, stretching work to fill all 67 hours instead. This aligns with Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Paradoxically, when we have too much time, we often end up working less efficiently. Today, as AI shortens the time needed for tasks, the real challenge will be redefining productivity—not by the hours spent, but by focusing on the time truly necessary for a task and reserving the rest for something meaningful, thus assigning value to the time we’ve saved.”
By Gaia Giordani
Generative AI Explorer and New Media Communication Expert