By Nina Kurn 2023.01.29

Right now, when we’re just trying to get our heads around the fact that a new year has begun, bringing new ways of looking at the world, AI is starting to show us glimpses of the creative future ahead. AI-generated images and videos are creeping into our feeds and messaging, alongside the first attempts at AI creating content via our briefs.

Pretty soon though, there will be more user-friendly programs. Programs that will allow anyone to
create almost anything they can think of.

The need for the imperfect
And here’s the catch. When our own imagination is the only thing stopping us, the need for unique quirky thoughts and ideas is more crucial than ever. Because, in a sea of AI-generated sameness and a flood of computer generated images, what will stand out? When we go beyond the marvels and perfection of the images themselves, beyond the technique, what is there to see?
One thing is for sure. Fairly soon, people will be fed up with and no longer fascinated by the soon-to-be-perfect AI generated images they see. The clinical perfection will soon become standard and we will miss the flaws and the imperfections that come with the human touch. In other words, something too perfect becomes uninteresting.

Creating more diversity
So, what remains is the core, the naked brief and idea itself and it had better stand fast and solid. The idea is what will remain and if there is none, we will be left with a sense of nothingness that’s not the fault of AI, it’s on us. In other words, with such an amazing tool for creativity, what we need to keep in mind is that without an idea behind even the most spectacular AI image, the fad, will quickly fade away. However, when used to its full potential, this tool will enable far more people to express their ideas and thoughts creatively. Something that will add new perspectives and more talent to the creative world.

So, in awe of the new and perfect, let’s bring out the old big, bold and imperfect. The ideas that will stand fast and bring us lasting creativity and the fascination of generations to come, just like they have for centuries passed. Creativity has no age, gender or race. But it’s human and imperfect. AI might just be the tool we need to fully democratize the creative arts.

Cosmopolitan USA and The Economist got AI to do their cover in summer 2022.