The rise of AI is undeniable—it’s reshaping the creative landscape in profound ways. Instead of
resisting, we should adapt. AI is not here to replace creativity; it’s a tool designed to enhance
and hasten our processes. We are living in a state of change, surrounded by intense emotions
and debates within creative circles. I’ve taken a step back to reflect on this shift with a more
rational perspective.

Reflections on Change

Looking back at my journey as a designer, I see clear parallels. When I first began studying
design, everything started with traditional tools—sketching schematics and creating prototypes
by hand before transitioning to digital tools. Older professors often emphasized that true
understanding came only from traditional methods, cautioning that digital tools removed the
“soul” of the work.

But I’ve seen this cycle repeat itself. When one tool becomes the norm, a new tool or technique
emerges, sparking debates all over again. For instance, concept art once required everything to
be drawn from scratch, and photobashing was deemed unacceptable. Now, photobashing is a
standard practice. The lesson is clear: those who cling to tradition often fall behind or are forced
to adapt later. However, creators who focus on ideas rather than tools tend to adapt naturally,
finding ways to integrate new technologies into their processes. Those who focus solely on craft
and tradition, without nurturing their conceptual thinking, often struggle to keep up in the long
run.

Creativity Meets Business
The creative industry is shifting, and at its core, business is about generating revenue—not
preserving traditions or sentimentality. Protests against AI within the art community reflect a fear
of job loss, and that concern is valid. However, the reality is that businesses prioritize efficiency
and profitability. If a program can produce better results faster, it will inevitably become part of
the process.

For creatives, this means understanding the rules of the game and adapting. Passion is vital,
but turning it into a sustainable career requires embracing these changes. Consider an example
from my own experience: creating super-realistic balloon typography renderings. Not long ago,
achieving that level of detail required advanced 3D skills and weeks of work. Now, anyone can
achieve similar results in minutes using AI. The person in the company whose sole responsibility
was to handle this specific task is no longer needed.

Tradition, Craft, and Trends

Trends often boom and fade, and AI-generated content is no exception. AI has already begun
replacing stock image websites, flooding the market with stunning fantasy illustrations. While
these visuals are impressive, they often lack depth or originality. Over time, the novelty wears
off, and we return to seeking intentional, thoughtful, and unique work.

This is where tradition, craft, and creativity will thrive again. True artistry isn’t about following
trends; it’s about blending old techniques with new tools to create something meaningful. For
example, AI excels at generating generic fantasy book covers or semi-cartoony illustrations,
styles that were once rare luxuries. However, it struggles to replicate the unique approaches
found in premium book designs or distinctive brand illustrations like those of Notion or
Mailchimp. These works require a depth of thought and creative intent that AI has yet to master.

The Visual Process: A Personal Reflection

While AI excels in efficiency, it hasn’t yet mastered the essence of visual creation. Designing
with words might work for some, but visuals require a different kind of communication. For me,
sketching and crafting by hand remain irreplaceable. I think with my pencil, not my words, and
that tactile connection is central to my creative process.

To truly integrate into visual fields, AI must complement this visual thinking rather than replace it.
Among AI startups, Adobe stands out for focusing on enhancing creative processes. Tools like
Adobe Firefly allow designers to generate content directly from mood boards, a standard step in
creative workflows. Photoshop’s generative AI, for instance, acts more like an advanced
retouching tool, seamlessly blending photobashing techniques to save time. A task like editing a
flying coffee cup into a complex outdoor scene or making the moon look like a croissant, which
once took days, can now be done in hours with a prompt.

Similarly, Adobe Illustrator’s features, such as quick palette adjustments for intricate designs or
instant packaging mockups, make tedious tasks faster without undermining the creative
process. These tools don’t replace the artist; they empower them to focus on the ideas and
execution that truly matter.

Hope for the Future

In the end, I believe in the enduring power of art and creativity. Yes, the creative industry is
facing challenges, but change always brings opportunity. Beyond the commercial pressures, AI
holds the potential to open entirely new avenues of expression and innovation.

We are at a strange moment—AI feels within reach but not fully realized as a functional,
integrated tool. However, this is also an exciting time to experiment and explore its possibilities.
Creativity is resilient, and as we navigate these shifts, I trust it will lead us to more complex and
meaningful forms of expression—things we’ve only dreamed of until now.

Comment

I wrote this text in small sections, editing multiple times to focus on what felt most important and
where I could share my own experiences. During this process, I also came across some truly
fascinating AI-generated art—pieces that were unexpected and genuinely blew me away.
In the end, I don’t know exactly where AI will take us, but I want to approach it with an open
mind. If I can view a piece critically, evaluate its uniqueness and the complexity of the ideas it
conveys—and still appreciate it—then it’s a truly great piece of art.