When everyone has the same tools, who wins?
Last week, we discussed the anxiety many creative workers feel about AI's rise in their workflows.
Today, let's dive deeper into how AI is reshaping our work.
→ Democratisation.
AI is removing the barriers of entry that once protected what we do.
Anyone with a ChatGPT account will soon be able to perform most generative creative tasks that previously required years of technical training.
But here's what I think is important to see:
When everyone can access the same tools, the playing field levels out. That doesn't mean everyone loses. It means the rules have changed, and winners will now be determined by something other than technical abilities and high-end gear.
Consider this: Photography used to be entirely analogue and was reserved for a select few willing to invest in the gear, learn the intricacies of film developing and master the art of enlarging. When photography went digital, it democratised the ability to take and share decent photos.
Now, it's been taken one step further, and anyone with a newer phone has the tech in their pockets to take good images.
Is there still a need for professional photographers?
Yes.
And the best ones continue to thrive!
→ The reason? It's never actually been just about the images.
Professional photographers remain needed because they have mastered the art of storytelling and can package that value into solutions that solve real customer problems.
In a few short years, anyone with a ChatGPT account will be able to prompt and produce commercially viable creative output. A full-blown website, brand imagery, product designs, explainer videos, and more.
But just like photography, when everyone has the same AI tools, three things become incredibly valuable:
1 Your unique story - The personal narrative and perspective only you can bring.
2 Your generalist makeup and creative taste - Your ability to connect the dots across multiple disciplines. More on this soon.
3 Your ability to understand human needs deeply - The empathy that allows you to find and solve real problems for your customers in their context.
Next week, we'll explore why your unique story matters and how to leverage it.
But for today, consider this question:
If technical skills become commoditised and access to high-quality creative outputs is democratised, what unique creative perspectives do you bring that AI can't replicate?
Ask yourself: What life experiences have shaped how you see the world in ways others might not? Which creative decisions do you make instinctively that others find difficult? What problems have you personally faced that give you deeper insight into certain audiences or customers' needs?
Think about what makes you, you. Where have you come from, what challenges have you faced in your life, who are you becoming?
Perhaps the most powerful differentiators are your story and how you incorporate it into your creative work.
Write these ideas down.
Talk soon!
Also, if we're not connected on LinkedIn or Instagram, please reach out and send me a message. I would love to hear where in the world you are from and the work you are doing!
