Exploring the intersection of art and AI: A journey through the future of the creativity process

As a Senior Product Designer and fine arts dropout, I know a thing or two about the convergence of art and technology. So, when I found myself at a wild RuPaul’s Drag Race party on a Friday night, I was all in for a heated debate about the one topic that’s been weighing on my mind: AI.

As a recent language machine learning “junkie”, I’ve come to rely on AI to keep my writing skills sharp. Think of it as a power-packed chat combo of Google Docs, Grammarly, and auto-complete, all in one place. I started using AI more and more due to my own writing struggles, which may be a result of my undiagnosed dyslexia. But, I’m also interested in exploring the ethics and practical applications of AI for everyday people, especially those who may not have access to resources and support. I think of a non-English speaking individual fighting against deportation and needing help crafting compelling court statements. I think of my music producer friends, who work tirelessly to create beautiful music but struggle to afford writing yet another press release. And, I think of my stepfather, who is grappling with immense grief after my mother’s passing and could benefit greatly from AI-powered tools to help manage his depression.

At the Drag Race party, I found myself in a heated discussion with a TV producer friend about the ethics of AI. He argued that AI is a soulless corporate tool meant to automate jobs and create a bland world of repetitive slogans and remixes. He believed that artists, writers, and creatives should never use it. On my end, I argued that AI is a tool for growth and creativity and that it’s time for the creative community to embrace it and learn how to use it, instead of letting corporations dictate its use. I also pointed out that, ethically speaking, we’re all in a gray area when it comes to AI.

As the drag queens sashayed down the runway, I couldn’t help but think about the potential and fear of AI in the arts and design community. When I left the party and got into an Uber, I was struck by the feeling that this was just the beginning of a larger conversation about AI’s role in the creative process.

The creative community has a responsibility to embrace change and harness AI’s potential, instead of letting corporations control it. We need to be open-minded and explore AI’s possibilities, while also being mindful of its ethical implications.

As I scrolled through my phone on the ride home, I was reminded of the thousands of photos and videos stored on my device. It was a powerful reminder of how quickly technology has changed the way we create and consume media. And, as I drifted off to sleep, I was filled with a sense of excitement and fear for what the future of content creation might bring with the rise of AI-generated content.

“Kiss my ass, AI is not art.” —a photographer friend told me

I recently had a heated text argument with a photographer friend who told me, “Kiss my ass, AI is not art.” But, as I thought about it later on, I couldn’t help but find the irony in his statement. Photography wasn’t always considered a respected art form, and digital art faced even more skepticism when it gained popularity in the 2000s. But, photography has undergone a massive transformation since its invention in 1825 and serves as a powerful example of how technology can shape the creative process. The invention of digital photography by Steven Sasson in 1975 revolutionized the way we create and consume images. Within 25 years, digital technology overtook analog film and became the dominant form of photography. However, the commodification of photography brought about new challenges, like the flood of subpar content and loss of control over one’s own image.

It’s important to remember that without digital photography, our lives and the way we create and consume media would be vastly different. As Marshall McLuhan famously said, “The medium is the message.” The creative community has the power to shape the message that AI sends to the world and to use it to create something truly remarkable. Just as photography transformed with the invention of digital technology, AI has the potential to bring about a new era in the arts and design.

The creative community must be proactive in exploring the potential and limitations of AI, and in determining its role in the creative process. As artists, designers, and creative professionals, we have a unique perspective on how technology can shape the way we communicate and create. We must be willing to embrace change, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A key challenges for the creative community is to find ways to use AI that are meaningful and ethical. McLuhan warned that the medium of communication carries its own biases and cultural values, and it’s up to us to determine how these values are expressed in our work. This means that we must be mindful of AI’s use and ensure that we’re not perpetuating harmful biases or negative stereotypes.

At the same time, we must also be mindful of the limitations of AI. While it can be a powerful tool for creating and sharing content, AI is not a panacea, and it’s not capable of replicating the full range of human experiences and emotions.

As McLuhan states, “The new media are not bridges between man and nature; they are nature. They shift the stress of communication from man to nature and the whole human condition is thereby altered.” The creative community has the power to shape the nature of AI and determine how it will alter the human condition.

“The medium, or process, of our time — electric technology — is reshaping and restructuring patterns of social interdependence and every aspect of our personal life.”

McLuhan warns, “The medium, or process, of our time — electric technology — is reshaping and restructuring patterns of social interdependence and every aspect of our personal life.” The creative community must embrace change and explore the possibilities of AI while also considering the ethical implications of its use. By doing so, we can help create a future where AI and art intersect in meaningful and ethical ways, and where creativity and technology work together to benefit everyone, not just corporations.

Here are some bullet point takeaways from my article:

• The creative community must be proactive in exploring the potential and limitations of AI, and in determining its role in the creative process.
• AI is not a panacea and cannot replace human creativity and intuition.
• The impact of technology on the creative process and how it has transformed other art forms, such as photography, is important to consider.
• The ethical implications of AI and how it will alter the human condition must be taken into account.
• The medium of communication carries its own biases and cultural values, and it’s up to the creative community to determine how these values are expressed in their work.

About the author, I’m Daniel Saints (DSG2), a dedicated Senior Product Designer. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with respected names in fashion, experiential design, and product design, including IBM, frog design, Nike, Gap, and The Weather Channel, among others. My journey, while unconventional due to my departure from fine arts studies, has ignited a deep passion for art that continues to shape my perspective and extends to my role as an enthusiastic collector.