AI and the Creative BOOM

 

AI Creative Content Explosion

by Angie Azur

The rise of AI has indeed made it easier for people to engage in creative pursuits such as writing and art. The accessibility of tools and platforms for self-publishing and sharing creative work has democratized the creative process to a great extent. While this has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of content being produced, it doesn't necessarily mean that the trend will end or that the quality of work will suffer in the long term. Or does it?

We are experiencing a creative content explosion across all literature genres and within the arts in general. I started noticing it when writers first began self-publishing their books about ten+ years ago. Fed up with the sluggish snail pace of the big publishing houses and being rejected by agents searching for big-ticket books instead of writers with a passion for writing, writers took matters into their own hands and published their works. And with the introduction of websites that help artists connect to clients and sell their work without having to pay for a studio, well, it seems everyone who ever thought, "I can make that, too," now has an Etsy account. 

But now, with the release of AI for writers and artists, every creative outlet is exploding with so much content it's overwhelming! For not only those who want to purchase books and art but anyone wanting to listen to music or peruse architectural plans, recipes, television shows, and movies to jewelry, women's and men's circles, and even breweries, there are mountains and valleys of mostly non-vetted creative content. 

It seems anyone who has ever had a passing

 interest in creating something 

is now doing just that.

Many creatives think this is great! Everyone should have access to play in the creative realms. Leveling the creative fields by offering people free or small fees to try their creative side is amazing. But others are saying, hold on. If it's too easy, then the work that is being produced is not high quality. Much of it is just loud, obnoxious noise that is drowning out the voices of artists, writers, and creative people who are truly passionate about their work and have had proper training and built their skills over a lifetime of hard work and practice. The quickly made art, books, plans, recipes, music, etc...are just passing ideas, not passions earned through education or by practice making perfect, but AI models producing subpar works for humans to pass off as their own. 

So how does the consumer know the difference between someone with a creative passion who has learned their craft and is a master at it - versus someone who thinks they can make a quick buck by creating AI books and other creative items and selling them to the inundated public?

Here are some tips on finding authors you can follow that are in love with writing and have learned their craft fully or artists who are passionate about their journey as an artist, not just fast money makers.

• Research the artist or author: Look for information about their background, education, previous works, and any recognition they have received. This can provide insights into their credibility and dedication to their craft.

• Read reviews and testimonials: Check out reviews from reputable sources or trusted reviewers to get an idea of the quality and reception of the artwork or book. Reviews can offer valuable perspectives from others who have experienced the work.

• Seek recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or trusted individuals whose taste aligns with yours. They may be able to suggest artists or authors whose work they have personally enjoyed.

• Visit galleries, exhibitions, or bookstores: Attend art exhibitions or visit galleries and bookstores where you can experience the work firsthand. This allows you to assess the quality and connect with the artist's or author's vision.

• Engage with the artist or author: Interact with the artist or author directly through social media, websites, or events. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into their passion, knowledge, and commitment to their craft.

• Look for professional associations or memberships: Check if the artist or author is associated with reputable organizations or professional groups related to their field. Membership in such organizations can indicate a certain level of commitment and expertise.

• Consider awards and recognitions: Research if the artist or author has received any awards or accolades for their work. Recognitions from reputable institutions or competitions can be a positive indication of their talent and dedication.

• Evaluate the quality of production: Assess the overall production quality of books or art pieces. Look for factors such as craftsmanship, attention to detail, presentation, and the use of high-quality materials. These aspects can reflect the artist's or author's commitment to their work.

• Find references and referrals: Ask the artist or author for references or contacts of previous clients or customers. Reaching out to them can provide insights into their experiences and the quality of the artist's or author's work.

• Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your own judgment and intuition when it comes to evaluating art or literature. If something resonates with you on a deep level and feels authentic, it's more likely to be the work of a passionate and dedicated artist or author.

As more and more people try their skills at creativity using AI, the explosion of the arts will continue. But like with anything we humans fancy, if it's not a passion deep in our soul, eventually, we move on to something else. So, for those of us who are passionate about writing or art or whatever AI is capable of generating next, know that your passion will set you apart from those who are dabbling. Stay the course, but also, don't be afraid of trying AI out for yourself. 

AI editor has helped me get unstuck in a chapter, and AI art making has allowed me to fully see my character as I envisioned her in my mind (see photo). 

If used with integrity and honesty, AI will help you create stronger novels, better ideas, and more inclusive artwork. Those with a passion for telling human stories through words or images will continue to do so, using AI as just another tool, not a replacement for authentic human experiences.

If you are curious about adding AI to your toolbox, I have listed a few good ones below. Why do I say good? I've read about them and used some of them. But do not take my word for it - go try them yourself and please, let me know what you think. 

AI Writing Sites:

Sudowrite for fiction long and short forms

GPT-4 for fiction (I use this one, but am excited to try some of these newer ones)

Jasper for fiction and business

Copy.ai for copywriting

Canva Magic Write for fiction

Anyword for assisting you with writing

AI Dungeon for fiction adventure stories

Writesonic for GPT-4 content

StoryLab for story ideas

NovelAI for story ideas 

Rytr for an affordable AI writer

AI Art Sites:

Adobe Firefly for artists to quickly edit images and color vectors (I've used this, but to me, it's for professionals, which I am not - lots to learn, like a whole new language to understand, and I don't have the time).

Stable Diffusion for artists is free right now and high res.

DeepFloyd for artists with the largest diffusion model.

MidJourney for artists looking for community and accuracy (I've used this one and love it, intuitive and easy for me, but it's expensive).

Shape E free for beginners and the curious. Simple images.

CF Spark 7 there is a free version to try and you can earn $.

DALL-E-2 is easy for beginners and very intuitive.

Craiyon there is a free version, and it's easy to use.