Thriving Through Change: Exploring the Possibilities of AI in Creative Industries

“Now is the time to really make a difference, to start to learn about AI, understand these tools, and see what you can make of it.”

The Stockholm chapter of CreativeMornings gathered top have small group discussions exploring the possibilities of AI in creative industries. The event was part of special series called “Thriving Through Change” designed to foster meaningful discussions about the challenges that creative professionals are facing today.

Supported by our Global Partner Adobe, some of our most engaged CreativeMornings chapters around the world are designing interactive event formats that unleash the collective wisdom of our community.

The tone for these discussions in Stockholm was set by Sofie Marin, the founder and CEO of Art Dynamics, which hosts meetups and training sessions focused on arts entrepreneurship. She encouraged attendees to continue to educate themselves and using that knowledge to adapt while maintaining their unique voice.

“Stay informed, just like you’re doing here today. So, shout out to Adobe for that. Because the more we get to understand and learn about this, the better. Adapt and learn.”

Addressing fears about the impact of AI on jobs, Sofie encouraged viewing AI as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than a threat. To help creative professionals navigate this changing landscape, she offered several actionable insights:

• Stay informed: Keep up with AI advancements and understand their implications.

• Adapt and learn: Embrace new skills and technologies to stay relevant.

• Foster critical thinking: Develop the ability to analyze and question AI outcomes.

• Promote ethical AI: Advocate for responsible AI development and usage.

• Plan for change: Be ready to pivot and adapt as AI continues to evolve.

Sofie also raised the raised option of using AI for mundane tasks in order to focus on the more nuanced aspects of creative work. As a counterpoint, Moa Kristine Nachtweij, the Founder of Femme le Monde, shared how she’s using AI as part of her creative process at her dance studio.

“I’ve been using AI as a co-creator in order to develop better concepts, better performances… because I want to be more efficient. There’s a tool where we can track my body language and find out my signature moves, so I can make it better.”

The attendees then broke into small groups around tables and couches throughout the space. After these more intimate conversations, they returned together and a representative from each group shared the key points that their group discussed.

The first group questioned the desire to make AI’s efficiency the ultimate goal. While other groups wondered how to stand out when creative work is being commodified and what our relationship to AI should be.

“There’s not much value in making things super fast if that leads us to going super fast in the wrong direction. So, by being human, we can add friction to the process.”

“How do I showcase myself? How do I make my mark? And it comes back to the whole idea of being human. Is there a niche where I can actually create the art in the physical realm?”

“How do we continue to flex our muscles of creativity, but also our muscles of criticism?”

“One benefit of AI is that it can create a skeleton of an idea. Put huge information in some structure and then you can add your own energy and color.”

“Using AI to do all the mundane, boring, shitty tasks can free up space for creativity.”

You can check out more conversations about AI in our Thriving Through Change series hosted by CreativeMornings chapters around the world.