Art-ificial
As I sit here using ChatGPT to find the perfect words, human artists are being replaced by artificial intelligence. (Apparently thesauruses are being replaced too.) $20/mo ChatGPT accounts are being used to generate nightclub party flyers, brand logos, and web page designs. All of these things would have required a human graphic designer just a few short years ago. So, what is the fate of us human artists?
Making money in the digital world is a wash
The bad news is mostly economic. AI will likely take our paying jobs -- especially digital jobs like graphic design, technical writing, and music production.
Do the math. Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours it takes you to design a band's flyer or write a blog post. AI likely has your price beat (it has mine beat), and that's really all it takes to steal our jobs -- a better price and comparable work.
But all hope is not lost...
AI can't stop artists from artist-ing
The good news is that we can still practice our craft. We can still do the thing that brings us joy. We can write our poems and essays and novels. We can make our mixtapes and practice our turntable skills. We can design a video game. We can still do these things! We can still experience the joy that comes from practicing our art and creating. We can still fulfill a creative purpose in this world! We are still creative beings -- just slower and more expensive 😁
The wonder and awe of human talent
I have ongoing faith in the wonder and inspiration that we get from the talent of a fellow human being. Like, watching Michael Jordan effortlessly glide towards the basketball hoop, arm stretched way over head, fingers wrapped tightly around ball, tongue draped over bottom lip almost touching chin, feet aimless and relaxed and just along for the ride at this point. I watch in anticipation wondering, hoping, knowing that he will make the shot.
Human beings revel in the talent and success of other human beings. It's not just about being entertained in the moment. It's about dreaming of our own potential. It's a reminder that this kind of talent and achievement is possible and within our grasp.
This is something that AI can not do. AI can not remind us of our own potential and talent because, in the immortal words of Kendrick Lamar, "thAI not like us!" It can not give us hope and faith in our own abilities. Is talent even something that AI can possess? Or is talent an exclusively human quality?
The physical world is still a human place
So, keep practicing that violin. Keep practicing your dance moves. Keep sharpening your woodworking skills. There is no AI or robot that can be you. You are uniquely you and that can't be copied by an AI. There will still be demand for your talent and creativity in the physical world.
Finally...
What can we do to make a living -- creatively
- Get really, really good at a "physical world" skill. People still appreciate and will pay for craftsmanship and talent. So, build your beautiful furniture. Dance like the wind. Sing your heart out.
- Inject your creativity into the everyday experience. What seemingly mundane opportunities in everyday life can we turn into creative opportunities? Can we find creativity in a middle-management job, for example?
- Dream about alternative political and economic systems that support and reward art and creativity. And, remember that we are creative beings. We manifest our dreams into reality.