Matias Jaramillo

July 20, 2024

Creative Automation vs. Creative Services - An AI Perspective

Hello GPT.

I've been publishing conversations I have with various LLMs. 

These discussions focus on advertising and creative services and are then published on my personal LinkedIn space. Today it is your turn. Should we start?

--

Hello, Matias! I'm excited to be part of your LinkedIn series. Let's get started. What specific aspects of advertising and creative services would you like to discuss today?

--

Great. I have great hopes with AI. As for the Internet I believe that these tools enhance human condition. But at the same time I worry about the business of creativity.

Looking at how some of the large advertising networks are tackling the arrival of LLMs, I noticed that this new tech is or will be bringing a new layer of services to their offerings. I can imagine how these networks are already making plans to put in place certain degrees of content automation, in broadening the fields of forecasting by trying to predict consumer behaviors. To optimize an ad to its maximum, bringing with it the power to personalize a message or product on the fly. And finally, all the way at the end, there will be the creation aspect to the business.

How do you see the role of a creative person within an advertising corporate structure? How will creatives participate in the execution of automation proceses, or with optimization and personalization tasks. And even maybe participate in consumer forecasting and behavior?

--

Your insights into the evolving role of AI in advertising are spot-on. The integration of AI, particularly LLMs, into the advertising industry indeed brings about significant changes, not just in processes but also in how creative professionals will engage with their work. Here’s a detailed look at how creatives might fit into this new landscape:

The Role of Creatives in an AI-Enhanced Advertising Landscape

1. Content Automation and Creation

AI can automate repetitive tasks and generate content, but the human touch in creativity is irreplaceable. 

Creatives will likely:
  • Curate and Refine: AI can generate a plethora of ideas and drafts, but creatives will be essential in curating, refining, and injecting the human element that resonates emotionally with audiences.

  • Innovate: While AI can provide insights and data-driven suggestions, the spark of original, out-of-the-box thinking comes from human creatives who can see beyond patterns and data.

2. Optimization and Personalization

AI can optimize ads and personalize messages in real-time, but creatives will play a crucial role in:
  • Guiding the Narrative: Ensuring that the brand’s voice and story remain consistent and compelling across personalized messages.

  • Designing Frameworks: Setting the parameters and frameworks within which AI operates to maintain brand integrity and creativity.

3. Consumer Forecasting and Behavior Analysis

AI excels at analyzing vast amounts of data to forecast consumer behavior, but creatives will contribute by:
  • Interpreting Data with Empathy: Understanding the human side of data, interpreting consumer motivations, and translating these insights into emotionally engaging campaigns.

  • Collaborating with Data Scientists: Working closely with data analysts to ask the right questions and frame the insights in a way that informs creative strategies.

4. Integrating AI in Creative Processes

Creatives will need to develop a symbiotic relationship with AI, including:
  • Skill Development: Learning to work with AI tools, understanding their capabilities and limitations, and integrating them into their creative workflow.

  • Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that the use of AI in advertising respects privacy, avoids manipulation, and adheres to ethical standards.

Conclusion

Creatives will remain at the heart of the advertising industry, but their roles will evolve. They will need to harness the power of AI to enhance their work, focusing on tasks that require human intuition, empathy, and innovative thinking. By collaborating with AI, creatives can elevate their craft, ensuring that advertising remains impactful and relevant in an increasingly automated world.

How does this perspective align with your experiences and observations so far? Are there specific areas where you see unique opportunities or challenges for creatives in this AI-driven future?

--

Interesting. I am glad that you have such a optimistic view on the future of creatives within the advertising industry. Some might say you could be a bit bias., but I believe you.

Let me answer your question and ask you another question.

Here is my answer.

As I said, I am also optimistic, evolution is natural and adaptability is a necessity. I find the concept of symbiosis that you propose fascinating and exciting. But my concern is that corporation are not training their workforce so we can evolve and adapt. I understand that we are really early in the game and the anchors that are preventing AI to take off within that sector are the heavy weights of intelectual property, output ownership and most of all liability. But once all this legal issues are resolved, things are going to go pretty fast. And when that day comes., some creatives will be ill prepared.

Now, my question.

You mention skill development. Could you please elaborate this for me? What would you tell a copywriter or an art director to start developing as a skill for this future you described in your previous answer.

--

Your concern about the lack of training for creatives to adapt to AI advancements is valid. The rapid pace of technological change often outstrips the preparedness of many organizations. Let’s delve into skill development for copywriters and art directors to ensure they’re ready for this AI-enhanced future.

Skill Development for Copywriters and Art Directors

1. Understanding AI and Data Analytics
  • Basic AI Literacy: Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of AI, including how machine learning works, the basics of natural language processing, and the types of AI tools available for creative work.

  • Data Interpretation: Learn how to read and interpret data. Understanding metrics, consumer behavior analytics, and the insights AI can provide will be crucial for creating targeted and effective campaigns.

2. Collaboration with AI Tools
  • Tool Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with AI tools used in advertising, such as content generation platforms, predictive analytics software, and personalization engines. Practice using these tools to complement your creative process.

  • Workflow Integration: Develop workflows that incorporate AI tools, using them to handle repetitive tasks or provide data-driven insights, allowing more time for creative thinking and strategy.

3. Technical Skills
  • Coding Basics: While not mandatory, understanding basic coding (e.g., Python) can be beneficial. It allows you to customize AI tools, automate tasks, and better understand the technical limitations and possibilities.

  • Design Software: For art directors, proficiency in advanced design software that integrates AI capabilities (like Adobe’s AI tools) will be increasingly valuable.

4. Creative and Strategic Thinking
  • Adaptability: Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Stay curious and open to new technologies and methodologies.

  • Storytelling: Sharpen your storytelling skills. While AI can generate content, the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences remains a uniquely human strength.

  • Strategic Insight: Develop a strategic mindset. Understand how creative work fits into broader business goals and marketing strategies, leveraging AI insights to inform your decisions.

5. Ethics and Responsible AI Use
  • Ethical Awareness: Stay informed about the ethical implications of AI in advertising. Understand issues related to data privacy, bias, and the ethical use of AI-generated content.

  • Responsible Implementation: Advocate for and practice responsible AI use in your work, ensuring that AI tools are used to enhance rather than undermine the integrity and trustworthiness of your creative output.

Specific Recommendations for Copywriters and Art Directors

For Copywriters:
  • Content Generation Tools: Experiment with AI content generation tools like GPT-4 for drafting copy, brainstorming ideas, and generating variations.

  • SEO and Analytics: Learn about search engine optimization (SEO) and how AI can assist in creating content that ranks well and meets audience needs.

For Art Directors:
  • AI in Design: Explore AI-enhanced design tools that offer features like automated image editing, layout suggestions, and predictive design trends.

  • Motion Graphics and Animation: AI tools can assist in creating dynamic visuals and animations. Familiarize yourself with software that incorporates these capabilities.

Continuous Learning and Networking
  • Online Courses and Workshops: Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to stay updated on AI and its applications in advertising.

  • Industry Conferences and Webinars: Attend conferences and webinars focused on AI in marketing and advertising to network with industry leaders and stay abreast of the latest trends and tools.

By developing these skills, copywriters and art directors can position themselves at the forefront of the industry, leveraging AI to enhance their creativity and effectiveness.

--

Thanks.
Insightful chat.  Want to point out you advertised your services. I found that funny.

--

You're welcome, Matias! I'm glad you found the discussion helpful. If you have any more questions or need further insights in the future, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your LinkedIn series, and have a great day!

--