Have you ever opened up a Kickframe newsletter, and wondered who is writing this thing? This image pretty much sums it up - just add a laptop with 100 tabs open, a few more empty Starbucks cups, and a hoodie.
This image was created by my friend Carlos Garavito. He is an Executive Creative Director and AI artist. I’ve been setting aside time each week to learn more about AI, and speaking with people smarter than me about this stuff (which Carlos absolutely qualifies) has been the most helpful. I asked Carlos to share his advice to creatives who are interested in learning more about generative AI, and he generously provided this top 10 list:
Educate Yourself: Invest the time to stay informed and up to date by reading up on the latest developments, following AI creatives on social media, and taking courses.
Start Small & Experiment: Begin with a small project to figure out how generative AI works. It can feel unpredictable, but learning to guide AI effectively is part of the process.
Understand the Tools: Explore different platforms (most offer free subscriptions) to find what suits your needs, and test and learn the different input parameters for your desired output.
Collaborate & Network: Connect with other creatives online (and in workshops) exploring AI in their work. As an AI creator, I "live" on LinkedIn, posting daily with examples and prompts.
Integrate AI into Your Workflow: Use AI as a tool to complement your creativity, not to replace it. It can handle repetitive tasks, allowing you more time to focus on the creative aspects of your work. It’s great for quick prototyping.
Ethical Considerations: Ensure that AI-generated content is used ethically and does not infringe on copyrights. Be transparent about using AI, especially when sharing work publicly.
Explore New Creative Avenues: Generative AI opens up new possibilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional ideas and explore uncharted creative territories.
Stay Positive & Open-Minded: The creative industry is constantly evolving (it always has). Stay positive and open to new technologies and ways of working.
Balance Technology & Artistry: While technology is a powerful tool, the artistry and human touch in creative work remain irreplaceable. Strive to find the right balance.
Feedback & Iteration: Share your AI-assisted creations with peers and mentors to get feedback, and use this as an input to refine how to integrate AI into your creative process more effectively.
Make sure to follow Carlos on LinkedIn if you’re interested in connecting and learning more.
Cool Beans
The Amplifier: Who needs Spotify algorithmic recommendations when you can have someone put together a mixtape disguised as a newsletter.
Leica Picture of the Year: Who needs Midjourney generative art when you have a Leica camera and a couple of bulldogs (Sorry, Carlos!)
AI & Google
As more people use AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s safe to assume that certain types of searches and tasks will migrate from Google search. That’s why it’s fascinating to see how Google is combating this threat / embracing this technology with new features and innovations…like it’s Search Generative Experience. Google obviously has a long history of innovation (this is a great interactive timeline of its product milestones), and just announced a feature to create images within search results, and a tool to help kids with their math problems (and math-challenged parents like me to help my kids).
The implications of these changes will also have an impact on those companies relying on Google as a source of organic traffic, and many publishers are worried about having their articles summarized by Google instead of referring audiences. Google just released a new post on what AI can and can’t do for marketers that is worth a read.
Fresh Stats
Digital 2023 – October Statshot (We Are Social / Meltwater): 300+ slides on the latest global digital trends, including this nugget on the challenge brands currently face on FB “on average, a Facebook page with a million followers can only expect 400 users to engage with any of its posts, regardless of the post type.”
How People Can Create—and Destroy—Value with Generative AI (BCG): Study that shows the impact of generative AI on creative ideation (good!) and business problem solving (not so good!)
Teen Survey (Piper Sandler): Semi-annual survey on U.S. teen preferences – highlights the growth of fast food, mobile devices, and video games…basically everything that I nag my own teens about.
TikTok & Media
Speaking of teen trends, I recently saw my 13-year-old son on his phone while also watching a YouTube short (vertical video) on the TV. Aside from being another proud parenting moment, it reinforced to me new media habits (and advertising canvases). Many Gen Z and Millennials are now watching full shows and movies on TikTok, and Adam McKay is producing a new made-for-TikTok show that will be shot entirely vertically.
TikTok has also announced that it now offering Out of Home media, and has partnered with DIVE Billboards bring this new media format to Canada. Out of Home is now Out of Phone.
