The Exponential Rise of AI: Embracing the Future of Marketing and Creative
A humble perspective on artificial intelligence's (AI) impact on marketing and creative.
Since the emergence of ChatGPT toward the end of 2022, it seems like an avalanche of AI-powered tools has flooded the market, with significant contributions in marketing and design.
From simple, yet impressive tools like Gigapixel, which upscales and enhances low-resolution images, and elevenlabs.io, a text-to-voice generator, to more robust options like Microsoft Designer, Google’s AI for Ads, and Wix’s website builder it feels like something new and mind-blowing emerges every single day.
Is it the End for Marketing and Creative Teams?
Alarming posts proclaiming the death of graphic design and the impending doom for marketers continue to pepper my social feeds, and fellow peers haven’t been shy to share their concerns regarding what the future holds.
And honestly, I can understand why.
Right now, the power of AI is the worst it will ever be, and these early tools are already revolutionizing how we work. Tedious processes are being automated. Tasks that historically took months are being accomplished in days, sometimes hours. And greater insight can be unlocked with just a few clicks.
As Markets and Designers, it's undeniable that AI will impact head count. Teams will be able to do more with fewer people, and that's a legitimate cause for concern.
But, it’s not the end.
Opportunity Hidden in Uncertainty
I believe we are standing at a crossroads—a new paradigm that will redefine how we think about and approach marketing, advertising, and design. There's a genuine opportunity for leaders to embrace this new wave of change and champion AI to achieve results that were once unimaginable.
Already, a community of creative thinkers is showcasing ways to string tools together to save time and achieve mind-boggling results.
Here's one example: Instead of spending hours doing an exhaustive search for high-resolution stock photos (that still may not be what you’re looking for), you can:
- Generate custom imagery using midjourney.com
- Then, use a tool like Gigapixel or Nightmareai to upscale these images and optimize them for use in a variety of applications
Beyond finding ways to improve daily operations, Academia is already catching on, with Universities offering courses and boot camps to help individuals understand the mechanics of AI and master prompts!
eCommerce is changing too. So-called experts are offering master classes and even selling prompts to achieve specific results.
Final Thoughts
Change is coming—and probably faster than we realize.
Although I’m not entirely sure where this AI journey will take us and how fast, I believe teams will get smaller, roles will change and processes will be reinvented.
But with any change comes opportunity, and I’m incredibly optimistic.
The future of marketing lies in embracing the power of AI to amplify our creativity, improve efficiency, and bolster strategy. So, let's embrace this brave new world and make AI our ally in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and advertising.