You can not be replaced, Love.
There’s been a lot of hub-bub lately around all the AI stuff popping up. For a while I was seeing everyone posting their AI artwork, myself included… and then it faded. I jumped into the AI artwork machine and had a blast splashing around. But there’s only so much fun to be had when splashing around. I got bored.
In case you’re new to it, AI artwork and writing are services that you can type a prompt into and the super-computer scours the internet to spit out some different versions of what the it thinks you want.
Midjourney and Dall-e are art AI services, and Chat GPT is the writing one that’s hot right now. There are a couple headshot AI services. You can upload a crappy selfie and it magically spits out some gorgeous headshots that may or may not actually look like you. It’s pretty cool!
I’ve been part of many conversations around the advent of AI. Some people are concerned that their craft or art or work is being replaced. Some people are so excited about AI and convinced they’ll never have to pay an artist, photographer or writer again. Everyone just needs to chill.
To me, it all boils down to the larger conversation of having a place in the world. Do I worry that AI headshots will replace me? No. Just like I didn’t worry when cell phone cameras got really good. Or when there was a portrait studio in every Wal-Mart.
Do you think Jimmy Choo was worried about Target selling shoes? Do you think that great local restaurant is threatened by McDonalds? Or Clif Bars? Or the peanut butter and jelly ingredients you have in your house?
Of course not. Because they know that their place in the world is not Target’s place in the world. Or McDonalds. Or anyone else’s.
If what you have is $25 and / or 48 hours to get a headshot, you should absolutely use a headshot AI thing. Just like if what you have is $3 and / or 5 minutes, you should absolutely grab a Clif bar. It’s fine.
If you’re ever in a position where something new and shiny seems to be horning in on your work, or your corner of the world, find comfort in your humanity.
No machine or super computer, or young whipper-snapper can do what you do. Machines and computers and youthful energy are blunt tools. They can get some sh*t done fast and maybe even decently ok. But they don’t know what you’ve learned through years of experience and practice and living. They can’t provide the experience of being with you. They lack finesse and grace. They’ll never have humanity.
Your place in the world is never at risk. It’s just not possible. You always have a place and a relevant point of view. We’re all enjoying a better world with you in it.
Goodies from the ‘Gram…
Hey you, What’s your story?
