Have you noticed how strange the world is becoming lately? One recent example from our industry comes from none other than the clothing company Levi's. They've announced plans to use artificial intelligence to generate models with diverse body types and skin tones in an effort to increase representation in their product advertisements. Bizarrely, rather than working with actual human models of various ethnicities and backgrounds, Levi's intends to employ A.I. technology to create lifelike digital 'models' to project a sense of inclusivity within their brand. But does this approach genuinely make sense, or is it just a misguided attempt at diversity?
As individuals who value authentic human connection and diversity, we can't help but feel skeptical about Levi's intentions. This decision misses the point of true inclusivity by opting for artificial creations instead of embracing the rich tapestry of HUMAN diversity. Unsurprisingly, the brand's announcement was met with immediate, harsh backlash online, with many echoing similar concerns. Like clockwork, Levi's issued a statement addressing the growing discontent. However, it still leaves us questioning the motives of their initial announcement and the backtracking statement, which fails to address the underlying issue of genuine inclusivity.
As the world keeps falling deeper into the technological rabbit hole, we will continue to see corporations hastily embracing AI-driven solutions without thoroughly considering the potential repercussions of their actions. This is why there is a current divide within the tech industry, with a petition led by Elon Musk calling for a temporary halt on any further artificial intelligence (A.I.) development. The petition states concerns that A.I. with human-competitive intelligence can pose severe hazards to society and mankind and urges all A.I. firms to "immediately cease" developing A.I. systems.
In the context of these developments, it's helpful to consider the concept of a business flywheel. The term "flywheel" is borrowed from the mechanical device that stores rotational energy, which can then be used to generate continuous motion. In the business world, a flywheel refers to a self-sustaining cycle that generates momentum through a series of interconnected activities, creating a virtuous loop of growth and efficiency. This occurs when the success of one activity feeds into the next, perpetuating the cycle and leading to an ever-increasing, self-reinforcing effect. For instance, a company invests in marketing to attract customers, increasing sales and profits. These profits can then be reinvested into further marketing efforts, improving customer experiences, or expanding the product range, attracting even more customers. This continuous loop drives growth and efficiency, creating a strong foundation for a sustainable and successful business.
Drawing a parallel to the creative world, we can envision a "creative flywheel" that operates similarly. This creative flywheel is powered by related activities among artists, photographers, musicians, designers, models, and other professionals, such as collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cross-pollination of skills. Each activity feeds into the next, creating a continuous loop that drives innovation and sustains the vibrancy of the creative community. By fostering genuine inclusivity and collaboration, we can keep the creative flywheel spinning, ensuring that our interconnected community of creatives remains solid and adaptable in the face of change, despite the challenges posed by A.I. advancements.
Before effectively participating in and contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of creative professionals, we must understand our values and abilities. Recognizing our strengths and continuously striving for improvement is essential for earning respect and trust of our peers. We should only expect others to believe in us or our work if we have put in the effort to develop and demonstrate our skills and show tangible results from our dedication. In the creative community, it's important not to feel entitled but to prove our worth through hard work, genuine passion for our craft, and the work we produce. Consider a person who claims to be a skilled chef and writes a cookbook full of intricate recipes but has never actually cooked any of these dishes themselves. They might be able to talk extensively about various techniques and ingredients, but they need to actually try their own recipes to have the credibility and hands-on experience that makes their work and words truly valuable. In the creative field, it's crucial to have a genuine connection with the work we do, focusing on our own vision and passion rather than merely trying to please others (your own voice and perspective is essential in creativity), and to back up our claims with real experience rather than simply talking about it without practice.
When creatives hire each other and collaborate on projects, it not only leads to richer and more diverse work but also generates income for all parties involved, strengthening the entire creative ecosystem. This, in turn, allows creative professionals to make a living and continue to develop their skills, leading to even better and more innovative work in the future. This cycle of collaboration, mutual support, and valuing each other's work contributes to a sense of community and camaraderie among creatives, enriching their lives professionally and personally.
For instance, sometimes, when I'm hired professionally and given the freedom to put together all the moving parts of a project, I will need to collaborate and hire other talented individuals who have the right skills but, more importantly, work well with my approach and vision, whether it's a suitable model, illustrator, or for other pre- or post-production tasks. I can ensure the highest quality work and a successful project outcome by respecting their expertise and valuing their contributions. Our contributions to the creative community increase when we take on larger projects or play significant roles in their production. We can collaborate with a broader range of talented individuals, each with unique skills and perspectives. This enriches the final product and helps create more opportunities for creative professionals to earn money, showcase their work, expand their network, and learn from one another. By encouraging these connections and fostering a collaborative spirit, we collectively contribute to the growth and momentum of the creative flywheel as a whole, ensuring that it keeps spinning and powering our interconnected creative community.
However, when we eliminate the human element from creative processes, we risk undermining the essence of what makes art and creativity so powerful and unique. The human spirit, our emotions, and the genuine relationships we form through working with others are irreplaceable aspects of the creative experience. As technology advances, we must preserve the human touch in our work and maintain the integrity of the creative community. If we fail to do so, we may face even more significant issues that can affect our industries and the human spirit in ways we cannot yet fully envision. By valuing and supporting each other, we can ensure that the heart and soul of creativity remain intact, despite the challenges posed by an increasingly technology-driven world.
In light of these concerns, we must ask ourselves: How can we continue championing the human element in our creative endeavors while embracing the inevitable march of technological progress? And where do we, as individuals, fit within the context of the creative flywheel? Are we active participants contributing to its momentum, or do we merely take from it without giving back? Reflecting on these questions can help us recognize our individual responsibility to maintain the vitality and spirit of the creative community.
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