Why I Don't Use AI (much)
A personal reflection on taking a less direct approach in creativity...and life.
Before we go too far, let me begin by saying I’m not here to judge anyone who uses AI. I’m not condemning it. I want to share why I personally don’t use it (mostly), and how I do use it (a little). So let’s begin…
Long ago, in a galaxy much like this one (okay, this one), I injured my brain. Yes, it was traumatic. Yes, there was a hospital stay, months of speech therapy, and a long, winding road back to myself. This journey brought a new perspective that I know could only come from me — from my unique brain. Having a TBI showed me the power in the ol’ noggin, it was an unavoidable lesson — showing me how valuable it was, its true worth, and how much it liked to wander.
For me, a quicker route would eliminate where my mind naturally wants to go, where it seeks out the different perspectives, and how it gathers random surprises along the way.
Perhaps as you’ve read this, you may be thinking, “Hell, that's why I use AI, because it shows me different perspectives, it surprises me all the time!!” and I won’t deny that it could provide those reactions — though it will shorten the path by mowing over every other pretty thing it may be noticed along the way. So, this is why I visit the brain first, encouraging a more scenic route.
Yes, I call it the scenic route.
This is how I remind myself to be patient, to take time, to smell the roses, or smell whatever for that matter — that’s not just in creating, either, but in living, too. I do this for myself, and I'm not here to convince anyone of anything different; all of my writings start as messages to me, to find ways of figuring shit out — that being said:
I'm also not a user of AI-generated art, either — again, this is personal (and yes, I can almost hear someone saying, “Okay, okay, I get it!”).
I've been creating art my whole life, and the journey after my TBI brought me back to that passion through (again) a more winding pathway. The process in my art is so important, I will never post any that wasn’t drawn by my hand (and mind). This could be why I don't post as much as others — because there is medicine there, and that medicine takes time. Yes, these drawings wander, too, as most shift and change along the way. These lessons are in the traveling.
Note: Everything above has come from the Dreamer side of this brain of mine, and it would be hypocritical not to hear a few words from the Realist who resides close by.
In all honesty, in many areas of my life, I use technology to create. The first, and probably most obvious, is that I create my art on an iPad using a program called Procreate — though I still draw it all myself, and I'll admit I wouldn't draw the way I do these days if it wasn't for that process. It has allowed me to wander more to move well outside the confines of pen to paper (some of that art can be seen here). Yes, I’m admitting that technology has made me a better creator…oh, the irony, and it doesn’t end there.
I also use AI tools in Photoshop to help with my job where certain tasks may take hours. It is used as a starting point, as a tool.
I've been an Art Director or Creative Director in various forms for most of my adult life, and I always remind other designers that what we use to create are tools. Those tools will never replace the creative power within our minds. I've said this about computers, about applications, and now I'll say it about AI. It's a freakin’ tool, in fact, I used that tool to help proofread and edit this exact post.
Yeah, the irony may have reached a new level there, so allow me to explain.
AI is not going anywhere, and it would be very easy for many to use this as an excuse to dive in before exploring our thoughts first. I play around with various forms of AI, and it’s amazing what it can do (I even created a podcast of one of my books that was amazing, although exceptionally freaky). I’m always curious about where technology can take us, and I always want to learn the ins and outs of what’s useful, but I also hold something within my center to use my brain first because I find that the best course, as well as personally moral.
This rambling is not a manifesto or a battle cry. I'm not challenging the system or trying to stop the bots from taking over the world. The reason for these words is for perspective, to take a pause, and make sure the road I take is an ethical choice. A human choice.
To bring all this wandering home, I share a poem below that appears at the end of my second book. During the time of that book's creation, my mind traveled more than ever before, gathering up perspectives and possibilities, and it became a creative odyssey I’ll be forever proud of. The result was something I'm not sure I could recreate today. The secret to how I got there? Well, I guess it ain’t much of a secret anymore.
Final Note: If you use AI (or even if you don’t), I’m curious about your perspective and encourage a response here (or even in a personal response).
The Universe, the trickster
Perplexing the thoughts in my mind
Where a mirror divides the horizon
Clouds and rivers combine
A pause to acknowledge
Filling the empty space
As the crow actually flies
Heaven and earth embrace
Attracting all who wander
To imagine what awaits
The woven connection reminds
Nothing in nature is straight
Thank you for spending time with me. If you feel moved to support my work, there are several ways to do so. You can check out my books and art on my website or click below:
May the wonder always be with you. - Bernie
Thanks for posting this Bernie. I liken the use of AI to the antithesis of the art form of Kintsugi (fixing broken pottery, enhancing the cracks with gold), or the idea that there is always a flaw put into a woven tapestry. There is something very important to me about making mistakes, and how they are uniquely human.
The rock in the river disrupts the flow, but the river creates beautiful patterns around the disruption.
Bernie, I have deeply enjoyed wandering through the parts of your brain that you are willing to share with us in your writing. The meandering journey is just that, curious, creative, adventurous, and I never know what is coming next. I appreciate that about you.
And, I appreciate you constantly offering validation and affirmation for everyone to take their own course of wandering, even if that means an occasional short cut.