AI in the creative process
For centuries, art and technology have been intertwined, from the invention of the printing press to the digital age. However, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the world of creativity, opening up new possibilities for artists.
Image-generating algorithms can create entirely new works of art based on styles and patterns that have been previously learned. AI is also being used for analysis and better understanding of the characteristics of a painting, its period or style; and language processing algorithms can analyse descriptions and art reviews to better understand the meaning and context of works of art. Furthermore, AI is being used in music and films through algorithms that can create customised soundtracks or visual effects, based on the emotions or narrative of a film.
In this article, we will expand on what generative AI is, explore how it is transforming the creative process, present some of the most innovative tools currently available, and discuss the challenges and ethical dilemmas of using AI in the creative process.
First of all, what is generative Artificial Intelligence?
It is a field of computer science that seeks to create systems and programs capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, understanding, learning, problem solving, analysing data, making recommendations, recognising patterns, making decisions, and even understanding written and spoken language.
AI is based on mathematical algorithms and computational models that learn from large databases. Algorithms are a set of rules and processes that machines use to develop pre-determined patterns when handling data. Thus, the combination of data and algorithms enables that AI learns automatically and makes it possible for it to focus on one or several specific tasks. This means that generative AI can produce brand new text, images and music.
The impact of AI on the creative process
Historically, creativity has been considered an ability that is exclusively human. However, AI has proved that it can play a key role in the generation and development of creative ideas.
However, AI does not replace human creativity; it acts as a powerful tool that amplifies imagination, automates technical processes and opens up new artistic possibilities.
Here are some of the most important functions of AI in the creative process, as well as examples of some tools:
Automation of repetitive tasks, allowing the artist to focus on the conceptual and emotional part of their work, saving time and increasing their creative productivity.
Adobe Sensei. Integrated into the Adobe products, it helps to enhance images, generate colour palettes and suggest design enhancements.
Runway ML. It allows experimentation with AI models to generate visual effects and optimise images.
AIVA. It creates custom music in a variety of styles in seconds, from classical to electronic music.
Brainstorming new ideas and artistic styles. AI can also create original and innovative content, combining new artistic styles and exploring new aesthetics.
Dall-E 2. It generates surrealist, hyperrealist or abstract art from written descriptions.
MidJourney. It creates illustrations in abstract or futuristic styles.
ChatGPT. It writes scripts, poems or short stories in different literary styles.
Collaboration between humans and machines. AI acts as a creative assistant, suggesting ideas, improving compositions and helping artists overcome creative blockages.
Sudowrite. It helps to elaborate on ideas, improve narratives and develop dialogue and plots.
Amper Music. It enables you to create musical bases and then add human elements.
DeepMotion. It converts videos into realistic 3D animations using motion captures.
Real-time personalisation and adaptation. AI can analyse data and tailor creative content to the preferences of the target audience, creating personalised experiences.
Boomy. It generates music based on the user's tastes, with different genres and styles.
Copy.ai. It creates advertising and social media content tailored to different audiences.
Promethean AI. It designs virtual worlds in video games according to the player's experience.
Democratisation of art and creativity. With AI, anyone can create art, music or digital content without the need for advanced technical skills or access to expensive tools.
Deep Dream Generator. It transforms photos into surrealist art.
Soundraw. It creates original songs without any musical training.
Ebsynth. It converts video stills into animated paintings.
Ethical challenges and dilemmas of using AI in the creative process
Despite its advantages, the use of AI in artistic creation poses a number of challenges and ethical dilemmas.
Who is the author or authoress of a work created with AI?
The answer is not simple, since artistic creation with AI involves both human intervention and the action of algorithms. However, AI has no emotions, consciousness or artistic intention, so it cannot be considered an “author” in the traditional understanding. Whoever manages the AI, chooses the style and interprets and edits the final result is the one who can be considered the author or authoress of the work. But ethics and respect for the original artists' works used to teach the algorithm are also essential.
Can a work created with a machine be considered art?
Art is not defined by the technique or the tool used, but by the intention, the emotional expression and the connection with the audience. In this sense, AI becomes a creative tool, just like a paintbrush, a camera or a musical instrument. Therefore, a work created with AI can be considered art because there is a creative intention behind it, even if the tool used is a machine.
Could AI replace human artists or merely be a complement to their work?
Not quite. AI can perform complex tasks and automate processes, but it lacks the creativity, emotions, human experiences and consciousness that are unique to humans. Therefore, AI cannot replace us, but it can help us improve our productivity and creativity by facilitating difficult or repetitive tasks. The role of the human being remains key in fundamental aspects such as the artistic vision, the emotion, the message behind a work and the interpretation and connection with the audience.
To conclude...
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way art, design, music and written content is created. Far from being a threat, AI is becoming a powerful tool for empowering human creativity, allowing artists to explore new styles, optimise their work and connect with their audiences in more innovative ways.
Creativity in the future will be a fusion of both worlds: the human and the artificial.
Translation: NSS Spain
