Do You Use AI? Here's the Real Answer.

I recall when The Jetsons felt like a fantastic fantasy—flying cars, robot maids, and a future that seemed galaxies away. It was a utopia of gizmos that felt charmingly outlandish. And yet here we are, eons past my Saturday morning cartoon binges, still waiting on hover vehicles on our roadways—but living in a world where AI can write our emails, edit our photos, and, yes, even attempt to tell a brand story.

One of the questions I've been getting more frequently lately is: "Do you use AI?" And the simple answer is—yes, but not how you might think.

In a world of rapidly expanding automation and artificial intelligence, it's easy to presume that creatives like myself are handing over the reins to technology. However, I want to clarify something: AI is a tool in my toolkit—not the hand that bears the pen.

The Pros: Why I Use AI

AI can be exceptionally beneficial when used wisely. It's a way to kickstart ideas when the empty page feels too blank. I use it:

• To outline projects

• To organize thoughts

• To build structure into my workflow

• And to generate jumping-off points for more significant strategies

Think of it like a resourceful subordinate who helps me organize the puzzle pieces before I begin constructing the whole picture.

The Cons: Why I Don't Rely on AI

AI-generated content often feels hollow. It can be repetitive, overly polished, or just totally miss the mark. You may have detected—sometimes it sounds like a robot composed it. The reason is simple: it did.

AI can't ascertain the nuance of a brand's voice. It doesn't comprehend the difference between edgy and cringe or heartfelt and cheesy. It lacks spirit. And when it comes to visuals? Trying to get AI to spawn a photo that fits my imaginative vision has been so frustrating that I've given up. And that is okay.

This All Started With Scrapbooks

Before I ever typed a marketing strategy or drafted a blog, I was a stay-at-home mom running a home-based business assembling scrapbooks for clients. People would drop off boxes and envelopes full of photos and trust me to craft their memories into something meaningful—something that told a real story. Even back then, when digital scrapbooking was gaining popularity, I didn't embrace the shortcut. I knew the magic was in the hands-on process, the thoughtful layouts, the emotional details. I wasn't interested in letting technology flatten the story then, and I'm not about to start now.

Why My Brain Still Runs the Show

I value my brain. I trust my gut. I'm proud of my imagination, my human touch, and my capacity to think outside the algorithm.

At the end of the day, AI doesn't substitute creativity—it can only support it. I'll never hand over a finished assignment that wasn't shaped by my own background, intuitions, and ideation.

So yes, I use AI. But merely like a pencil, a sticky note, or a necessary cup of coffee—it's a tool. And the authentic magic? That still comes from me.

Want to learn more about my creative process or how we can collaborate on your next project? Let's chat.