A strange photograph? We've all seen weird AI-generated pictures like this one-legged bee without a thorax, courtesy of my son's foray into Midjourney. That was in April 2023. Today, 18 months later, the picture below that his latest effort produced is at once realistic and surreal. For years, he had been following all the breaking news about artificial intelligence, so that when November 2022 rolled around he was the first person to initiate me into the joys of ChatGPT; now he is immersed in all of AI's applications and making a career of it.
Another early adopter is Carole Tagliaferri. I came across her stunning AI-generated images recently at Espace Saint Jacques cultural center in Lambesc. Carole started experimenting with AI two years ago but briefly gave it up. Returning to the idea, however, she gradually honed her process until now she's mastered the creation of images that reflect her vision. "I fuse this technological vector [of artificial intelligence] with my love of poetry and the irrational, creating a unique space where my ultra-creativity flourishes," she writes in her bio.
"Creating a space where my ultra-creativity flourishes"
She's turned a vast gallery of images into a thriving business. By embracing AI at an early stage, Carole and my son are already adept at using the technology, increasing their attractiveness in today's workplace.
"IN THING" IN THE MAKING
Anticipating trends opens doors for us. And the day's news - be it related to technology, science, climate, politics or more - is where we're likely to see those trends in the making. It's up to us to seize these societal impulses and make them work in our interest.
Several years ago, I was asked to script a pilot training video. Question: how often do you associate pilots with men? I made mine a woman -- and my clients were thoroughly appreciative. That was in early 2022. That same year, creative agency CPB London made a campaign for International Women's Day called "Imagine" that questioned gender-related assumptions ("Imagine a CEO. Is it a man?") By featuring a female pilot in their work, my clients were ahead of the game and their content looked relevant.
TURN TRENDS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Regularly listening to what's afoot has a powerful advantage when it comes to our jobs because topical news works on our subconscious, to show the fresh directions society is taking. I counsel clients to take small risks in changing the fabric of their content -- and how to spot the trends in the first place. Not long ago, I gave a workshop on editorial tips, where one lesson - inspired by my recent travel to the US - was the use of a mascot to communicate information. In this case, it was United Airlines' 2023 campaign about sustainable aviation fuel, with Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch. My audience reacted with "🩷 love it!" (And by the way, take a look at the actors who play their pilots; not so far off from the point I made above.)
Ahead of the game and their content was relevant
Today's lesson: are you ready to be an early adopter with your content? All it takes is good listening, a good idea and good execution. Bring that to your meetings and you'll be the one to take advantage of the next big thing.
