The Threat to Human Creativity

In our modern world being “creative” has never been easier yet has somehow also never been more difficult. Anyone can utilise modern Artificial Intelligence tools and pump out endless articles and graphic images that in theory could rival those of talented individuals.

The great J.R.R Tolkien believed humans reflect the divine nature of God, imitating his act of creation in their own imaginative works, we are ‘sub creators”. What happens when we begin to outsource that creative process? Are we losing the “soul” and beauty found within human creation?

Tolkien and Divine Calling of Creation

Tolkien viewed creation as a sacred act, just as God created us in his image when we create we are paying homage to this when we bring a new creation to life. The creative process is more than just about entertainment; it gives us the opportunity to connect with God while simultaneously reaching out and touching the hearts and minds of others.

This philosophy is particularly relevant to those in the world of graphic design and storytelling as the narratives we weave and images we create have the power to pierce the heart, stir the soul, and discover unknown truths.  Whether it be a painting, an article, a vibrant graphic poster or even a perfectly aligned lorem ipsum text box we always have the potential to mirror God’s imagination through our work.

AI and its Rising Influence in Creativity

The creative process is hard; it’s full of frustration, self doubt and sometimes even pain and suffering. However this is a crucial element to breathing life into something that can truly positively impact the world. Michelangelo spent over three years carefully sculpting the Statue of David, bringing to life an iconic figure that has served as an inspiration to creative souls for hundreds of years. 

Similarly he poured four years of his life and even jeopardised his health and wellbeing painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel a genuine masterpiece of human creation. Michelangelo wrote a poem about the toll it took on his body, endearing chronic back pain, goiter on his neck and paint constantly dripping onto his face and into his eyes and mouth. Yet what was the result of his blood sweat and tears? An enduring legacy of human potential that millions flock to every year.

Fast forward to today where I can boot up MidJourney or DALE-E and in seconds  generate hundreds or even thousands of “Sistine Chapel assets” which can look magnificent in their own right. What used to take humans hours, days or even years can now be accomplished in a few clicks. However, is this really a good thing?

Preserving the Magic of the Human Touch

AI can be an amazing tool and revolutionary resource when used in the right way becoming an extension of human creativity. Despite this fact we must ensure that AI remains the apprentice to the artist and not the master. 

A great design or story carries part of its creator’s soul. No matter how polished or refined a piece of AI content is, its date generated pattern recognition cannot replicate or replace the joy, pain or humanity that is evoked from a genuine human creation.

True creativity comes from struggle, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and pure imagination as Tolkien described it “The capacity for fantasy recovery, escape and consolidation”. He also described the concept of “eucatastrophe” which means good catastrophe. This is the sudden joyful turn in the creative process that is the hallmark of real and authentic art.

Returning to the Creator through Creation

Tolkien made the bold statement that the ultimate fairy story is the gospel itself where the Resurrection of Christ is its “eucataosphe” being the Resurrection of Christ, a miraculous and joyness turn that gives hope and inspiration to all human creation. When we lean too heavily on AI or allow it to co-opt the entire creative process we are losing this sacred connection.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence has given us the opportunity to revisit what creativity is and why it is important. The question being asked of us is can we use AI to enhance and assist in our creative process? Or will we allow it to replace us and entinguse the flame of soul in art and literature? As Tolkien may remind us “The choice is ours to make”. 

About the Author:

Conor Healy is a content specialist of Design Magazine and TDS Australia.

Illustrations & Design by Curtis Tran

Curtis Tran is a graphic designer at TDS Australia.

Tokyo Design Studio (TDS Australia) provides brand design, web design and video production services. With creative expertise, execution capability, and storytelling skills, we materialise solutions, shape directions, and create products to accompany and support your business branding process on a unique path.