AI and the Value of Creation: Why the Process Still Matters
We’re living through an incredible time where AI tools can seemingly “magically” create finished products at the click of a button. As an animation studio, we’re not here to say we won’t use AI — it absolutely will remain one of the tools in our kit. But just like the Industrial Revolution changed how we built things without changing why we built them, AI changes the process, not the purpose behind creation.
Remember the Metaverse hype? It promised a groundbreaking VR world where people would live, work, and socialize part of their day. Yet, people simply didn’t want it. What humans crave is the personal, the hand-made, the authentic — not something cold, hollow, or derivative. AI-generated content might be impressive, but it lacks that vital human connection.
This post itself was written with AI’s help. I asked it to mimic my tone and logic, and while I’m confident it won’t do a bad job, it’s still just a derivative of me — based on what I’ve said before and the knowledge I’ve shared. AI also nicely hides my dyslexia, which I really appreciate. But I do have to fight to make sure it’s really me writing. I’m not a linguist, so choosing words I’d actually use can be a challenge — even here, AI wanted to swap out words like “stagnant” (where I’d say “stale”) or “skeptical” (where I’d say “unconvinced”). But “derivative” was my word — because that’s exactly what any AI creation is: a derivative.
As I grow, my AI “self” can only grow alongside me. The key here is personal growth. Without it, AI remains stale; with it, it evolves. The world needs creators who grow, learn, and keep communicating — not shortcuts to instant but hollow content.
Some rush to say AI-generated images and videos are the future, but I think that’s an oversimplification of what truly captivates humans. Take Taylor Swift — a global superstar with millions of dedicated fans who dream of a personal meet-and-greet. Or consider why a blockbuster with Tom Cruise can make hundreds of millions, while a film about an unknown named John from Cornwall might struggle to gain traction. It’s not just talent — it’s story, connection, charisma. That’s what we value.
Will AI ever replicate this deep human connection and storytelling charm? I’m skeptical.
At Carse & Waterman, the reason clients come to us isn’t just for the animation or the end product. It’s for our story, our experience, and our people. It’s about the entire creative journey and the responsibility we take to ensure our clients get a real return on their investment — not just a shot in the dark with AI-generated guesses.
AI will continue to be a powerful tool — like the steam engine or the camera before it — but it won’t replace the heart of creation. That remains firmly in human hands.