The Crazy One

Ep 138 Creativity: AI Isn’t the Enemy. Complacency Is.


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The AI hype train is moving fast—and it’s already crashing into our creative industry. In this episode, Stephen finally wades into the AI conversation, not to break down tools or workflows (you’ll find that on his YouTube), but to unpack the bigger picture. What’s really at stake for creatives? How do we separate innovation from imitation? And what do we do in a world where originality is being overshadowed by copy-paste culture?

Stephen draws on decades of watching tech waves come and go—desktop publishing, digital design, NFTs—and argues why AI is different, but our response doesn’t have to be passive. This is a call to action for real creativity, deeper thinking, and sharper storytelling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why we’re entering an era of creatives vs. copycats—and how to make sure you’re on the right side
  • What AI can do well, and where it still fails miserably
  • The real threat: companies and creatives who treat design as disposable
  • How to use AI as a tool without losing your original voice
  • Why comfort is the enemy of relevance in a rapidly changing industry

This isn’t a hype session or a panic spiral—it’s a push to engage, experiment, and show the industry why creativity still matters.

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The Crazy OneBy Stephen Gates

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