Andreas Welsch
Chief AI Strategist, Intelligence Briefing
What a 5-minute conversation with an artist taught Andreas Welsch about the state of AI adoption. Featured article about human creativity and AI.
Copyright: intelligencebriefing.substack.com – “AI’s Swiss Watch Effect: The Value Of Human Creativity And Skills”
I’ve been thinking about the value of human creativity lately. I am still forming my opinion on whether, where, and when the result of human creativity is a real differentiator vs. just a “nice hobby”. But a recent interaction that turned from small talk to resonating more deeply is a good reminder of the impact of AI and the range of mindsets with which people are viewing AI — and that applies to your business as well.
Before we talk about what all of that has to do with Swiss watches, let me share a brief story to illustrate the point…
AI’s Impact: Conversation with an Artist
Last week, I attended SAP’s annual Sapphire conference in Orlando. Naturally, AI was the talk of the town among the 12,000+ attendees, but that’s a separate topic. During a reception in the evening, I had a conversation with a sketch artist while he was drawing the sketch below:
“I have to be an artist,” Kenny said.
It was one of these rare moments that you don’t expect a tech conference.
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Yet, this one sentence says it all.
As Kenny was drawing this sketch of me, I shared that I value his human creativity and skill.
I asked what he thought about AI.
“It’s already taking away some of my business,” he shared. So, he’s started digital sculpting and 3D animation.
I asked whether he’s ever tried using any AI tools, and shared that he could perfect what average GenAI users don’t know how to do (and charge for it).
“They’ve taken art and illegally built their AI with it. The art I’ve posted could be in it, too. I don’t want to use it.”
I admitted he had a valid point.
“Maybe GenAI will be like CGI: Lots of excitement at the beginning until people realize you need natural effects,” he added.
And our conversation comes full circle — maybe we’ll eventually value human creativity and skill again more at some point.
Until then, Kenny said, he will continue transitioning into new creative topics.
“I have to be an artist. It’s the only thing I know.”
As he hands me the sketch, I let him know how profound that statement is.
And I leave, wondering what to make of it.[…]
Read more: www.intelligencebriefing.substack.com
Andreas Welsch
Chief AI Strategist, Intelligence Briefing
Andreas Welsch is an internationally recognized AI leader in the software industry with over 21 years of experience. Andreas has led regional business development teams for AI, built and led an AI Center of Excellence, and currently leads product marketing and go-to-market strategy for AI at SAP, the world’s leading business application provider. He has successfully managed stakeholder relationships with business leaders and technology teams across Fortune 500 companies in more than 80 innovation projects, and helped create an AI mindset across organizations.
Andreas is best known as the creator of the Intelligence Briefing series on LinkedIn and the popular “What’s the BUZZ?” live stream and podcast. He is a frequent keynote speaker and guest on expert panels and podcasts.
Industry focus: High Tech
Previous awards by SwissCognitive:
What a 5-minute conversation with an artist taught Andreas Welsch about the state of AI adoption. Featured article about human creativity and AI.
Copyright: intelligencebriefing.substack.com – “AI’s Swiss Watch Effect: The Value Of Human Creativity And Skills”
Before we talk about what all of that has to do with Swiss watches, let me share a brief story to illustrate the point…
AI’s Impact: Conversation with an Artist
Last week, I attended SAP’s annual Sapphire conference in Orlando. Naturally, AI was the talk of the town among the 12,000+ attendees, but that’s a separate topic. During a reception in the evening, I had a conversation with a sketch artist while he was drawing the sketch below:
“I have to be an artist,” Kenny said.
It was one of these rare moments that you don’t expect a tech conference.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to our AI NAVIGATOR!
Yet, this one sentence says it all.
As Kenny was drawing this sketch of me, I shared that I value his human creativity and skill.
I asked what he thought about AI.
“It’s already taking away some of my business,” he shared. So, he’s started digital sculpting and 3D animation.
I asked whether he’s ever tried using any AI tools, and shared that he could perfect what average GenAI users don’t know how to do (and charge for it).
“They’ve taken art and illegally built their AI with it. The art I’ve posted could be in it, too. I don’t want to use it.”
I admitted he had a valid point.
“Maybe GenAI will be like CGI: Lots of excitement at the beginning until people realize you need natural effects,” he added.
And our conversation comes full circle — maybe we’ll eventually value human creativity and skill again more at some point.
Until then, Kenny said, he will continue transitioning into new creative topics.
“I have to be an artist. It’s the only thing I know.”
As he hands me the sketch, I let him know how profound that statement is.
And I leave, wondering what to make of it.[…]
Read more: www.intelligencebriefing.substack.com
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