As a multidisciplinary designer who has experimented thoroughly with AI, it’s increasingly clear that AI will undeniably change the course of the world. Its ability to source and sift through a seemingly infinite wealth of knowledge poses a real threat to many jobs, and the creative industries are no exception.

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, blurring the lines between what’s human-made and what’s computer-generated. We’re nearing a pivotal moment where, to the average person, the difference may no longer be noticeable. As a result, they may not fully grasp the nuances, strategy, or depth behind good design, and instead opt for cheaper, faster AI-generated alternatives.

This is already being seen in the recent controversy surrounding AI-generated art in the style of Studio Ghibli, where users employed OpenAI's ChatGPT-4o to create images mimicking Studio Ghibli's distinctive aesthetic, leading to widespread use and debate. Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has described it as "an insult to life itself," highlighting how AI diminishes the value of human creativity and craftsmanship. Many critics, including myself, believe that such AI tools devalue the originality and effort of human artists, reducing their intricate artistic styles to an algorithmic process.While some may simply see it as a trend, I view it as a concerning moment, one where people may not recognize what this means for artists and designers who have devoted their lives to the craft. When comparing the work of Hayao Miyazaki to what’s being generated by AI, it’s clear that AI fails to capture Miyazaki's raw, human, hand-painted, and narrative-driven experiences. I can’t imagine what it must feel like for your life’s work to be diluted and misunderstood into a hollow imitation.

While anyone can mimic a style as a form of appreciation and learning, doing it through AI follows an artificial approach, one that destructively transforms appreciation for the craft into passionless content, missing the mark of what it means to be human. Much like art, the same concern applies to commercial design. While much can be done to simulate human thought and strategy, it becomes worrying when companies begin to prioritize cost over quality, opting out of real, human-made work. This shift could significantly reduce entry-level opportunities for emerging designers, making the field even more competitive than it already is, and worse, devaluing the creative process altogether.

Moreover, fears about AI are not solely rooted in the idea of being replaced. They stem from the fear of not even being given the chance to enter the profession at all. For people who already face systemic challenges, financial barriers, or slower starts in their creative careers, the unregulated adoption of AI tools threatens to widen these gaps even further, overshadowing talent and potential with efficiency and speed. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that AI also presents opportunity, especially for emerging creatives. Just as it poses risks, it equally offers new ways to stand out and level the playing field, giving users the ability to explore ideas that may have once been out of reach.

These tools can support deeper research, unlock unique visual possibilities, and enhance creative thinking. Like any tool, its impact depends on how it’s used. When approached ethically and intentionally, AI can become a powerful extension of the creative process, a way to streamline mundane challenges, not a replacement for the creativity and thinking behind it. Therefore, for anyone entering the industry, I recommend taking the time to learn, understand, and explore how these tools can enhance your work and process. And just like any other source of information, approach them with a critical eye. Don’t take everything at face value. Question it, challenge it, and use it with intention. Your goal shouldn’t be to replace your creativity, but to sharpen it. In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping our field, our ability to think deeply, design with purpose, and act with honesty and integrity will be what truly sets us apart.