The Impact of Generative AI on Creative Professions: A Photographer’s Perspective
Oliver Fiegel, a 47-year-old photographer based in Munich, recently found himself staring at a front-page image in a German national Sunday newspaper that left him unsettled. The image depicted a boy chasing a football on a pitch, but something was amiss. Wildflowers floated without stems, half of the goal net was missing, and the boy’s hands appeared oddly misshapen. The caption read “generative illustration,” a term that has become increasingly common in the age of artificial intelligence.
Fiegel’s frustration was palpable. After 18 years in the photography industry, he felt that the rise of generative AI tools was undermining his craft. Once a reliable source of income, his photography work had dwindled, largely due to the emergence of cheaper and faster AI-generated images. “AI’s had the most devastating effect on the industry,” he lamented, highlighting a sentiment shared by many creatives facing similar challenges.
The Changing Landscape of Photography
Historically, Fiegel’s clients included newspapers and magazines, but the demand for traditional photography has plummeted. The generative AI tools, while often producing inferior results, have disrupted the market by offering quick and cost-effective alternatives. “I only know a couple of photographers who still can live off this trade,” he said, emphasizing the struggle many face in an industry that once thrived on human creativity. As a result, Fiegel has been forced to diversify his income streams, even contemplating opening a natural wine bar as a new venture.
The implications of AI on employment are staggering. An International Monetary Fund study revealed that approximately 60% of jobs in advanced economies like the UK, Germany, and the US are exposed to AI, with nearly half of those positions potentially facing negative impacts. In the UK alone, AI could displace up to 3 million private sector jobs, according to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
The Translator’s Dilemma
Karl Kerner, a translator with nearly three decades of experience, has also felt the sting of AI’s rise. Specializing in nonfiction scientific texts, Kerner’s work required a deep understanding of terminology and context. However, the advent of AI-driven translation tools has drastically reduced the number of job requests he receives. “I am now basically out of business,” he stated, likening the impact of AI to a tsunami that swept away his livelihood.
The loss of his professional identity has been profound. “Overnight, all this linguistic culture stuff is just worthless,” he reflected, expressing the emotional toll of losing a career that defined him. At 64, Kerner has transitioned to working for an agriculture consultancy, a move he described as challenging given his age. Yet, he remains open to technology, using AI tools to streamline his remaining translation work, albeit with a sense of loss for the artistry of his craft.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences
While some professionals like Fiegel and Kerner face significant challenges, others have found ways to integrate AI into their work positively. Alexander Calvey, a self-employed locum GP in Surrey, has embraced AI technology to enhance his practice. By using an AI scribe to document patient notes, he has saved time and improved the quality of his records, allowing him to focus more on patient care. Calvey noted that the technology has enabled him to increase the number of patients he sees, illustrating a potential benefit of AI in the healthcare sector.
Similarly, Paul, a university researcher in mathematics and philosophy, utilizes ChatGPT for various tasks, from summarizing literature to brainstorming research questions. He appreciates the tool’s ability to provide insights into topics he may not have considered, enhancing his research process. However, he also harbors concerns about the data privacy implications of using AI tools, particularly regarding the power held by corporate tech giants.
The Artist’s Struggle
Freelance illustrator Jenny Turner has experienced a dramatic decline in demand for her bespoke commissions since the rise of AI image generation tools. Once able to charge around £100 for a colored pencil portrait, she now finds her work overshadowed by AI-generated images priced below £10. “I can no longer compete,” she lamented, expressing feelings of emptiness and frustration as she grapples with the reality of her changing industry.
Turner’s journey as an artist has been long and dedicated, having drawn since childhood and studied art at both college and university. The sudden shift in the market has forced her to reconsider her career path, raising concerns about the broader implications for creative professionals. “If that happens in everything,” she questioned, “how many people are not going to have jobs?”
The Future of Work in a World Dominated by AI
The experiences of Fiegel, Kerner, Calvey, Paul, and Turner illustrate the complex landscape of work in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. While some individuals adapt and find new opportunities, others face significant challenges as their traditional roles evolve or disappear. The conversation surrounding AI’s impact on creative professions is ongoing, with many advocating for protective measures for workers in these industries as the technology continues to advance.
As the world grapples with the implications of generative AI, the stories of those affected serve as a poignant reminder of the human element behind every profession, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to technology and creativity.
