Keeping Up with AI Innovations: Feel Like Things are Moving Too Fast? What Can be Done?

[Joseph Labrecque]

Considering the rate of innovation in the generative AI space, most people choose one or two paths. Either try and consume as much AI news as possible… or just try to ignore it entirely. I've found for myself that a nice spot between these two extremes works best for me.

Keeping up with everything AI is a full-time job… while pretending there is nothing interesting or beneficial for creatives will leave you at a disadvantage. Knowing enough to be selective around which innovations and spaces to keep an eye on - and maintaining awareness of those areas which can be helpful in your own workflows can be very beneficial.

You don't have to waste your time on slop…. or even things that might be a memory tomorrow. Instead, you make choices as to which innovations can be useful to you and you focus on these bits - and how to best integrate them within your own processes as part of your day-to-day creative output.

Features like Harmonize in Photoshop fit perfectly within this selective space:

https://youtu.be/d5mmo0Qnvyw 

How do I keep up with innovations in generative AI at Adobe, in particular? A few ways - all of which I recommend:

• Follow Adobe evangelists like Kris, Paul, Howard, and others to keep up with major innovations.
• Install beta software that includes upcoming AI features like Harmonize in Photoshop from the Creative Cloud Desktop application - Apps > Beta
• Keep up to date with highlights from the Adobe blog - https://blog.adobe.com/
• Attend Adobe MAX in-person or remotely for projections as to where things will be headed in the coming year - https://max.adobe.com/ 

[Amybeth M. ACI G7]

This is the perfect tool for compositing, adding shadows and adjusting content to look natural. This video explains the tool clearly how it can make the workfow more effecient.

[Joseph Labrecque]

We've done this work plenty of times with color shifts... adjustment layers, adding styles and even painting in shadows. It can take a long time! With the Harmonize feature, it makes all the general adjustments and leaves everything open for you to finish off - which is a lot more effecient. Like the old animators way of senior artists drawing keyframes while handing off the grunt work (inbetweens) to their juniors 🙂 

[Andrew Kavanagh]

Harmonize in Photoshop Beta is a great example of how AI can be a helpful assistant, not a substitute for your creativity. It’s a powerful tool for smoothing out lighting, color, and tone between layers, which can save you a ton of time on those boring adjustments.
Thanks, Joseph!

[Joseph Labrecque]

It's exactly that - an actually useful addition to the overall generative landscape!

[Trevor.Dennis]

I agree that things are moving so fast it can be hard to keep up with.  Just taking Photoshop and Firefly, what worked last week might not work today.  There was a huge thread about the Reference image no longer being available, for instance.  Poor @CShubert took quite a hammering!  Whether I use it extensively or not, I still want to know how it works.

[Joseph Labrecque]

That seems to be based on the image model being used, right? I've noticed reference image missing here and there as well. 

[Joseph Labrecque]

I find most interest in aspects or implementations of AI that can be added as a part of my overall process using the tools I am familiar with already. A lot of satisfaction can come from AI being actually useful in assisting within a project using my own content rather than just generating potentially (likely) useless junk from prompts.

[Valdair Leonardo]

Thank you so much, Joseph for showing us your workflow. Sometimes I have the impression I just have to stick with the result that the AI gave to me and completly forget that the adjustment layers and the other tools are still there. The need for quick results might be bad for the creativity so your tutorial hit the spot on balancing the best of both worlds! Thank you once again

[Joseph Labrecque]

Yep! 

[robbinsathletics]

My wife and I have been teaching our kids how to use Photoshop and Illustrator as part of their home school education. Now that AI tools have come along, I've noticed that our focus on design elements and internalizing knowledge has dropped off quite a bit in favor of just doing prompt engineering.

I think we need to be cautious to make sure that those who are learning the skills don't just rely strictly on AI, but that they continue to do the deeper thinking and reasoning that was used to create AI alternatives in the first place.

[Joseph Labrecque]

Absolutely! I teach this software (including Photoshop) for a living - and I teach my students proper Photoshop. We address the AI stuff... I point out the good bits and the bad bits... and approaches that work in combination with traditional methods. I do not allow simple prompt slop in their projects 😄 

[robbinsathletics]

How much and for what aspects of design do you think it's appropriate to use AI? How do instructors and designers find that balance?

One of the stresses about using (or choosing not to use) AI facing our kids and other designers is the possibility of not being able to "keep up" because of how good AI is becoming compared more to traditional approaches to digital design.

[Joseph Labrecque]

I think that's a real struggle and will likely only get nire difficult with time. I have a guideline that they should aim to keep the AI portions of any composition under 20%. Of course... that is a guideline for them.... how would one measure that? 

[Christelle RD]

At first, I completely rejected AI. I enjoy working with digital media as much as traditional media (I love the artisanal aspect of it), and I couldn't accept that all the work I had put into acquiring my skills could be so easily replaced.

Now, I have a more nuanced view. I can use AI tools (like Harmonize) in my creative process while also using my expertise and maintaining the desire to learn and develop it.

I am never completely satisfied with the results produced by AI. I always add my own personal touch to achieve the desired outcome, which is why I really like your video!

[Joseph Labrecque]

I still reject a lot of AI tools and workflows for simpling generating souless (non)art. I do have the hope that a saturation point of AI generated junk will make human art stand out and become more desirable. What does that timeline look like though? No idea. 

[Christelle RD]

When I see that some (rare) clients want “AI-free” work, or even ask for illustrations using traditional media, I tell myself that even if it's still in its infancy, a coexistence between AI and AI-free works is beginning to emerge ☺️

[Joseph Labrecque]

When that comes up - an "AI free" request - I think we have to really define exactly what we are asking for. I imagine lots of times they simply don't want AI to just... barf out a logo, for example.... but maybe they are okay with using AI to optimize linework or produce color variations? It's all very messy right now. 

[carlo_4974]

Totally agree, Harmonize feels like one of those AI features that actually understands the creative process instead of trying to replace it. It handles the repetitive bits so you can focus on the fun part: creating. Big time-saver, especially for layer-heavy projects. Appreciate you sharing this, Joseph!

[Joseph Labrecque]

Yeah - I'm okay with AI saving me time and getting me to the more personal creative bits 😄

[alexandre_6270]

Totally agree! it’s impossible to keep up with everything. I just pick the few AI tools that actually help my workflow and ignore the rest.

[Lively_worker6419]

Hi, Joseph Labrecque
While I lived in Italy, I found myself in a similar situation, trying to keep up with the rapid developments in AI, when i was managing the complexities of salary and tax calculations for freelancers or small business owners by developing a useful tool. I know very well that it’s a bit overwhelming to see how quickly changes are happening, particularly in the field of creativity. However, as Joseph Labrecque mentioned, I’ve discovered over time that achieving an equilibrium is essential. Here’s how I dealt with it:
1-Concentrating on the Things that are Relevant to Me
I’m an artist, which means I didn’t have to read every piece of AI news. Instead, I concentrated on the latest innovations directly connected to my work, such as AI-driven design tools and generative design tools—features for editing images. For instance, the moment Adobe introduced tools such as Harmonize in Photoshop, it seemed like a perfect method to integrate AI without being overwhelmed by the noise.
2-Selecting a few reliable sources
In Italy, I followed important people, including key figures in the AI and Adobe areas, similar to following evangelists such as Kris and Paul. It allowed me to stay up-to-date on the latest developments without being overwhelmed. Experts often provide insights into practical applications rather than just a list of facts, making it much easier to focus on the important things.
3-Beta Testing New Features
One thing I found especially beneficial was the installation of Beta versions of the software. Adobe’s beta version, for example, usually includes the forthcoming AI tools. It gave me a first glimpse of what’s to come and also how I could test using these tools before they become mainstream. It’s like having an inside look at what could be a game-changer in your process.
4-Participants in Adobe MAX
If I were able to go to Adobe MAX in person, it would feel like having an AI or creative tool reset itself for me. The projected trends and new features presented during the event helped me see where the industry was headed and where I should put my efforts. Even if I wasn’t able to attend in person, the online experience kept me on the same page.
5-Doing away with FOMO
One of the most profound realizations I came to during my time in Italy was the fact that it’s very easy to be caught up in “Fear of Not Being able to Miss Out” (FOMO) when it comes to AI breakthroughs. It’s unlikely that every AI innovation will be useful or relevant in the moment, and I was able to live with the reality that some technological advancements were not for me. Instead, I organized my sources and concentrated on those innovations that helped me develop more effectively and with greater creativity.
It’s all about the ability to concentrate. There’s no reason to consume all the available information. Identify the elements that support your creative process and then build upon them. Being informed is essential; however, it is only with the latest tools and technologies that you can help yourself to be more productive and effective.

Best Regards

[creative explorer]

As an instructor, I am always telling my students that 'fundamentals' or 'basics' needs to be learnt first before jumping all over with AI, and keeping Up with AI Innovations.  Yes, AI can be a great tool to speed one's workflow or better.