The Robots Are Coming For Your Creative Job! Here's How #HireHumans Fights Back
- John Nakamura
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
I remember the first time I saw a piece of AI-generated art. It was a swirling, abstract landscape, full of vibrant colors and intricate details. My initial reaction was awe. "A machine created this?" I thought. But that awe quickly turned to a knot of anxiety in my stomach. As a freelance writer, I couldn't help but wonder: "If AI can create art, what's to stop it from writing blog posts, scripts, or even novels?"
I'm not alone. Across the creative industries, there's a growing sense of unease, a fear that the very skills we've spent years honing are about to be rendered obsolete by algorithms. And the data, unfortunately, doesn't offer much comfort.
The Grim Reality: AI's Impact on Creative Jobs
The headlines are alarming:
"Thousands of Game Developers Lose Jobs as AI Automates Tasks"
"Copywriters Replaced by AI, Then Re-Hired to Fix Its Mistakes"
"Musicians Fear AI-Generated Music Will Flood Streaming Platforms"
"Voice Actors Worry About AI Cloning Their Voices Without Consent"
These aren't hypothetical scenarios; they're happening now. The rise of generative AI tools – capable of creating text, images, music, and even video from simple prompts – is fundamentally reshaping the creative landscape. And while some hail this as a new era of democratized creativity, for many working professionals, it feels like a threat.
Specific Examples of Job Displacement
Let's look at some concrete examples:
Copywriting: Companies are increasingly using AI writing tools like Jasper, Copy.ai, and Writesonic to generate marketing copy, social media posts, and even website content. While the quality can be uneven, the speed and cost savings are undeniable. This has led to a decline in demand for entry-level copywriting positions and downward pressure on wages for freelance writers.
Graphic Design: AI-powered design platforms like Canva and Adobe's Sensei are making it easier than ever for non-designers to create professional-looking graphics. This is great for small businesses and entrepreneurs on a budget, but it also means fewer opportunities for junior designers and increased competition for freelance gigs.
Voice Acting: The rise of AI voice cloning technology is particularly unsettling for voice actors. Companies are already using AI voices for audiobooks, podcasts, and even virtual assistants. The fear is that actors' voices could be cloned and used without their permission, potentially damaging their reputations and depriving them of income.
Animation The Animation Guild has been in talks to try and negotiate protections for their members. Their largest rally ever demonstrates how threatened that industry has become.
The "AI-Humanization" Trap: A Race to the Bottom?
One of the most disturbing trends is the emergence of "AI-humanization" jobs. These are often low-paying, precarious gigs that involve cleaning up the output of AI-generated content. Writers are hired to fix the awkward phrasing of AI-generated articles. Designers are tasked with tweaking AI-generated logos to make them look more "human." It's a race to the bottom, where human creatives are reduced to being the cleanup crew for machines.
This not only devalues human skills but also raises ethical questions about exploitation. Are we creating a two-tiered system, where a small elite of AI developers and "prompt engineers" reap the rewards, while the vast majority of creatives are relegated to low-wage, unfulfilling work?
The #HireHumans Solution: Advocating for a Human-Centered Future
This is where the #HireHumans movement comes in. We believe that while AI has incredible potential, it should be used to enhance human creativity, not replace it. We're advocating for a future where:
Human Artists Are Valued and Fairly Compensated: We need to recognize the unique skills, experience, and emotional intelligence that human creatives bring to the table. Companies should prioritize hiring human artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers, and pay them a living wage that reflects the value of their work.
AI Is Used Ethically and Transparently: Tech companies must be transparent about how their AI tools are trained and used. They should obtain consent from artists before using their work to train AI models and compensate them fairly for their contributions. We need clear ethical guidelines and regulations to prevent the exploitation of artists' intellectual property.
Creative Professionals Adapt and Upskill: We encourage creative professionals to embrace AI as a tool, not a threat. Learn how to use AI-powered platforms to enhance your workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and explore new creative possibilities. Develop the uniquely human skills – critical thinking, storytelling, emotional connection – that AI can't replicate.
We will use our growing influence to become that balancing voice of reason, a call for sensible thought, and a push for equitable value exchange With our reach, and with your help, we will promote and champion our case to the industries that depend so heavily on creative professionals for their branding, story, and message, and we will remind them that the most impactful and resonating work is still crafted by a HUMAN.
The Robots Are Coming For Your Creative Job!
How #HireHumans Helps
The #HireHumans movement provides:
A Platform for Advocacy: We're raising awareness about the impact of AI on creative jobs and advocating for policies that protect artists' rights.
A Community of Support: We're connecting creative professionals from all disciplines, providing a space to share experiences, offer advice, and build solidarity.
Resources and Training: We're sharing information about AI tools, best practices, and strategies for adapting to the changing landscape.
A Call to Action: We're urging companies to prioritize hiring human creatives and to use AI responsibly and ethically.
A promotion tool We want to hear your story, see your work, and promote your human creative genius, so that the world can be reminded of the undeniable power of the human creative spirit!
Join the Fight: How You Can Get Involved
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student just starting out, your voice matters. Here's how you can join the #HireHumans movement:
Use the #HireHumans hashtag: Share your work, your thoughts, and your experiences on social media using the #HireHumans hashtag. Let's make this a viral movement!
Contact #HireHumans with your story: If you are an active working professional in your given field, get in touch with us, so that we can promote you, your company, and your work, to remind the decision makers that YOU are still out there, and that your services are still, and will always be, incredibly valuable.
Support Organizations Fighting for Artists' Rights: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the Authors Guild, the Graphic Artists Guild, and the National Association of Voice Actors, who are working to protect creative professionals in the age of AI.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest developments in AI and its impact on creative industries. Share your knowledge with others and encourage open, honest conversations about the future of work.
Choose Human Creativity: When you have the choice, support businesses and projects that value human artistry. Buy art from independent artists, commission original music, and hire human writers and designers.
The Future is Human (With a Little Help from AI)
The rise of AI presents both challenges and opportunities for the creative industries. We can't stop the march of technology, but we can shape its direction. By advocating for ethical AI development, supporting human artists, and embracing a collaborative approach, we can create a future where creativity thrives, powered by both human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.
The robots are coming, yes. But they don't have to take our jobs. They can be our partners, our collaborators, our tools. Let's build a future where the best of both worlds – human and artificial – come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Join the #HireHumans movement today! Visit our shop at talentpostpros.com/shop, and follow us on social media, use the #HireHumans hashtag to share your story. Together, we can protect creative jobs and build a future where human artistry flourishes.
Visit talentpostpros.com for more information.
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