AI Explored: AI Creativity Unlocked – Making Anything Seem Possible

Episode Release Date: October 29, 2024
Host: Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner
Guest: Jenny Nicholson, Founder of Queen of Swords and AI Co-Host of the Glitch in the Matrix Podcast

1. Introduction

In this enlightening episode of AI Explored, host Michael Stelzner delves into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing creativity. Joining him is Jenny Nicholson, a seasoned advertising creative and founder of Queen of Swords, who shares her journey from traditional advertising to pioneering AI-driven creative strategies.

2. Jenny Nicholson's Background and Introduction to AI

Jenny Nicholson brings nearly two decades of experience in brand advertising, having worked with major clients like Sherwin Williams, Pampers, and MSNBC. Despite her deep roots in the industry, Jenny emphasizes her persistent curiosity and passion for exploring new mediums to connect with audiences.

Jenny Nicholson [02:31]:
"When something new comes along, my first thought is like, oh, how can I play with that? What can I do with it?"

Jenny's initial encounter with AI began in July 2021 when she interacted with GPT models before the widespread launch of ChatGPT. This early experience ignited her fascination with AI's potential to revolutionize creative processes.

3. Transition to AI and Its Impact on Jenny’s Career

After leaving her full-time position in April 2022, Jenny faced the daunting challenge of freelancing. Instead of succumbing to uncertainty, she immersed herself in learning AI technologies, which not only salvaged her career but also redefined it.

Jenny Nicholson [05:40]:
"The second I started working with this technology, I was too busy experimenting and seeing what was possible to even worry about what was going to happen next."

This proactive approach led Jenny to shift her focus from traditional creative consulting to AI-enabled work, with approximately 80% of her current projects leveraging AI.

4. The Creative Potential of AI

Jenny highlights that the true magic of AI lies not in its ability to generate content independently but in its capacity to amplify human creativity. She emphasizes the necessity of inputting creative ideas into AI to receive equally innovative outputs.

Jenny Nicholson [09:17]:
"If you want to get something creative out of the model, you have to put something creative in. You can't just sit back and push a button."

By adopting an experimental mindset, Jenny explores uncharted creative territories, finding excitement in the unpredictable outcomes that AI can produce.

5. Working with Different AI Models

Jenny shares her preferred AI tools, comparing their unique strengths and functionalities:

• Claude:
  Favored for its ability to save projects and handle large datasets, making it ideal for organizing and refining creative ideas.

  Jenny Nicholson [28:04]:
  "Claude has been trained with constitutional AI, giving it an ingrained sense of ethics and making it feel more like a creative partner."

• ChatGPT:
  Excellent for editing and refining content, providing a second layer of enhancement to AI-generated ideas.

  Michael Stelzner [40:27]:
  "I find it's even better when I take that output into ChatGPT and say, enhance it."

• Gemini:
  Appreciated for its extensive context window and ability to embody personas more deeply, allowing for more nuanced and creative interactions.

  Jenny Nicholson [35:35]:
  "Gemini tends to be a little bit more embodied as that, as that perspective."

Jenny advocates for using multiple models in tandem to leverage their respective strengths, thereby enriching the creative process.

6. Practical Applications and Case Studies

A notable example of Jenny’s innovative use of AI is the creation of “Split the Decisions,” a custom GPT developed for Zola, a wedding planning platform. This AI-powered tool assists couples in allocating wedding planning tasks based on their individual strengths and preferences.

Jenny Nicholson [43:38]:
"We were able to get something out that people could start playing with with zero investment in terms of infrastructure."

This approach allows brands to experiment with interactive and value-adding tools without the hefty costs and time investments traditionally associated with product development.

7. Best Practices for Using AI in Creativity

Jenny offers actionable insights for marketers and creatives looking to harness AI’s potential:

• Inject Creative Input: Ensure that the questions and prompts you provide to AI are inherently creative to receive innovative outputs.

  Jenny Nicholson [09:17]:
  "What I see very few people realizing is that if you want to get something creative out of the model, you have to put something creative in."

• Embrace Non-Linear Thinking: Utilize AI’s ability to handle multiple threads simultaneously, fostering a more dynamic and expansive creative workflow.

• Iterative Refinement: Use different AI models to iteratively refine and enhance ideas, leveraging each model’s strengths.

• Develop Custom Tools: Create bespoke AI solutions tailored to specific brand needs, enabling unique and interactive customer experiences.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jenny Nicholson’s journey underscores the profound impact AI can have on creativity, transforming traditional practices and opening up new avenues for innovation. By integrating AI into her creative process, Jenny not only expanded her capabilities but also rediscovered the joy and excitement that initially drew her to advertising.

Jenny Nicholson [52:09]:
"I hate to admit this, it's so embarrassing, but LinkedIn has become my go-to platform."

For those inspired by Jenny’s insights, connecting with her on LinkedIn or visiting her consultancy, Queen of Swords, offers further opportunities to explore AI-driven creativity.

Notable Quotes

• Jenny Nicholson [05:40]:
  "The second I started working with this technology, I was too busy experimenting and seeing what was possible to even worry about what was going to happen next."

• Jenny Nicholson [09:17]:
  "If you want to get something creative out of the model, you have to put something creative in. You can't just sit back and push a button."

• Jenny Nicholson [28:04]:
  "Claude has been trained with constitutional AI, giving it an ingrained sense of ethics and making it feel more like a creative partner."

• Michael Stelzner [40:27]:
  "I find it's even better when I take that output into ChatGPT and say, enhance it."

• Jenny Nicholson [43:38]:
  "We were able to get something out that people could start playing with with zero investment in terms of infrastructure."

• Jenny Nicholson [52:09]:
  "I hate to admit this, it's so embarrassing, but LinkedIn has become my go-to platform."

Connect with Jenny Nicholson

• LinkedIn: Jenny Nicholson on LinkedIn
• Queen of Swords: QueenOfSwords.com

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