In this episode, I get honest about the tension so many of us feel around AI: the uneasiness of using it while also distrusting it. I talk about why that discomfort might actually be meaningful—and how embarrassment or shame can act as a compass for finding the line between assistance and authorship.

I share a real story about how AI helps me not over-think a purchase decision with my daughter. I also share about my feelings about receiving AI-written emails. You'll learn how I think about using AI to help me without letting it replace the parts of my job that actually matter. We talk about the long game: creative confidence, limits, process, and what it really means to maintain authorship as an illustrator.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Why discomfort around AI is healthy
The difference between assistance and authorship
How AI can quietly shift from convenience to dependency
Why the process—not just the product—is central to illustration
Why “drawing the line” is literally part of our job
Two reflection questions to check your relationship to AI

SHOW LINKS

Paul Kingsnorth's Substack — https://paulkingsnorth.substack.com

In the podcast I mistakenly said his Substack was called Pilgrims in the Machine. It's actually called the Abbey of Misrule, which is way more badass.

Paul Kingsnorth's website — https://www.paulkingsnorth.net
Rethinking Creativity in the Age of AI — A more pro-AI conversation on The Future with Chris Do and Jodie Cook — https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-futur-with-chris-do/id1209219220?i=1000737893787

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Thanks as always for supporting the podcast. Patreon and Paid Spotify Supporters make it possible for me keep doing this!

FIND ME ELSEWHERE

My New Book! Drawing is Important! — tomfroese.com/links — look for the green book cover
Work and Classes — tomfroese.com
Instagram — instagram.com/mrtomfroese
Daily Drawings — instagram.com/drawingisimportant

CREDITS

Music and Cues by Mark Allan Falk — semiathletic on Linktree

DRAWING IS IMPORTANT — NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

My new book, Drawing Is Important, is your guide to making drawing a meaningful daily habit. Through stories, insights, and exercises, it helps you draw more often—with less pressure and more joy. Available Spring 2026 — Pre-order now! The first 500 orders get a free hand-signed book plate! Look for "get pre-order prizes" after clicking the link.

Should You Be Embarrassed About Using AI? | FREE PREVIEW