AI for Creatives: Friend, Foe… or Frenemy?

15/08/2025
Posted in Technical
15/08/2025 Neil Ridley

Let’s be honest — when AI writing tools first hit the scene, most of us either rolled our eyes (“Here comes Skynet…”) or got quietly excited about the idea of something that could churn out a blog post while we made a coffee.

Fast forward, and AI is everywhere. It’s helping write Instagram captions, product reviews, email replies, even the odd “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday” message (don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it). But before we hand over our keyboards entirely, it’s worth looking at the ups and the downs of using AI for things like blog posts, social media updates, and reviews — especially if you run a creative business.


The Virtues: Why AI Can Be a Lifesaver

1. It Speeds Things Up (a Lot)

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page with the enthusiasm of a damp sponge, you’ll know the pain of “creative block.” AI can break the stalemate in seconds — give it a topic and it’ll spit out something to work with. That first draft might not be perfect, but it’s easier to tweak an existing paragraph than to summon one from thin air.

2. It Keeps You Consistent

One of the biggest struggles in marketing is keeping up with content regularly. AI can help you maintain a posting schedule, filling in the gaps when you’re busy with clients, editing, or, you know, having a life.

3. It’s Surprisingly Good at Research

Need a quick list of trending wedding hashtags or a short history of a photography style? AI can find and summarise that info in seconds, saving you from falling down a 3-hour Google rabbit hole that somehow ends with you watching otter videos (again).

4. It Helps You Experiment

Sometimes AI will suggest an angle you’d never thought of — a quirky blog intro, a cheeky Instagram caption, or a unique way to review a product. It can spark creativity in ways your own brain might not when you’re tired or short on time.


The Pitfalls: Why You Shouldn’t Just Hit “Post”

1. It Can Sound… Well, Robotic

AI is good at sounding polished, but “polished” isn’t always what your audience wants. People connect with personality, quirks, and that little dash of you that makes your content unmistakably yours. AI can sometimes strip that out, leaving something that reads fine but feels flat.

2. It Doesn’t Always Get the Facts Right

AI is brilliant at sounding confident — even when it’s completely wrong. You still need to fact-check, especially if you’re giving advice or referencing real events. An AI confidently misquoting a fact is like a wedding guest giving a speech full of made-up anecdotes: entertaining, but awkward when the truth comes out.

3. It Can Make You Sound Like Everyone Else

Because so many people use AI, there’s a risk that content starts to blend together. The same phrases, the same rhythms, the same “top 10 tips” format… Your unique brand voice can get diluted if you rely on it too heavily.

4. Search Engines Can Spot Lazy AI

Google and other platforms aren’t anti-AI, but they are anti-low-quality content. If your blog post is just a lightly polished AI draft with no personal insight, it might not perform well in search results. The platforms want originality, expertise, and genuine value — all things AI can’t fully fake.


How to Use AI Without Losing Yourself

Think of AI as your enthusiastic intern: full of energy, a bit too eager to please, and in need of supervision.

  • Start with AI for ideas and structure — let it do the grunt work of organising your thoughts.
  • Add your voice, stories, and experience — the bits AI can’t fake.
  • Fact-check everything — seriously, don’t skip this.
  • Edit for personality — throw in those little asides, humour, and turns of phrase that make people recognise you.

Final Thought

AI isn’t here to replace creatives — it’s here to give us more time for the parts we actually like doing. Use it as a starting point, not an autopilot. Because your clients, your followers, your readers… they’re here for you.

And that’s something no algorithm can replicate.

✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts of AI Writing

✅ Do

  • Use AI to break creative block — let it kick-start your ideas.
  • Edit with your personality — make it sound like you, not a bot.
  • Fact-check everything — AI is confident, not always correct.
  • Add real-life stories — your experiences are what make it authentic.
  • Mix AI with your own writing — the blend is where the magic happens.

❌ Don’t

  • Copy and paste without editing — it’s obvious (and boring).
  • Rely on AI for your whole voice — your uniqueness is your selling point.
  • Skip adding value — if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t post it.
  • Assume it’s always right — double-check dates, names, and details.
  • Let it replace you — it’s a tool, not a substitute.

…..and Yes, I used AI to help write this blog post 😀