If you’re considering a creative career, you might be thinking ‘AI is everywhere in this industry! Are there even any jobs left in the creative arts?’
From AI-generated artwork flooding social media to music producers using machine learning tools in their DAWs, AI in the creative industries is reshaping how we make, share, and think about creative work. Whether you’re into music production, filmmaking, graphic design, or game development, understanding AI’s role in your chosen field isn’t optional anymore; it’s essential.
But here’s the thing: AI isn’t the creative apocalypse some people fear, nor is it the miracle solution others claim. It’s a tool that’s creating genuine opportunities while raising important questions about originality, copyright, and what it means to be a creative artist in 2025. From streamlining tedious editing tasks to generating initial concepts, AI is changing creative workflows in ways that are both exciting and complex.
So what does AI in creativity mean for potential students entering the industry? In this blog, we’re cutting through the hype and the fear to give you the real picture. We’ll explore how AI is being used across different creative sectors, the skills you need to stay competitive, the ethical debates you should be aware of, and how to use these tools to enhance your creative work rather than completely replace your creative voice.
Is AI going to take over the creative industry?
The short answer is no, not necessarily. AI is unlikely to “take over” the creative industry and make human creators obsolete. But that doesn’t mean nothing is changing. The reality is more nuanced than the panic-inducing headlines suggest. While AI can generate images, write scripts, compose music, and edit videos, it’s doing so based on patterns it’s learned from human-created work. It lacks the lived experience, cultural context, emotional depth, and intentionality that make creative work meaningful.
According to the 2025 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, more jobs are likely to be created by AI than it will displace. This is because we’re actually seeing a shift in what work looks like, including creative work. Certain tasks, such as background removal in Photoshop, colour grading in video editing, generating mood boards, and transcribing interviews, are becoming faster and more automated. This frees up creative professionals to focus on the parts of their work that require human judgment, such as:
- Developing concepts
- Understanding audiences
- Making strategic decisions
- Adding the creative spark that connects with people emotionally
Ultimately, the creatives thriving right now are not ignoring AI, nor are they letting AI do everything for them; they’re the ones learning to direct it as another tool in their creative arsenal.
Here’s what is taking an impact: certain entry-level positions. This is because certain entry-level tasks might become less common, and some traditional workflows are also evolving. Junior roles that primarily involved repetitive technical tasks may shift, which means you, as a potential student, need to focus on developing skills that AI can’t replicate, such as:
- Creative direction
- Critical thinking
- Storytelling
- Understanding human psychology and culture
- The ability to take creative risks
Which AI tool is best for creativity?
There is no single “best” AI tool for creativity, as different tools excel at different things. The right tool depends on your specific creative discipline, what you’re trying to achieve, and your workflow. For example, a music producer requires different AI capabilities than a graphic designer. That said, the creative industry has quickly embraced certain AI tools that have proven genuinely useful rather than just gimmicky.
Here are some of the most widely used AI tools across different creative fields right now:
Visual Arts & Design
- Midjourney – Popular for generating concept art, mood boards, and visual exploration
- Adobe Firefly – Integrated into Adobe Creative Suite for generative fills, expansions and text effects
- DALL-E 3 – Strong at following detailed text prompts for image generation
- Runway – AI-powered video editing tools, including background removal and motion tracking
Music & Audio
- LANDR – AI mastering and music production tool
- Splice – AI-assisted sample recommendation and music creation
- iZotope – Intelligent mixing and mastering assistants
- Suno – AI music generation from text prompts
Writing & Content
- ChatGPT – Brainstorming, scriptwriting assistance, and content drafting
- Jasper – Marketing copy and content creation
- Descript – AI-powered audio and video editing with transcription
Video & Film
- Runway Gen-2 – AI video generation and editing
- Topaz Video AI – Upscaling and enhancement
- Adobe Premiere Pro’s AI features – Auto-reframe, speech-to-text, and content-aware fill
Game Development
- Scenario – AI-generated game assets
- Promethean AI – AI-assisted world-building and environment design
- Unity Muse – AI tools for Unity game development
Don’t forget, these tools are evolving rapidly. What matters more than mesmerising this list is developing the critical thinking skills to evaluate new tools as they emerge, understanding which tasks are worth automating, and maintaining your creative vision throughout the process. The best AI tool is the one that saves time on the boring stuff so you can spend more energy on creative decisions that actually matter.
What statistics are there for AI in the creative industries?
A lot of people who work in the creative industries have an opinion on AI, but what views do they share? We have gathered some relevant statistics below:
- 71.7% of creatives agree that AI will help improve their work (Source: Engine Creative)
- 55% of businesses are moderately or partially integrated with AI across the workplace (Source: Engine Creative)
- Only 6.2% of creatives are concerned that AI threatens their job security (Source: Major Players)
- 41% of creatives are excited about what opportunities AI technology can present for the future (Source: It’s Nice That)
- Strategists are the highest number of creative professionals using AI technology, with 78% of them confirming they use it as part of their job (Source: It’s Nice That)
Get your creative career started – and keep AI in mind
Understanding AI is important, but here’s what matters more: getting hands-on experience, building a portfolio, and learning from industry professionals who are navigating these changes in real time. The creative industry is evolving fast, and the best way to stay ahead isn’t just reading about AI – it’s learning in an environment where you’re actively using these tools alongside traditional creative skills.
At Access Creative College, we’re preparing students for the reality of modern creative careers. Whether you’re passionate about music, games, esports, media, or want to pursue T Levels to get work experience whilst studying, our courses are designed to give you both the timeless creative fundamentals and the contemporary technical skills that employers are looking for right now. You’ll learn from tutors who work in the industry, use professional-standard equipment and software, and build the kind of portfolio that actually gets you noticed.
The creative industries need people who can think critically, adapt to new technology, and bring fresh perspectives. That could be you. If you’re ready to turn your creative passion into a real career, apply for a course online today.
You can also find out more at one of our Open Days and see what studying with us is really like. Book your place at an open day online and get your creative journey started!
