My Background

As the founder of a top U.S. branding agency with two decades of experience, I have witnessed three significant visual transformations: the rise of Desktop Publishing, the emergence of Web Design Platforms, and the shift to Template-Based Design Automation. Each transition was driven by two crucial factors: ease of access for aspiring creatives and widespread demand for their services.

As the need for creative solutions surged, the financial barriers diminished—software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop became increasingly affordable, while platforms like Canva and Shopify offered even lower entry points. Consequently, countless aspiring creatives flooded the market, often producing mediocre logos, websites, and visual content. Yet, each time, my agency not only survived but thrived. I have elaborated on how I managed to rise above challenges in my article, "The Rewards of Creating an Ethical Business."

Rising Above Commoditization

When any product or service faces commoditization, the key to standing out lies in shifting focus from the product itself to the customer experience—an aspect that cannot be automated or generated by AI. It’s time to adopt this mindset with ChatGPT.

Unlike previous technological waves, ChatGPT is a new force in the tech landscape. You can either brace yourself for impact or seize the opportunity to ride this powerful AI wave to success.

How to Navigate This New Terrain

Here are five strategies I plan to implement to rise above the extraordinary capabilities of ChatGPT, prioritizing experience over content.

1. Utilizing ChatGPT to Enhance Creativity

The New Testament writer Paul spoke about the struggle with bodily desires, and I see a parallel with how we might approach ChatGPT. While it’s a fantastic tool for overcoming writer’s block, I will not let it dictate my writing. Instead, I will use it to enhance my creative process, saving valuable time while maintaining my ethical standards.

My experience has already shown me that ChatGPT can save countless hours of work. Think of it as a powerful ally—but not your master.

2. Cultivating My Unique Writer’s Voice

No AI can replicate your distinctive voice. Publishers often inquire about this aspect when considering a manuscript. As content becomes more polished and uniform, we must ensure our writing resonates uniquely with readers. It’s essential to explore how our words make others feel.

In my branding work, I emphasize inspiration over mere information. Inspired content motivates sharing, while information merely informs. ChatGPT can create appealing content, but it cannot imbue it with your spirit. Identify your unique qualities and amplify them in your writing.

3. Redefining Grammar and Syntax

If the standard of writing becomes synonymous with AI perfection, I will deliberately break the mold. I intend to challenge the norms I learned in school to stand out. Think creatively—use unexpected metaphors, experiment with sentence structures, and create an engaging reading experience. Remember, being unconventional doesn’t mean being careless.

4. Transforming Words into Visual Art

As a visual designer, I appreciate the importance of presentation. Our written work must not only convey ideas but also captivate visually. Aim to make your writing graphically striking, evoking emotions and engaging readers on multiple levels.

5. Learning from Successful Writers

Many authors on platforms like Medium and Substack have thrived even before the emergence of ChatGPT. Analyze their success, identify their strategies, and adapt them to your unique voice. Engage with them and learn from their techniques to cultivate your style.

In Conclusion

ChatGPT is not just a fleeting trend; it’s here to stay and will likely dominate various aspects of our lives. I’ve built metaphorical surfboards to ride the waves of technological advancement, and while I’ve faced setbacks, I refuse to let this new challenge overwhelm me. Instead, I will:

• Leverage AI for positive outcomes.
• Continuously refine my unique voice.
• Challenge conventional grammar norms.
• View words as dynamic visual expressions.
• Adopt effective writing strategies from successful peers.

I am determined to navigate this transformative period, just as I have with previous technological shifts over the last thirty years. The path may be steeper, but the rewards are worth the effort.

As a final thought, consider the story of John Henry, the steel-driving man who raced against a steam drill. His tale serves as a reminder of the importance of human resilience in the face of technological advancement. Ironically, I used ChatGPT to draft that conclusion—an example of using technology without letting it overshadow my creativity.

Stay inspired.

If you enjoyed this article, please like, comment, or follow. I’m always eager to engage in discussions on various topics.

The first video, "ChatGPT, Microsoft, Google & Elon Musk: the Shadow War for AI Supremacy," explores the intense competition among tech giants in the AI landscape.

The second video, "How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your Surfing FAST!" shares practical tips for leveraging ChatGPT to enhance your surfing skills quickly.