Brian Cobb, Creative Director at Opengear, shares his thoughts on how AI tools can streamline the creative process. We go beyond the social media “sound bites” about the evils of  ChatGPT and DALL-E (!) to talk about real world applications in marketing design.

What are some ways that AI can be integrated into existing tools and processes that Creatives and Designers currently use? [04:45] 

How can we tap into the power of AI to optimize the higher-level thinking, and automate some of the repetitive tasks to free up more time for creativity? What does this mean for the concept of an Organizing Idea? [10:12]

It looks as though Adobe are taking a thoughtful approach, releasing a beta version of Firefly and incorporating AI tools into the Cloud Experience Suite. They focus on “Creators First” – offering their tools as a “Creative Copilot” – and are being careful to consider copyright issues, and respecting their core audience of professional designers and creators. [15:18]

Brian’s varied career has taken him through a number of agency roles, and in-house or corporate marketing roles. He compares the skill sets and mindset needed for each, and talks about the constant need to be “selling” during the agency creative process. [23:52]

And of course, Brian shares his favorite cocktail: a Dark and Stormy made the traditional way. [34:20]

To connect with Brian, visit his website at BrianCobbCreative.com, or look him up on LinkedIn.

Brian mentioned some websites and other resources for creative inspiration:

https://www.commarts.com

https://theinspirationgrid.com

https://www.thisiscolossal.com

https://www.ai-ap.com

https://www.pentagram.com

https://coolhunting.com

https://www.luerzersarchive.com

https://www.wired.com

https://adage.com

https://www.adweek.com

https://www.mmm-online.com/home

The Book of Gossage https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1109060

Ogilvy on Advertising https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/641601

Timestamps:
0:02:19

Brian describes his Professional journey post-military, with experience in multiple agencies and in-house roles 

 0:04:45

Exploring the Impact of AI on Creative Roles

0:08:33

Discussing the Benefits of AI in Creative Processes

0:15:42

Adobe Creative Suite: Keeping the Core Audience in Mind

0:19:14

Discussion of Adobe's Content Authenticity Initiative and Its Impact on Creators

0:24:25

The Dynamics of Selling Creative Work in an Agency Setting

0:31:06

How Brian Stays Up-to-Date with Marketing Trends

0:34:20

Brian’s drink of choice – the Dark and Stormy