The Truth About AI Training: What Creative Leaders Need to Know
Generative AI (Gen AI) is everywhere… and nowhere at the same time. It dominates headlines and conversations around the world. Yet, it’s commonly hidden in everyday tools, used in secrecy, and rarely adopted quickly and effectively.
The truth about AI training is that it often only happens on the creative’s time and dime. While writers, designers, marketers and more race to adapt, AI mastery requires skills they were never taught in school or on the job. And true expertise is hard to find. Plus, workshops and courses are hardly ever as personalized and interactive as needed.
The reality is resources are tight. Skepticism remains. And AI training doesn’t always get the same attention as the technology. Yet, skilled people and top tools are both essential to delivering great results. Diving into these insights, this article explores what’s happening and what leaders can do about it.
1. Today’s creatives use AI in secret.
Most professionals report already using AI at work or looking into it. But a recent study found that 78% of AI users bring their own tools to work. In addition, a separate report revealed that 68% of users don’t disclose their usage to their bosses. These numbers are likely even higher in creative fields, where AI remains a topic of contention.
Anonymous surveys have also revealed the unspoken fear behind the secrecy. No matter what people may say, they often keep their AI use secret because they worry that it makes them appear replaceable. Ironically, today’s most frequent AI users could be tomorrow’s most valuable employees.
The change in perception just needs to come from the top. To advance teams, leaders must bring AI into the open, supply creatives with needed resources, and encourage strategic use at scale. Investing in tools and training not only drives performance; it gives people job security and creates a culture of honesty.
2. Most teams aren't using AI to its potential.
Over 1,000 websites have been called out for publishing false or low-quality AI-generated articles. Even major brands like Coca Cola have received backlash for imperfections in AI videos and art. But if you’ve noticed a rise in robotic voices, nonsensical content, or warped images, remember that the work is more often a testament to talent than the technology.
There’s no question that AI has its limitations, and not every tool works well for every task. But creatives should never share outputs that don’t meet quality standards. And platforms like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Meta AI are advanced enough to contribute to high-quality work. Unfortunately, 60% of creative design leaders admit their teams may lack the AI skills they need to succeed.
Common mistakes include poor prompting, using initial outputs without iteration, and depending on AI entirely without human oversight or thorough quality checks. In contrast, leading teams are trained to:
3. AI skepticism remains. So do the results.
In a recent poll, we asked 800+ professionals what they thought about using AI for creative work. 51% responded that AI amplifies creativity, while 41% said they believe it limits creativity.
While Gen AI’s potential may seem obvious to its supporters, the opposition remains fierce. But results can’t be argued. 81% of professionals say they perform better with AI. One study revealed that content generated with AI fooled experts over 60% of the time. In a separate experiment, a photo-realistic image designed with DALL-E 2 was entered into a photography competition and won.
Plus, multiple reports now show that AI tools and training can increase creativity, productivity, and cost savings. In fact, one such research paper found that for every $1 invested in AI, businesses yield $3.7x in return. In light of these findings and rapid advancements, Gen AI use has become more widely accepted. As new success stories appear, more leaders grow to recognize the value of technology when combined with human talent.
4. Much is here, but the best is yet to come.
While most teams haven’t formally adopted AI yet, usage doubled at workplaces in 2024 alone. The world has come a long way in a short time, and it continues to advance at a rapid pace. In the last year, Gen AI evolved to mimic creative styles, maintain consistency, and generate remarkable creative outputs. Still, experts say the best is yet to come.
At the same time, the speed of modern advancement is a double-edged sword. The rapid changes that bring the creative world forward also hold companies back. In this age of innovation, it’s become easier to believe in Gen AI fully and use it haphazardly… but harder to adopt it effectively. Few experts and organizations can keep pace with every emerging AI tool, model, and feature.
In fact, 60% of leaders believe their organization lacks an AI strategy altogether. If you find yourself or your company falling behind, don’t wait for advancements to slow down. To step ahead, you need to speed up. Invest in your company’s future. Engage subject matter experts. Provide your people with ongoing learning and development. When your investment inevitably yields returns, your limited resources will grow, and your capacity will follow.
5. Teams want AI training.
While one report showed that 7 in 10 companies had AI training programs planned, LinkedIn revealed that less than 40% actually provided such programs. Those figures may be even lower for creative teams. Regardless, those who provided training not only elevated people’s AI capabilities; they also improved employee satisfaction and retention because it’s what talent want.
4 in 5 employees would prefer more AI training, and many are even taking it into their own hands. In the first half of 2024 alone, participation in individual AI learning courses increased by 160% among non-technical professionals. However, your team is your responsibility, and you can’t know or be responsible for the lessons they learn outside of work hours.
To integrate AI into your creative workflow, you must experiment together, not alone. Plus, pre-recorded videos and generic courses simply don’t have the same impact as tailored, interactive lessons. Power users are 37% more likely to receive training on use cases specific to their role. And the results reflect it.
AI is ready. Are you?
AI is reshaping how creative work is done, but the real impact comes from your people and what you teach them. Responding to Onward Search’s recent poll, 91% of professionals agreed that when using AI for creative work, your talent is even more important than your tool. The key to success is equipping your workforce with meaningful training, preserving your people’s human creativity, and openly using AI to its fullest potential.
This article was first published on the Onward Search website.
Attend Our Upcoming AI Webinar
Led by an award-winning creative director, our next free webinar will explore the latest AI advancements and what’s coming next. Join us for a mix of interactive discussion and informative demonstration of content generation, AI art design, and more.
Contact Us for Gen AI Expertise
Onward Search's AI team provides companies with custom AI workshops and skilled subject matter experts. Inquire about our training programs or talent. We’ll respond within 24 hours to support you.
Our next free AI webinar will now take place Thursday 3/20 at 1:00pm EST! Reserve your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eQ7_h8fr