Generative AI and the Evolution of Art: Insights from Colin Smith

Podcast: Download (Duration: 32:38 — 59.8MB)

In this episode of This Week in Photo, host Frederick Van Johnson sits down with Colin Smith, the creative force behind Photoshop Café. They explore the seismic shift generative AI is bringing to photography, and all disciplines of digital art.

Was This Biggest Photoshop Update Ever?

Colin, a long-time educator and Photoshop expert, described Adobe’s new generative AI feature as the most significant update in the software’s history. Unlike previous tools, generative AI can create entirely new visual elements—clouds, castles, reflections, and more—based on simple prompts, saving artists hours of repetitive work.

Excitement and Apprehension

While Colin is excited about the creative possibilities, he acknowledges the anxiety many artists feel. The fear of being replaced is real, but Colin emphasizes that AI is a tool, not a replacement. The artist’s vision, skill, and creativity remain essential. AI supplements these abilities, making workflows faster and opening new creative doors.

Not Just for Pros

Frederick and Colin discuss how generative AI lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers, allowing more people to experiment with digital art. However, the mastery of prompts and understanding of composition still set great artists apart.

Addressing Concerns

The conversation also touches on copyright, authenticity, and the potential for misuse. Colin highlights Adobe’s efforts to tag AI-generated content and compensate contributors, as well as the ongoing evolution of tools to ensure ethical use.

A New Era for Creatives

Both agree that generative AI is not the end of photography or traditional art—it’s the beginning of a new era. Artists can now focus more on their vision and less on technical hurdles. As Colin puts it, “AI is just another tool in your toolbox. It’s big and loud now, but soon it will be as normal as layers or filters.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, now is the time to embrace these new tools, experiment, and see where your creativity can take you. As the technology evolves, so too will the art we create.

Want to learn more? Visit PhotoshopCafe.com for Colin’s tutorials, courses, and resources.

About Colin Smith

Colin Smith is the founder of PhotoshopCAFE, the leading online community for Photoshop enthusiasts that has welcomed over 30 million visitors. Since 2000, he has been creating comprehensive Photoshop and creative technology content, sharing his expertise through tutorials and reviews on PhotoshopCAFE.com and the popular @photoshopCAFE YouTube channel.

As a prolific author, Colin has written 20 books on digital photography and design, with “The Photographer's Guide to Drones” being his most recent publication. His contributions to the creative community have earned him numerous accolades, including three prestigious Guru Awards and the Adobe MAX Master designation.

Colin's work as a digital artist, designer, and photographer has been featured in virtually every major imaging publication. He is a sought-after speaker at industry-leading events such as Adobe MAX, WPPI, Imaging USA, NAB, Photoshop World, Flash Forward, and PPE. His expertise has also led to consulting opportunities with major companies including Disney ABC, Apple, and Adobe.