“The rise of artificial intelligence is unstoppable and will increasingly affect career options as we know it. To counteract the computerization of work, it is imperative we embrace our authentic human creativity – after all, the tables will soon turn, and the ability to think creatively will become the crown jewel of skills.” 

In April 2023, Paint the World attended JAG’s National Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida to host both a booth and a workshop, which showcased the importance of creativity in the face of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on career fulfillment.

Harnessing Authentic Human Creativity

During the workshop, we emphasized the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence and its ever-increasing influence on career options. In response to the computerization of work, we urged the audience to embrace their authentic human creativity. As AI becomes more prevalent, the ability to think creatively will become a coveted skill, setting individuals apart from machines. We aimed to make this message clear: the crown jewel of skills is our capacity to think creatively.

The Blank Canvas Method

To demonstrate the power of creativity and its potential to adapt to change, we used Paint the World’s “blank canvas method”. At the heart of this approach is the belief in the collective creativity of communities. In the main expo room of the conference, a strategically placed blank canvas bore the prompt, “What do you see in your future?” Students eagerly filled the canvas with diverse images representing a myriad of career fields, showcasing their hopes and aspirations.

Unleashing Creativity in the Face of Change

During the workshop we conducted, a surprising twist unfolded. Originally intending to discuss artificial intelligence and its influence on career paths, we adjusted our approach after engaging in conversations with the youth attending the conference. We sought to ensure that the workshop left a genuine impact on the participants. True to the spirit of creativity, we improvised and presented a challenge to five individuals: fill a blank canvas with no instructions, no direction, and no time limit. The participants were simply asked to paint.

A Twist of Perseverance

“Ok, the new goal is to paint over everything you’ve just created.”

After allowing the painters ample time to create, we introduced a new goal that shocked everyone. She instructed the participants to paint over everything they had just created. The unexpected request sparked an immediate reaction. The students, who had admired their masterpieces with pride, now experienced disappointment. This twist served as a catalyst for a profound conversation about artificial intelligence and its sudden impact on preconceived notions of creativity. The discussion highlighted the need to persevere creatively in the face of change—a skill that demands practice.

Embracing Creativity for Career Fulfillment

Our workshop exemplified the transformative power of creativity. By challenging the participants to paint over their previous creations, we fostered a dialogue on the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence. This exercise aimed to inspire individuals to think beyond traditional boundaries and adapt their creative thinking to embrace emerging technologies. The ability to creatively persevere through change will be an essential skill for career fulfillment in the future.

Our session at the National Career Development Conference showcased the perseverance of creativity and its relevance in the age of artificial intelligence. By leveraging the blank canvas method, we highlighted the importance of authentic human creativity and its role in adapting to evolving career landscapes. The workshop’s surprising twist served as a reminder that creativity, when coupled with resilience and adaptability, can lead to innovative solutions and personal growth. As the world continues to change rapidly, nurturing and harnessing our creative potential will be paramount in shaping a successful and fulfilling future.

Interested in having us at your next event or conference? Reach out to Bethany, our founder, here or email directly at bethany@painttheworld.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!