Can AI really do creative work?

Generative AI models have improved rapidly over the past few months – and that has spooked some people in the creative industries. Many worry that models such as Midjourney and ChatGPT could take work off the plates of artists, designers and musicians. In this episode, we hear some more optimistic views. First, Dan Sherratt, VP of creative and innovation at the design agency Poppins, explains how he uses AI to speed up some of his less interesting tasks, and why there will always be a place for high-effort, human-made products. Next, Oxford professor Marcus du Sautoy explains how AI models can be genuinely creative – and might even help humans think less like machines.

Want to get in touch? Write to Isabel at isabel.berwick@ft.com

Want more? Free links:

Can AI make brainstorming less mind-numbing?

Academics express confidence that they and AI can work together

The real quandary of AI isn’t what people think

AI is an opportunity for creative industries, says Bertelsmann boss

FT subscriber? Sign up to get Isabel’s free Working It newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday: ft.com/newsletters

Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

View our accessibility guide.