Enter the Controls Era
We’ll start with what could be a game-changer for creatives. AI-generated art has so far relied heavily on text prompts—a mechanism that many professionals have rightly criticized as reductive.
A New Era of Controls
In 2025, we’ll see the rise of the "Controls Era" in AI, where people can steer the outputs of generative tools with more precision. The idea is that instead of simply describing what you want, you’ll be able to directly adjust elements of AI-generated content, whether that’s tweaking the lighting in a generated film scene or refining brushstrokes in an AI-assisted illustration.
The New Order
Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, it largely depends on whether you like using generative AI in your work, or you’re worried about non-creatives using it and putting you out of a job. Adobe’s Alexandru Costin feels you should veer towards the former. "Think of these ‘controls’ as the digital equivalent of the paintbrush in Photoshop," he says. "This tool once seemed threatening to traditional art forms but ultimately sparked an explosion of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Photoshop didn’t replace physical paintbrushes; it redefined what was possible, opening new avenues for precision, taste, and expression."
The Rise of Discipline-Specific AI Tools
Here’s something else that could help reposition AI as a creative skill, rather than a creative threat: the proliferation of AI tools tailored to specific disciplines. Imagine a tool for illustrators, for example, where AI assists with intricate detailing while respecting your own personal artistic style. Similarly, I’m expecting new AI tools to help game designers build more immersive worlds with realistic NPCs (non-player characters).
Video and AI
Then there’s video. Platforms like Sora and Meta’s Make-A-Video are already pushing the boundaries of generative AI that moves. And while we’re some way from usable content from these platforms, I’m expecting to see an AI platform for film-makers that helps to simplify pre-production processes.
Court Cases and Legislation
Before you get too excited, though, there’s also a possibility that AI could come crashing down in 2025. Despite the huge power of the tech industry, they’re still not above the law, as demonstrated by the dramatic arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France this summer.
The Legal Landscape
While AI is amazing, it’s worth remembering that it’s trained on real-world content, owned by people who mostly never gave permission. As a result, several major lawsuits are underway in both the US and UK, with companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic facing numerous copyright infringement claims. Should a single judge come down on the side of the complainants in any of these cases, it could quickly establish a legal principle that makes AI software very difficult to train.
Learning to Live with AI
Many people reading this article will want them to go further. Some would love AI to be banned outright. But ultimately, we have to be realistic. Trillions have been poured into this thing, tech leaders are swarming all over the next White House, and quite simply AI is not going away. Which means that, just like Covid, we’ll have to learn to live with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AI going to replace me?
A: No, AI is designed to augment your creativity, not replace it.
Q: Is AI going to be banned?
A: It’s unlikely, but rather, we’ll see regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible AI development and use.
Q: Can I still use AI and be a creative?
A: Absolutely, AI can be a powerful tool in your creative arsenal, and many professionals are already using it to enhance their work.
Q: What’s the future of AI in my field?
A: It’s likely that AI will play a significant role in your field, but it’s up to you to learn how to harness its power and use it to your advantage.
