Creatives say the time is now to try AI

ChatGPT can enhance productivity and creativity in some fields, they say — though it still needs a capable human to provide direction

You’re reading Part 3 of The Charlotte Ledger’s “Faces of AI” series, an up-close look at Charlotte-area people and companies that are using artificial intelligence.

Writers, editors and designers are testing the waters — but are wary of the risks

By Kerry Singe

Michael Sammut began playing around with ChatGPT in October, a month before the chatbot made its official debut to the world. 

By May, ChatGPT-related services and products were making up more than half of his revenue.

A website designer and graphic artist, Sammut saw how artificial intelligence technology could enhance his work for clients. 

After months of practice, including taking courses by the company that created ChatGPT, Sammut in March began offering his services using ChatGPT to existing clients.

Since ChatGPT was released at the end of November, headlines about the generative power of artificial intelligence have described the technology as both a powerful tool improving productivity and a killer of jobs, and potentially humanity. 

In Charlotte, ChatGPT’s impact is starting to be felt among those in the creative field. 

With its focus on writing, editing, designing and creating, the field is ripe for, or vulnerable to, ChatGPT and other AI tools. 

“It is a great tool to spark the creative juices,” says Paul Cerkez, assistant professor in the Department of Computing Sciences at Coastal Carolina University. “For those new to the domain and who rely only on ChatGPT, they will suffer.”

‘Evolutionary step’

Of the half dozen creative professionals working in Charlotte who were interviewed for this story, five said they and their companies are watching and waiting to see how technology could play a role in their work. 

“It’s too early to tell,” was a common refrain. 

Cerkez, who has spent decades studying artificial intelligence, sees the potential for ChatGPT to serve as a useful tool for enhancing productivity and creativity.