Is ai taking over our industry?
There needs to be some clarification when we talk about AI in the creative industries.
When I say AI, I don’t mean robots replacing lighting designers at least not yet. If you want a laugh, Google “Unitree G1 vs mirror”. I think we’ve got a few years before that becomes a real concern.
What I do mean is AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. These tools can be incredibly useful, but they can also be damaging to creative flow if they’re relied on too heavily.
AI can be great for developing supporting ideas or helping structure a pitch to a client, but it should never replace genuine creativity. As a lighting design company, we use AI to assist with certain renders but never to brainstorm ideas or design concepts. Creativity should always come from people, not prompts.
I truly don’t believe AI is going to take over our industry. Clients and artists want to work with a design team they trust one that understands their creative vision and brings original ideas to the table. Not a company that relies on AI to replace thinking or creative decision-making.
This topic is growing every day, and I could easily spend hours writing about it. But instead of focusing on the negatives, it’s more productive to ask: how can we embrace the future of AI responsibly?
So, can AI be useful?
Absolutely. Have you ever rendered an image that looks flat or dim? Rendering software does its best to mimic real life, but it can only go so far. With simple AI-assisted commands such as “add subtle shadows” you can transform a flat render into something far more realistic. This can genuinely elevate your presentation and help clients and artists better visualise the final design.
AI can also help enhance textures, add low-lying fog, or introduce more realistic reflections. Used carefully, it can increase the perceived value of a render dramatically.
However, be aware: AI can also distort or ruin an image. It may warp text, change the form of objects, or alter details you didn’t intend to touch. Without proper checks, it can completely change the aesthetic of a design.
In Summary,
AI can be a powerful tool when used carefully and intentionally. It should support the creative process not replace it. As long as renders are properly checked and creativity remains human-led, AI can be used to enhance what we already do best.