I am generally opposed to using artificial intelligence in creative pursuits, though I recognize there are certain use cases that are less-problematic (we’ll get to that). Unfortunately, AI has been embraced widely enough by creators (and tech/software providers those creators count on) that I cannot say with absolute certainty that my work is entirely free of AI-generated content. What I can say is this:

I don’t use AI for writing, ever.

Ever, ever, EVER. I don’t use it for brainstorming. I don’t use it for idea generation. I don’t use it to write, and I don’t use it to edit.

I do use a lot of em dashes and bulleted lists, which unfortunately have become “tells” for AI-generated content. But I’ve been using them for a lot longer than the LLMs have, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to cede such useful ground to the slop bots…

I don’t use AI when animating.

Any characters, sets, or props I use are either created by me directly or purchased from content stores run by human content creators. I don’t use AI in any of my animation workflows – however, the software platform that I have used for over a decade has begun integrating AI elements into its programs. While I don’t use any of the creator-facing AI stuff they offer, but I don’t know for certain that there aren’t back-end pieces that incorporate AI without my knowledge.

I don’t use AI for creating visuals.

Once again, though, I’m kind of at the mercy of my vendors here. I make extensive use of images and footage sourced from platforms like Adobe Stock and Storyblocks; I do my best to avoid anything labeled as AI-generated, but there’s no way to know for sure that all their labeling is accurate.

Okay. Now, remember those “less-problematic” use cases I mentioned above? I’m thinking of one in particular…which, as luck would have it, is the exact same one that applies to my own work. What are the odds?!?

I am not a “voice guy.” My “range,” to the degree you could even call it that, runs from “me” to “me being really sarcastic.” This is a major problem when it comes to creating animated videos that involve more than one character. So…

I DO use AI for creating character voices.

Specifically, I utilize a platform that allows me to overlay AI-generated voices over my own original vocal performances to make them sound like they’re coming from different performers. I don’t love it, but I’d argue it’s defensible because (warning: bulleted list ahead):

• I do all the vocal tracks myself first. The AI is only used as an overlay to an actual, human-generated performance (mine).
• This isn’t a situation where I’m taking work away from real voice actors. I don’t monetize my videos, or pay anyone to help me with them. I am a one-man hobbyist operation, doing this for the love of the game. No one’s getting paid for anything, least of all me.

Whether this actually qualifies as a “less-problematic” use case is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. Do with the knowledge what you will, but I thought it only fair to put it out there.