Creativity vs Control: Where AI Fits in the Creative Toolbox
Feb 25, 2025
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In a riveting discussion, Scott Belsky, founder of Behance and a key player at Adobe, shares his insights on the evolving relationship between creativity and AI. He explores how AI can enhance creative processes, making tools more accessible and personalizing experiences for users. The shift from a 'prompt era' to a 'controls era' of AI is highlighted, alongside concerns about the ubiquity of AI-generated content. Scott also delves into the future of creative tooling and the importance of curation over traditional skills in a tech-driven world.
AI tools are making creativity more accessible, allowing a broader audience to express themselves and compete in the marketplace.
The evolution from a 'prompt era' to a 'controls era' enables creators to manipulate AI outputs more freely, enhancing the creative process.
Deep dives
The Evolving Landscape of Creativity
Creativity is becoming more accessible as AI tools reduce the learning curve for various creative professions. Previously, mastering tools like Photoshop could take considerable time and expertise, acting as a barrier to entry for many. Now, AI tools empower users across different fields—sales, data analysis, and marketing—to create content independently, while also elevating the capabilities of professionals who can push their creative boundaries further. This dual impact fosters a more diverse creative environment, allowing individuals to express themselves and compete in a growing marketplace.
Transitioning from Prompt-Based to Control-Centric AI
The early phase of AI in creative contexts has been largely prompt-driven, limiting user control over the output. The future is shifting towards a 'controls era', where creators will have enhanced capabilities to manipulate layers and styles, akin to traditional design software. This transition allows for a richer creative process, enabling users to achieve their vision without being constrained by the limitations of previous AI models. As these tools evolve, the ability to fine-tune and collaborate with AI will redefine how creative work is produced and experienced.
The Importance of Personalization in Creative Tools
Creative professionals value the ability to realize their unique vision, which generative AI often struggles to deliver due to its reliance on generalized training data. There is a growing demand for creative tools that offer a range of models, allowing users to select the specific AI capabilities that best fit their needs. Companies must address workflow inefficiencies by integrating AI that complements the creative process and provides the necessary flexibility. This shift toward choice and personalization will enable creatives to harmonize their workflow and enhance their artistic expression.
Embracing AI to Enhance Creative Experiences
As the creative industry grapples with AI integration, it faces a divide between those who feel threatened by AI and those who embrace its potential. Many traditional illustrators and designers express skepticism about the technology, fearing it may undermine their craft, while a new wave of 'AI creatives' fully immerses themselves in AI-driven workflows. The majority, however, find value in leveraging AI tools to reduce tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of their work. This trend suggests a possible coexistence of traditional skills and innovative technology, empowering creatives to achieve new heights in their artistry.
Being a creator in 2025 is tough—but building for creators is even harder. Perhaps no one understands this conundrum better than Scott Belsky. As the founder of Behance, a longtime executive at Adobe, and an advisor to companies like Pinterest and Atlassian, Scott has spent his career at the intersection of technology, design, and creativity.
In this speedrun episode, recorded live in San Francisco during the fourth iteration of our a16z Games Speedrun program, we dive into:
How AI can actually enable creators—and where its toolset should end
The evolution from the "prompt era" to the "controls era" of AI
Whether people really want bespoke, personalized experiences or simply crave familiarity
What happens when creative scarcity disappears and AI-generated content becomes ubiquitous
The future of creative tooling, from generative UI to AI-native interfaces
Plus, Scott shares insights from his time building Behance, leading product strategy at Adobe, and investing in the next generation of creative tools.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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