Let’s talk about AI, Creativity & Equity
- Holly Hartman
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Written by Holly Hartman
Let’s talk about the quiet tension in the creative world: AI.
Specifically—tools like ChatGPT, Canva’s magic resize, or those auto-generated headshots that somehow look a little too perfect.
Recently, I’ve seen more and more creative professionals voice concern over how AI is being used instead of hiring designers, copywriters, photographers, and other experts. (Some are passive aggressive and shaming others especially online-that's not ok-)
And truthfully?
I understand where that concern comes from.
I’ve been in marketing for 20 years. I’ve built my business by collaborating with incredible creatives and small businesses.
One of my closest friends ran a thriving translation business—and she’s had to reimagine everything because of how AI has impacted her industry. This shift is real.
It’s personal.
But here’s the nuance we can’t overlook...
For many small business owners, AI isn’t replacing human talent.
It’s replacing roadblocks.
It’s what helps them get started when hiring a full team isn’t an option.
It’s how they draft their first About Me, design a logo they’re proud of, or finally create that lead magnet after six months of overthinking.
It’s not about cutting corners.
It’s about access.
And for some, AI is the only tool that’s made it feel possible to build something.
This isn’t an either/or conversation.
It’s a both/and invitation.
Yes—creative professionals deserve to be valued, paid well, and celebrated.
Yes—AI gives more people a chance to enter the room.
And yes—we can co-create something better if we choose collaboration over criticism.
So instead of drawing hard lines, what if we opened more doors?
Here’s how creatives and small business owners can move forward together:
1. Be the Upgrade, Not the Obstacle
If someone’s used ChatGPT for a first draft, meet them there.
Refine it.
Enhance it.
Bring in your brilliance.
AI can start the conversation—you can make it sing.
2. Offer Scalable Services
Not everyone can afford full-service branding (or insert other service) today.
But maybe they can afford a brand consult, a mini rebrand, or a strategy session.
Give them on-ramps that make growth accessible.
3. Own Your Strategic Value
AI can generate content, but it can’t replicate deep thinking, brand vision, or emotional intelligence.
Lead with your ideas.
Be the compass, not just the keyboard.
4. Teach, Don’t Judge
Host a training or a Q&A on how to use AI in a way that protects brand voice and values.
When you educate others, you don’t lose your worth—you expand your impact.
5. Co-Create the Future
AI is here.
So are we.
Let’s build something that honors creativity, increases access, and invites more people to create with confidence.
Bottom line:
This isn’t just a tech trend—it’s an opportunity to make creativity more inclusive.
We don’t need to compete for space.
We need to share the canvas.
And I believe there’s more than enough brilliance to go around.
Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep adapting.
Let’s keep collaborating.
Because the creative economy isn’t shrinking—It’s evolving.
About the Author:
Holly Hartman is the founder of ThePOP.Agency, where branding meets purpose and strategy is always on-brand. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, design, and community-building, she’s known for helping women-led businesses grow with clarity, courage, and creative confidence. Holly is also the creator of CollabCode™—a signature framework redefining collaboration as the future of work and a tool for equity in the modern economy.
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