by Traci Bautista December 04, 2024

How Technology is Revolutionizing the Creative Process: My Journey with AI and Ideation PLAYground

My Journey with Technology: From Blogs to AI

Back in 2004, I launched my first blog, Creativity Unleashed, which started as an online journal. In 2006, I wrote my first blog tutorial—a groundbreaking step for artists sharing content online at the time. This is how I was discovered by a book publisher. Then, in 2008, I uploaded my first YouTube video, marking another significant leap in my journey.

In 2009, I launched my first online course, Graffiti Bouquet, which was a series of PDF playbooks delivered weekly, along with a couple of videos. It was a fresh concept, and I was so excited to bring this new way of learning to artists. The following year, in 2010,I took another leap and started teaching live online classes using a now-defunct software platform called Ustream (remember that?), later transitioning to Google Hangouts.

I also built my first online course platform using Ning, which allowed me to teach and connect with students in a more interactive way. By 2013, I transitioned to designing a custom-built online education community on WordPress, giving me more flexibility and control over the learning experience. All of this began over 20 years ago, back when video quality was poor, technology was brand new, and navigating it all was a challenge.

Embracing Technology for My Creative Business

In 2001, I built my first treiC designs website, and by 2005, I took another big step by launching my first online shop, initially on my blog and then later on Etsy in 2008. It was a major leap for me—transitioning from creating in the studio to offering my products to a broader online audience.

By 2013, I expanded even further and designed and built my own website on Shopify, giving me full control over how I presented my work and interacted with customers. These technological advancements were pivotal in expanding my business and connecting with a global community of artists and customers who shared my passion.

How AI Changed the Game for Creative Businesses

Technology has always been a passion of mine—I grew up in Silicon Valley—my parents got my sister and I our first Apple IIc computer in 1984. So whether it's learning how to use the latest design software, experimenting with new platforms, designing databases in Notion, or figuring out how to integrate the tools into my creative process I‘ve always been excited to experiment and play.


That’s why, when ChatGPT was released to the public in November 2022, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. I experimented with it every day to create content, brainstorm ideas, edit email copy, and help me plan everything from creative prompts, marketing campaigns to product development. I even tried it for researching historical paint making recipes, creating a macro-based meal plan, and even planning out an artful itinerary for off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Paris.


But here's the thing: AI, and particularly ChatGPT, has changed the game for so many businesses and individuals, so how can it help artists like us?

nature's graffiti inspiration board by traci bautista SWATCH STUDIO #tracibautistaCOLOR

How AI Is Enhancing My Creative Practice

At first, I was a bit reluctant to experiment with the AI art generative tools inside of ChatGPT but I wanted to see what it was really capable of. Some of the results were interesting and colorful. Some of the creative outputs hit the nail on the head, and others... well, not so much. I even tried to experiment with prompting it to design a surface pattern collection—and let’s just say, the results were a little underwhelming. It just didn’t understand the intricacies of pattern design the way I expected. AI-generated art will never replace your original hand-painted creations!

As for how I integrate AI into my art, I want to clarify that I would never use it to claim or sell as my own artwork.

However, I see tremendous value in using AI as a tool to help generate ideas and jumpstart the creative process. Just like many artists turn to platforms like Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration, using AI is a similar practice—but with the added benefit of being able to give it specific instructions and ask targeted questions. This allows you to guide the creative flow, refine your ideas, and push your work in exciting new directions.

That being said, the value in AI and generative tools is clear: it saves us time, offers alternative solutions that we might not have thought of, and opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. It’s not about replacing the process of painting, sketching, or collaging in your art journal. It’s about enhancing those practices and helping you move forward when you get stuck.

How AI Helped Shape the Evolution of SWATCH STUDIO

In 2023, I began using tools like Canva Magic Write and ChatGPT to brainstorm and shape the first evolution of the SWATCH STUDIO, my quarterly digital subscription. I experimented with how AI could help generate ideas for color palettes, design prompts, and even content strategy.


This process opened my eyes to the incredible potential of AI in creative work, and I’ve taken all of that experimentation and knowledge and I’m using it to train the Ideation PLAYground AI assistant. 


By refining my interactions with these tools, I’m able to offer a more intuitive and personalized creative experience for you, helping you develop your projects faster and with more inspiration.


The Birth of Ideation PLAYground: Where Creativity Meets AI

So, I started thinking: how could I use my 25+ years of experience as a graphic designer, mixed media artist, product designer, creative mentor, educator, and technology enthusiast to create something truly revolutionary? Something that would make artists’ lives easier and more fulfilling, while respecting the core of their creative practice.


And that’s where Ideation PLAYground was born.


Over the years, I’ve built up a wealth of content, artwork, and ideas, and now I’m excited to use that knowledge to train a custom-developed AI assistant. Think of it as your creative coach or brainstorming partner—always available when you need a spark of inspiration or a guiding hand to plan out your next big project.


How I’m Training AI with My Own Knowledge

While Ideation PLAYground uses AI to offer creative assistance, it is built on my 25+ years of experience as a graphic designer, mixed media artist, product developer, educator, and creative mentor. 


The AI is not creating the content—it’s learning from my own creative practices, techniques, and the resources I’ve developed over decades. I’ve carefully trained it to reflect the insights and knowledge I’ve gained, allowing it to offer personalized guidance and suggestions that feel aligned with my approach to creativity. 


Think of the Ideation PLAYground AI Assistant as a tool I’ve developed to work alongside you—not as a replacement for the creativity I bring to the process.


If you're curious about how Ideation PLAYground can elevate your creative practice, head over to the product page for all the details.

An Alternative to Online Courses

While online courses are a great way to learn new skills and techniques, Ideation PLAYground offers something different. Think of it as your personalized creative coach that works with you, not just through structured lessons, but by guiding you to tap into your passions, explore new ideas, and develop a body of work that is uniquely your own.


Instead of following a set curriculum, Ideation PLAYground gives you the freedom to explore your own creative journey. It offers tailored prompts, color palettes, and resources designed around your personal interests, helping you create art that speaks to who you are as an artist. Whether you're looking to develop a collection, explore new themes, or simply get inspired, 


Ideation PLAYground helps you craft a creative practice that is entirely your own.


It’s not a course you need to finish—it’s a tool that evolves with you, helping you grow at your own pace and allowing your artistic voice to flourish.


I know AI might seem intimidating at first, especially if you're not sure how it fits into your creative journey. But I’m here to tell you: Ideation PLAYground is designed to work alongside your creative process, not replace it. It’s a tool to enhance, inspire, and help you move through creative blocks when they pop up. Plus, every month, we’ll continue adding new features and resources to make the tool even more robust.


Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about the creative process behind developing Ideation PLAYground and giving you a sneak peek into what’s inside. You don’t have to be afraid of technology—embrace it as a tool to help you grow as an artist.


I’m excited for you to join me on this journey and discover how Ideation PLAYground can be the creative coach you never knew you needed.


Sign up for Ideation PLAYground now and unlock your creative potential with AI for artists!


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Traci Bautista
Traci Bautista

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