In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and a relentless culture of speed, a pertinent question arises for creatives: Is craftsmanship dying? According to Jonny Tan, a seasoned creative director with a career spanning continents and groundbreaking campaigns, the answer is nuanced, but the concerns are palpable.
"The advent of new technology and new possibilities… It's like a person sort of games and you collect tools," Johnny observes, drawing a vivid analogy. "And when the more tools you collect, the toys you have, the weapons you have, it's like the more badass you become." This abundance of "bazookas and whatnot" at a creative's disposal, while empowering, also presents a curious paradox. It makes us "less reliant on the pure craft of solving a problem," he warns.
The Vanishing Act of Hand-Drawn Art
Johnny, who has witnessed the creative industry's seismic shifts firsthand, highlights a disturbing trend: the vanishing of hand-drawn storyboards. "In the last year or so, I haven't seen a hand-drawn storyboard," he laments. Instead, everything is "crafted because somebody wrote a prompt and it came out. It was beautiful." While acknowledging the undeniable power of AI to "level up the game," Johnny believes it simultaneously strips away "finer things of creativity."
The "Blur" of Accelerated Creativity
His concern isn't about shunning AI entirely. He’s a "big fan of what AI could do," but he worries about the accelerated pace leading to a "blur" in the creative process. Filmmakers, for instance, traditionally consider every detail – camera movements, cuts, the subtle nuances of a close-up versus a wide shot. He recalls a timeless piece of advice from Steven Spielberg: "You want to learn how to make a film, watch movies and turn the volume off." This exercise forces an understanding of the deliberate choices made in crafting a visual narrative. With AI-generated content, Johnny suggests, these crucial considerations often take a backseat.
The Tactile Core of True Craftsmanship
"Craftsmanship has a combination of things," he explains. "Both a very visceral thing and at the same time it's also a very tactile thing." This vital combination, he believes, is what makes something truly special. AI, by its very nature, might accelerate production, but in doing so, it risks losing the “magic of craft.”
Over-Reliance vs. True Innovation
The core of the issue, Johnny argues, isn't the tool itself, but an over-reliance on its convenience. Just as a soldier relying solely on GPS might lose the ability to navigate independently, creatives empowered by AI might forgo the fundamental understanding of their art. AI can certainly provide a push, an initial spark when faced with the daunting "white piece of paper." However, he cautions against the temptation to let it become the sole solution.
The Enduring Value of Human Voice and Vision
For Johnny, the fundamental tools a creative must possess remain constant: "the ability to find a compelling original solution and an effective one." While AI can aid in achieving that, it's crucial not to lose sight of the human element. Curation, for example, becomes paramount. If everyone uses the same tools, the inevitable outcome is a sea of "vanilla" products. It's the unique point of view, the individual taste, and the distinct vision that elevate a piece of work from good to truly great.
Preserving the Magic
"I still don't know how that would look," Johnny admits regarding a future where this trend continues. But he is certain of one thing: "I certainly don't think that's going to be a great future." The vibrant tapestry of human creativity, with its imperfections, its struggles, and its triumphs of dedicated craftsmanship, is too precious to lose to the allure of instant gratification. The future of art, it seems, hinges on creatives remembering that while AI can be a powerful co-pilot, the human hand must always remain on the steering wheel.
This discussion only scratches the surface of the fascinating insights Jonny Tan shares on creativity, reinvention, and leadership. To hear more of his powerful stories and bold ideas, be sure to watch and listen to the full episode of Offscript, part of the Wild & Wise Podcast.
Hosted by Gerald Ang, Ben I., and Vincent Teo, Offscript is a space where creative business minds come to explore how to stay sharp, relevant, and future-ready in a world that keeps changing. Whether you’re a founder, team leader, freelancer, or curious thinker, you’ll gain valuable insights into how to stay adaptable, purposeful, and inspired in fast-changing times.
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One of Paul's most honest moments was talking about the "uncomfortable truths" of being a leader. He especially highlighted those tricky times when leaders have to deliver tough news. He stressed that taking the easy way out is rarely the best way. "When a decision is too easy, sometimes it may not be the right decision," Paul pointed out. This really hits home when you think about how it impacts your team. For example, telling long-time employees their time with the company is ending takes a huge amount of empathy and bravery. It's more than just a severance package. Leaders need to put the individual's dignity and future first, even if it goes against typical corporate goals focused purely on profit.
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This dedication to making principled decisions, even when they're not popular, directly relates to how younger generations see leadership today. The old "do what I say" style, common in the past, is quickly being replaced by a demand for authenticity, transparency, and empathy. Young leaders, often thrown into positions of power as founders or quickly promoted, might not have as much experience as those who came before them. They're living in a world where information is instantly available, and they might even get leadership advice from AI tools like ChatGPT.
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Ultimately, bridging the gap between generations in leadership isn't about one group copying another. It's about all leaders recognising that the heart of good leadership is about being consistent, empathetic, and ready to make hard decisions from a place of genuine care. When leaders show these qualities, they not only get things done but also inspire and develop the next generation of leaders to do the same.
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When Your Words Become Reality
It might sound a bit like magic, but giving voice to your goals actually makes them more real. Daphne explained it perfectly: when you speak your desires, you're not just thinking about them anymore; you're bringing them out into the real world. It's like writing things down; it helps you get super clear on what you truly want.
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There is nothing that I've written down that I have not been able to achieve. It's not just about wishing; it's about telling yourself, constantly, what you're working towards, and your brain starts figuring out how to make it happen.
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Going from just thinking about a dream to actually saying it out loud takes courage, and it usually grows with your confidence. Daphne admitted that when she was younger, winning a Grammy was just a secret thought she'd never dare to say. But now? She confidently declares, "I'm manifesting right now, I'm manifesting winning a Grammy."
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The power of vocalising your desires is totally tied into your incredible subconscious mind. As they talked about on the podcast.
The subconscious mind is extremely powerful. It's so powerful. The mind is a universe, and if you're able to anchor and find clarity, it's amazing what comes out of it.
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It's not just about being overly optimistic. It's about sharp, intentional focus. Saying what you want out loud helps you define it clearly, making it easier for your mind to spot and grab opportunities that bring you closer to your aims. It turns fuzzy hopes into solid plans, kicking off a powerful internal process that can lead to some seriously cool results.
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Strengths Help Support Performance and Build Resilience
Strengths is a powerful anchor for individuals and teams. Especially when the external environment is uncertain, teams need something to anchor them. That’s where CliftonStrength® can offer valuable perspectives. By helping individuals and teams identify what they naturally do best, it shifts attention away from firefighting and toward a more intentional form of collaboration.
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CliftonStrength® is not just a feel-good philosophy. Backed by decades of Gallup data, the data shows that when people use their strengths at work, they are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay.
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Strengths creates a shared language that helps people see where they fit, where they add value, and how they can count on each other when it matters most.
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Gallup’s own research highlights this responsibility. “If, as a leader, you are not creating hope and helping people see the way forward, chances are, no one else is either.”
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The Human-Centred Shift Is Already Happening
HR leaders across Asia are already making the pivot. Strengths strategy is now being used not only in leadership development but in onboarding, change management, and even team conflict resolution.
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