Hello, thank you for reading my newsletter, and happy New Year!

Some of my longtime readers may notice that I have taken a break from writing. 2024 was a year of change for me. I worked on a redesign project, renovated my home, and traveled extensively. I was also contemplating the future of being a creator in the age of AI.

When the AI trend first took off, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. I had just started revisiting illustration, only to witness the explosive rise of AI tools that could produce pretty good drawings in mere seconds. It made me pause and wonder: Is this still a good time to learn hand drawing?

Can AI replace true creativity?

AI seems capable of writing, drawing, and even designing interfaces with impressive speed. I’ve embraced it myself, incorporating it into my workflow — mainly as a grammar editor and research tool.

But it raises a big question: Can AI truly replace designers, writers, illustrators, and other creative workers? It’s a concern many creators share, and understandably so.

As humans, we can’t compete with AI when it comes to speed and consistency. But what about true creativity?

Deep down, I believe every creator knows what drives them to create. No matter the medium —words, visuals, sounds, etc — in essence, we’re drawn to creating things because we love the process. It’s the joy of exploration, the satisfaction of bringing an idea to life.

The process is the fun part. There’s something magical about putting pen to paper and starting drawing or writing. It’s that moment when you slip into the creative zone—when you’re fully immersed in the flow. The noise in your mind quiets, and everything else fades away.

In those moments, you feel a profound sense of joy and peace, as if you’re connected to something far greater than you—the true creative source. That’s the true reason we love creative work. It’s not about the end, but the journey.

I also tried using AI to make illustrations, but I couldn’t find the same joy in the process. I just miss the feeling of watching my hand holding a pen and creating something from nothing.

I realized AI might be able to generate a beautiful illustration in seconds, but it can never replicate the magic of the process. It can not recreate the sense of serenity that comes from immersing yourself in the act of creation.

Had a lot of fun drawing galaxies.

Balancing logic and intuition

AI is essentially an extension of our logical mind—the left brain. It operates purely on collective data from the past, without intuition or true creativity. At its core, AI is just a tool, like a computer, or a hammer.

True creativity comes from the right brain—the intuitive, imaginative side. However, the modern world tends to focus heavily on logic and the left side, which has created a lot of imbalance.

I’m not here to argue against AI—it’s a trend we can’t stop. Instead, this newsletter serves as a gentle reminder for all creators, myself included, to never lose ourselves to tools. To take good care of our inner feelings before diving into our work.

Ultimately, what we create is an extension of who we are and how we feel. Tools, including AI, are simply mediums that help us express ourselves. If we don’t feel joyful during the process, we won’t be able to craft work that brings joy to others.

A drawing of the northern aurora.

Dealing with uncertainty and anxiety

Uncertainty can bring a lot of anxiety. Being a designer and writer myself, and having worked with many writers, musicians, and designers, I know how sensitive creative people can be to their environment. This sensitivity is a double-edged sword—it fuels creativity but also makes us more vulnerable in a rapidly changing world.

No one knows how AI will reshape our lives and work. Instead of getting caught up in worry, we can shift our focus inward. By becoming more conscious of how we feel, we can gain clarity and uncover the answers to what we truly want to do.

I’ve seen many designers lose their passion for design, and I’ve had my own moments of doubt during challenging times. If you’re feeling the same way, my suggestion will be to explore a new creative outlet in your free time—a long-term passion without any constraints and goals. Create for the pure joy of creating. Create for yourself.

I picked up illustration again because it has been a long-term passion of mine since childhood. Over the years, I’ve dipped in and out of it, but whenever I needed balance in my life, drawing has always been at the top of my list.

The process of drawing brings me happiness and peace. I especially love seeing different colors blend together—it always fills me with a sense of wonder. There is no goal, no good or bad, no right or wrong. It is what it is.

This new year, I didn’t make any to-do list, I only wish to be more present, and more fulfilled through the creative process.

My fellow creators, take good care of your happiness and inner balance in this rapidly changing world.