The Intersection

The Intersection Substack explores the evolving nexus of creativity and technology, addressing how these fields interact and shape the future. It discusses design evolution, the impact of AI, the creative process, career development for creatives, leadership, productivity, branding strategies, and the democratization of creative tools.

Design Evolution Artificial Intelligence Career Development Leadership and Management Productivity Branding and Marketing Creative Tools and Processes Technology and Innovation Personal Growth Ethics in Creativity

The hottest Substack posts of The Intersection

And their main takeaways

The Changing Role of Design

732 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🪑 Design Industry Thinking Craft Creativity
  1. The design industry is evolving, with a shift from traditional design agencies to transformation consultancies.
  2. Design thinking has democratized design, making it more accessible but may have overemphasized thinking over the act of making.
  3. The role of designers in digital products like Threads may not always be obvious, as factors like timing and innovation can play a key role in success.

Democratization of Design

138 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🪑 Design Digital Design AI Tools Accessibility
  1. Design tools like Canva have democratized design, making it accessible to everyone, but the quality of design produced may not always meet professional standards.
  2. AI-powered design tools aim to streamline design processes, but they require a fundamental understanding of design to be used effectively.
  3. While tools like Canva have made design accessible to non-designers, the quality of work ultimately depends on the skills and capabilities of the individuals using the tools.

POV > AI

118 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Creativity Marketing Advertising Cost Analysis
  1. A unique point of view can be more valuable than relying solely on AI for creative work, showcasing the importance of human creativity and perspective.
  2. The creative process, involving brainstorming, team collaboration, idea refinement, and client communication, can be greatly expedited by leveraging AI tools.
  3. Creatives with experience have a wealth of ideas and insights stored in their 'drawers' of knowledge, allowing them to quickly adapt and innovate, providing a distinct value compared to AI.

How to AI

277 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Generative AI Machine Learning Deep Learning Digital Design
  1. History often repeats itself in the adoption of new technologies, as seen with the initial skepticism towards digital marketing and now with AI.
  2. Brands are either cautiously experimenting with AI for PR purposes or holding back due to concerns like data security, plagiarism, and unforeseen outcomes.
  3. AI's evolution spans from traditional artificial intelligence to the current era dominated by generative AI, offering operational efficiency, creative enhancements, and transformative possibilities.
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Patterns and Predictions for 2024

98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Interfaces Creativity Automation Predictions
  1. Creativity is now decentralized, allowing anyone with the will and tenacity to create, thanks to technology advancement.
  2. Platforms still hold power over creators, and AI will continue to deindustrialize various types of work, transforming the landscape.
  3. The future holds doing more with less, the 10-80-10 rule of AI in content creation, and an interface shift in areas like search, commerce, and automotive.

When Creatives Quit

217 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
💼 Business Management Creativity Career development Employment Leadership
  1. Quitting can be a complex decision, especially for creatives tied to visas or seeking new challenges.
  2. As managers, it's important to listen and not react immediately when creatives want to quit.
  3. Offering value beyond monetary incentives, nurturing like flowers, and accepting when it's time to let creatives go are key to managing a creative team.

40-Something Creatives: What Should We Do Next?

296 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
💼 Business Work-life balance Financial planning Entrepreneurship
  1. In your 40s, it's crucial to reflect on your career and life path since there may not be as many 'next' opportunities left. You have to navigate responsibilities and the question: 'What should I do next for the rest of my life?'
  2. When making career decisions in your 40s, consider personal values and priorities. Understand what truly matters to you to find fulfillment and satisfaction in your professional life.
  3. Think about where you want to live, the type of work you want to do, and how much money you really need. These considerations can help guide you towards a more fulfilling and balanced professional life in your 40s.

The Art of the Brief

138 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💼 Business Creativity Marketing Innovation Retail Management
  1. Having a clear and concise brief is crucial for successful creative projects, as it helps guide and shape the final outcome.
  2. Sticking to the initial brief is important, as digital tools have made changes easier, sometimes leading to less decisive decision-making and more revisions.
  3. The best briefs are often concise and inspirational, distilling the project goal into a simple directive that guides and elevates the creative process.

The Cult of Productivity

158 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Productivity Authenticity Artists Personal Growth
  1. Productivity is gaining more importance than creativity, with a focus on producing more content rather than emphasizing quality.
  2. Productivity tools may not necessarily make us smarter, as genuine thinking and insights happen internally and resist automation.
  3. Authenticity will ultimately prevail over chasing algorithms and shortcuts in creativity and content creation.

Seven traits of a good boss

158 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Leadership Management Workplace culture Success Mentorship
  1. A good boss motivates employees to reach new heights like a coach pushing a player to excel.
  2. Good bosses have a unique superpower that inspires admiration and aspiration in those they lead.
  3. Bosses who take decisive action, support their team, listen to their needs, show care, and admit mistakes create a positive and empowering work environment.

Design in the Intelligent Age

59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🪑 Design Technology Creativity Interdisciplinary Art Professional development
  1. To stay relevant as a designer, it's important to move beyond traditional design roles and embrace technology and new skillsets.
  2. The role of design is debated, with some saying it's less important than technology, but in reality, design is crucial for bringing ideas to life.
  3. Being a bridge between disciplines, understanding different mindsets, and learning varied languages can help designers become the lead character in the evolving creative landscape.

Does Tokyo Have the Best Food in the World?

98 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Quality Food culture
  1. Different cultures have strong hometown pride, which may influence their opinions on the best places in the world.
  2. When considering the city with the best food, it's important to take into account diverse cultures and cuisines, like those found in New York.
  3. Tokyo is considered by many, including experts like Anthony Bourdain, to have some of the best food in the world, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences.

The End of Brands As We Know Them

217 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Marketing Technology Creativity Innovation Strategy
  1. The evolution of brands is being reshaped by AI, impacting how individuals can compete with institutions.
  2. Technological advancements are upgrading the cognitive operating system of human society, from the printing press in the 15th century to generative AI in the modern era.
  3. Business strategies are shifting from organizational scale to functional speed, from transactional to conversational, and from relying on unique selling propositions to clear points of view in order to stay relevant in the Intelligent Age.

How Not to AI

59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Technology Design Authenticity AI
  1. Authenticity is becoming increasingly valuable in a world where AI can create realistic but artificial images.
  2. Using AI in creative work offers convenience, speed, and experimentation opportunities, but also raises concerns about originality and authenticity.
  3. As AI technology advances, maintaining authenticity, pursuing originality, and ensuring quality become crucial to stand out amid the convenience AI offers.

What’s in a Name?

79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💼 Business Branding Marketing Leadership Brand Management
  1. Rebranding a company takes careful planning and effort. It can have both positive and negative consequences.
  2. Listening to others' opinions and considering timing are vital when making decisions like renaming a brand.
  3. Ego-driven decision-making in branding can lead to disastrous outcomes. Keeping emotions in check is crucial.

Are Creatives an Endangered Species?

79 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creatives Evolution Advertising Brand Creativity
  1. The evolution of creatives has moved from storytellers to hackers, designers & engineers, to business owners, highlighting the need to adapt and build on previous characteristics.
  2. In the evolving landscape, brands need a clear stance on issues and can learn from examples like Patagonia's impactful message that highlights the importance of having a distinct point of view.
  3. Creativity is no longer exclusive to traditional creatives as AI and digital tools democratize the ability to create, urging creatives to find new ways to utilize their skills in the changing industry.

The Single Most Important Thing for a Chief Creative Officer

79 implied HN points • 25 May 23
  1. Leadership impact isn't always about big actions, but sometimes about humility and small gestures.
  2. Being a Chief Creative Officer requires qualities like inspiration, mentorship, and foresight, but ultimately, humility stood out as crucial.
  3. Building relationships with team members through simple routines can strengthen the team and improve overall creative output.

The Art of Inquiry

59 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inquiry Wisdom Equality Success
  1. Curiosity and critical thinking are important for personal and professional growth.
  2. Always question the problem first before jumping into finding the answer; make sure you're solving the right problem.
  3. Identify your unique strength or advantage and leverage it confidently for success.

Branding You

19 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
💼 Business Branding Design Presentation Consistency
  1. To build a personal brand as a designer, focus on relevance by offering something unique and valuable that stays relevant over time.
  2. Differentiate yourself by having fresh ideas, articulating them well, and giving them simple and memorable names.
  3. Pay attention to your presentation by consistently showcasing your brand, both visually and through your work, to establish recognition.

The Mouse and the Cat

19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🕹 Technology VR Computing Augmented reality Innovation Spatial Computing
  1. In order to succeed, it's more important to be smart than fast. The tale of the mouse outsmarting the ox in the Zodiac race exemplifies this.
  2. Apple's Vision Pro launch marks their entry into spatial computing, but they are not the pioneers in personal or mobile computing.
  3. Apple aims to dominate individual interface access, while Meta focuses on connections and monetizing data. Both have different business focuses and target markets.

Creativity Is a Privilege for the Wealthy. Or Is It?

19 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Wealth Privilege Art Society
  1. Creative opportunities are often more accessible to the wealthy due to having the resources to pursue them.
  2. Money can provide the freedom to explore creativity without the worry of basic necessities like a roof over your head.
  3. Acknowledging and being grateful for the privileges we have can help us be more empathetic towards others who may not have the same resources.

To Rebrand or Not to Rebrand?

19 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
💼 Business Branding Design Marketing Global expansion Mergers
  1. When considering rebranding, it is essential to have a clear trigger such as a change in the business direction or a product update for successful outcomes.
  2. Rebranding efforts should not be triggered by superficial reasons like a new CEO or CMO, but rather by substantial changes in the company's core.
  3. A successful rebranding requires a thoughtful integration with the product or service, not just a surface-level change for the sake of change.

Creators vs. Artists

1 HN point • 22 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Ethics Creativity Technology Copyright Artists
  1. Differentiating between creators and artists involves a deep exploration of generating versus creating, as highlighted through the example of Hayao Miyazaki's unique filmmaking process.
  2. The ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content raise questions about permission, originality, and the boundaries of creative practices.
  3. The evolution of technology has blurred lines in creativity, introducing complex discussions on fair use, copyright infringement, and the essence of true artistic expression.

Contextualizing purpose

39 implied HN points • 01 Oct 21
📖 Philosophy Purpose Vision Mission Values
  1. Vision and Mission statements are crucial for organizations; if not clearly articulated and understood by employees, they lose their impact.
  2. Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values are distinct elements: Purpose is the 'Why,' Vision is the 'Where,' Mission is the 'What,' and Values are the 'How.'
  3. President Kennedy's speech on the moon landing exemplifies the clear articulation of Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values: Advancing mankind, being a leading nation, landing on the moon, and promoting peace and freedom.

Rivian: A Masterclass in Brand Narrative

19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
💼 Business Company strategy Marketing Company growth Product Development
  1. Rivian's approach to brand narrative focuses on simplicity: Using just one word, 'Forever,' to convey an authentic purpose-led message.
  2. Rivian's success is tied to its futuristic promise, contrasting with traditional automakers like Toyota and VW who are valued based on their past success.
  3. Rivian prioritizes purpose over product by emphasizing experiences and emotions on its website, setting a unique tone for customer engagement.

How a Chef With No Customers Built One of the World’s Top Restaurants

0 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Sustainability Cuisine
  1. Running a restaurant involves creativity and business acumen. It's about coming up with unique ideas while managing the operational side.
  2. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's success story teaches important lessons in brand strategy, such as developing conviction, differentiating, and catering to a specific audience.
  3. Emphasizing sustainability and conveying a message through the product can be a powerful branding strategy. Chef Narisawa's 'Soup of the Soil' dish exemplifies how the product itself can be the message.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Sakamoto.

0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎶 Music Musicians Influence Legacy Tribute Activism
  1. Rei Inamoto was deeply inspired by Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto from a young age, influencing his career path and aspirations.
  2. Sakamoto's music, activism for nature conservation, and anti-nuclear advocacy had a profound impact on individuals worldwide.
  3. Personal connections and interactions with role models can leave a lasting impression and provide valuable inspiration.

When Generative AI Meets Storytelling

0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Creative Podcasts Writing Art
  1. Generative AI can produce unpredictable outputs, similar to interacting with a living thing like a horse. It requires sensitivity and adaptability.
  2. Machines excel at generating ideas, but humans excel at evaluating and shaping those ideas into compelling narratives.
  3. To be a successful writer, avoid relying solely on AI tools for creativity. Constantly practice to refine your judgment and storytelling skills, distinguishing between anecdotes and stories.

Why AI Is the End of Brands

0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Marketing Technology Creativity Brand Management AI
  1. Whenever AI is mentioned, there is a noticeable impact on industry evaluations and discussions.
  2. The traditional concept of advertising is evolving, brands are now required to have functional speed and adapt to new paradigms.
  3. The criteria for successful brand strategies are changing, focusing on personalized conversations, individual perspectives, and maintaining strong human creativity alongside AI enhancements.

Four Laws of Brand-Building in the Digital Age (Part 3 of 4)

0 implied HN points • 03 May 21
💼 Business Advertising Consulting Pandemic impact Data Analysis Website Design
  1. Case study films have become crucial 'ads for ads' in the advertising industry to showcase work in a more appealing way, especially in the digital age.
  2. Business consultancies emphasize 'business cases' over traditional case studies to demonstrate how creative work can impact the bottom line of a business.
  3. Observing the correlation between human behavior and instinct is key in crafting successful business cases that align with products and services in the digital era.

Midlife Crisis? Start a Social Sex Revolution.

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Sexuality Career Fear Values
  1. Preparing for a midlife crisis involves saving money to have the financial freedom to pursue new opportunities.
  2. Discovering your calling early in your career can help develop the conviction needed for a successful second act.
  3. Designing your own system, guided by your core values, can help overcome fear and lead to happiness in pursuing new ventures.

Four Laws of Brand-Building in the Digital Age (Part 1 of 4)

0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 21
💼 Business Digital Leadership Marketing Brand building Strategy
  1. In the digital age, transitioning from organizational scale to functional speed is crucial for building successful brands.
  2. Establishing a brand in the 21st century requires a shift from traditional marketing methods to adapting to digital trends.
  3. The ability to adjust speed appropriately, like Google, Facebook, and Disney did, is essential for brand-building in the evolving digital era.

Four Laws of Brand-Building in the Digital Age (Part 2 of 4)

0 implied HN points • 06 Apr 21
💼 Business Marketing Innovation Branding Digital Age Strategy
  1. In the digital age, brands are shifting focus from Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to Point of View (POV) as a more powerful marketing tool.
  2. Brands are facing challenges in protecting their USP in the digital world due to rampant copying and mimicry, highlighting the importance of having a distinct POV.
  3. The driving force for success in today's competitive landscape lies in having a strong Point of View (POV) that is unique, consistent, and resonates with consumers.

Four Laws of Brand-Building in the Digital Age (Part 4 of 4)

0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
💼 Business Innovation Culture Future Value Technology
  1. Achieving success in innovation and transformation requires a balance between ideal aspirations and practical execution.
  2. Digital transformation is more about cultural change within organizations than just adopting digital tools.
  3. Creating new value in the world involves identifying practical solutions to existing problems by being innovative and precise.

Five thoughts for 2022

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Design Data Tech NFT Big Data
  1. 2022 is predicted to have ups and downs like 1999, followed by unexpected changes in the next 15-20 years.
  2. Creativity is now decentralized, open to anyone with determination to create, and technology plays a crucial role in democratizing creative work.
  3. The power is shifting from social media platforms to individual creators, making individual creators the focus rather than the platforms themselves.