How to Spark Creativity with AI
Creative Strategy
Jan 11, 2026
In an era where technology and creativity intersect more dynamically than ever, the advertising industry stands at the forefront of a significant evolution. Today, the interplay of human creativity and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of creative ad production, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements.
The New Frontier of AI in Advertising
According to research from the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA):
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of brands are already incorporating generative AI into their marketing strategies.
However, 80% express concerns about how agencies use AI, emphasizing the need for strong governance and ethical considerations.
While AI is being used for content creation and ideation, many marketers remain cautious about sensitive areas, such as representing real people's likenesses.
The Power of AI in Creative Processes
AI tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Copilot are transforming ad production by enabling rapid prototyping. According to Singular’s 2024 "Winning with Creative" guide, 83% of marketers regularly use AI for image generation, text generation, and creative ideation.
The integration of Generative AI (Gen AI) into creative ad production is adding value across several key areas:
Gen AI for Creative Ideation
AI serves as a foundational tool in the creative process. By rapidly generating diverse campaign themes based on current trends, AI allows teams to explore a wider range of ideas quickly. Human copywriters then finesse this output to ensure it is strategically aligned with brand goals. Furthermore, consistently introducing fresh AI-generated elements helps mitigate ad fatigue.
Gen AI for Image and Text Generation
Rather than replacing original product photography, AI is often used to enhance existing assets. For example, an e-commerce brand can take high-quality product shots and use AI to adjust backgrounds, lighting, and environments to suit specific campaign aesthetics without expensive reshoots.
Gen AI for Localization
AI is crucial for global brands to adapt content for different cultural contexts. Beyond mere translation, AI can adjust advertising images and messages to reflect local beauty standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer behaviors.
The Importance of Human Oversight
The irreplaceable value of human oversight ensures AI-generated content aligns with brand values and ethical standards. Strategic human insight safeguards against cultural missteps that might arise from autonomous AI operations.
Strategies for Balancing AI and Human Input
Set Clear Guidelines: Establish parameters for AI use to protect brand identity.
Maintain Human Decision-Making: Use AI to supplement, not replace, the final approval process.
Regularly Review AI Output: Implement a routine where human creatives refine AI content to maintain a personal touch.
Embracing the Future of Advertising Together
The balance between cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity is crucial for personalized, efficient advertising. Richard Stephens, VP of Product at CRAFTSMAN+, explains: “With AI-driven automation, customers can create more ad variations faster than ever. The goal is to rapidly generate data-backed variations that maximize engagement and conversion.”
Join Us in Redefining Creativity
The partnership between human ingenuity and AI opens unprecedented opportunities. Contact CRAFTSMAN+ today to explore how we can help you harness the full potential of AI-enhanced advertising while maintaining authenticity.
How to Spark Creativity with AI





