Veteran animator urges creative professionals to embrace AI’s evolution

“The main piece of advice is, besides learning the craft, it’s that things are coming whether we like it or not, and our best act is to engage fully with it,” Catmull stated. He believes that actively participating in the development of AI tools, collaborating with artists and tool creators, will shape the technology’s future.

Catmull highlighted that identifying the limitations of AI can be a catalyst for innovation, as these frustrations often inspire solutions. He drew parallels to past technological shifts, such as the internet and social media, noting that while these innovations brought democratization, they also introduced challenges like the spread of misinformation.

Catmull’s career began in 1979 at Lucasfilm, where he led the computer division. Following Steve Jobs’ acquisition of the division in 1986, it was established as Pixar, with Catmull serving as a cofounder and president. He underscored that technological advancements invariably present both opportunities and difficulties.

As workers consider the impact of AI on their careers, Catmull’s advice encourages a constructive approach, focusing on how to leverage the technology for positive advancement. Concerns about job displacement and the potential for deskilling are prevalent, but experts suggest AI is more likely to transform roles than eliminate them entirely.