People worry about Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking away jobs. But while AI may be doing some work previously done by humans, it also creates new and exciting opportunities for careers in AI—including for creative professionals.
According to an estimate from the World Economic Forum, 97 million new roles will emerge in the AI industry by 2025. Keep reading if you want to learn about jobs in AI and how to get a job in AI.
In this article, you'll learn more about how AI affects creative opportunities. We'll outline some creative AI roles. Then, we'll explain what you need to know to prepare for AI Jobs.
Breaking Into Jobs in Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Creative Professionals
To break into a creative job in the AI industry, there are a few things you can do to give yourself an edge over other candidates:
1. Develop the Right Skills
As you may have noticed, AI jobs for creatives require a unique blend of the artistic and the technical. And since AI is changing and growing fast, you've got to make an effort to stay on top of industry trends and developments. Both free and paid courses are plentiful, so no matter what your budget is, you can pick up the necessary skills.
Invest in continuous growth in your creative field. Use AI tools so you’re familiar with them. And if you've got the interest and aptitude, try to learn one or more AI programming languages. The top ones are:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- Prolog
- Lisp
- Julia
- Haskell
- C++
- R
- Scala
Although learning programming isn't always a requirement of creative AI jobs, it's something that can give you an advantage over other creative professionals. It'll also open up more opportunities for you.
2. Create a Robust Creative Portfolio
As a creative professional, you know the drill: You need a stellar portfolio to show off what you’re capable of doing. But to break into an AI job, your portfolio must integrate AI-related projects to show both your creativity and technical skills.
3. Keep Updated on Emerging AI Technologies
You don’t have to be a computer engineer or programmer to keep abreast of AI developments. You can follow any of the tech-oriented websites, podcasts, newsletters, and social media accounts that discuss AI in layperson’s terms. Some podcasts are even dedicated to AI topics for the general audience. You can also read books about AI.
4. Network With AI Communities
Networking has always been one of the key elements of finding your ideal job, and it remains true for getting a job in AI. Attend in-person or virtual meetups focused on AI discussions for non-technical people.
Not only will you increase your knowledge and understanding of AI trends, but you’ll also meet AI professionals who tell you what it’s like to work in the AI industry. They may even have job leads for you.
5. Leverage Online Learning
Because the AI field is always changing and evolving rapidly, you've got to commit to always be learning. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for learning. Many colleges and universities are offering AI-related courses.
If you prefer to learn virtually, you can do so through:
- YouTube videos
- online courses
- virtual events
Even if you've got little—or no—budget for learning, you can find lots of ways to develop and enhance your skills in AI.
Overview of Creative Jobs in AI
Contrary to popular belief, the AI industry doesn’t only offer opportunities for engineers and computer techies. It opens up an array of opportunities for creatives.
“AI won't replace creative jobs just as the invention of the camera didn't make paintings obsolete,” says Ashley Still, senior vice president of digital media at Adobe.
And while digital cameras have enabled more people to take their own photos, professional photographers continue to be in high demand.
That’s because AI, even generative AI, can't create anything from scratch. It augments human intelligence, not replace it. With that in mind, here’s a list of creative AI jobs, also known as “AI creatives”:
1. AI Artist
An AI artist creates AI-generated art. This job requires expertise in creative design as well as computer vision and machine learning. The goal is to create visually stunning artwork and photos generated by AI.
As an AI artist, you’ll be involved in every stage of the creative process:
- ideation and brainstorming
- experimentation and development
- production and exhibition
The key is to create art that would be hard or impossible for humans to make. To succeed as an AI artist, you must be passionate about pushing the boundaries in AI-generated art.
2. AI Content Writer or Trainer
An AI content writer or trainer helps train Generative AI by writing novel conversations. These will be used to train GenAI on how to respond to queries and prompts. You’ll have conversations with GenAI, fact-check its responses, and track their progress.
You’ll need to have strong skills in writing dialogue and conversational text for this AI job. Creatives with experience in screenplay writing would have an edge.
3. AI Copywriter, Editor
An AI copywriter or AI editor creates informative content about AI. This may be for various platforms such as:
- blogs
- newspapers
- magazines
- news agencies
The tasks of an AI copywriter or editor usually also include keyword research, SEO copywriting, and market analysis. In other words, you've got to know how to write engaging articles about AI that'll perform well with search engines.
Aside from strong writing skills, you’ll need to be familiar with AI technologies and be passionate about its development and application in various industries.
4. AI Designer
Not to be confused with techies who design user interfaces for AI, an AI designer is someone who creates designs using AI’s machine learning algorithms. It’s an exciting new field for graphic designers.
This job requires strong graphic design skills. At the same time, you must know how to use GenAI and how to use it in design projects.
5. AI Film Editor and Director
An AI film editor and director uses AI to create videos and films. With the help of AI, you’ll analyze audience preferences to optimize your films and videos for specific audiences, markets, and demographics.
You may also use AI for everything, including:
- casting
- scriptwriting
- visual effects
- animation
- editing
Aside from knowing the basics of film production, editing, and directing, you must know the latest AI technologies in film and video.
6. AI Game Developer
The AI game developer role is a combination of creativity and programming know-how. The goal of this job is to create exciting games using AI.
Your role may be more on the creative side of things (designing game worlds and characters), or it may be more technical (writing algorithms and programming the game to bring the designers’ vision to life). Either way, you’ll need to know how to apply AI techniques in all phases of game development to optimize the gameplay experience for users.
7. AI Musician
Like the AI artist, an AI musician creates music using AI. With AI streamlining your workflow, you’re expected to produce music for specific genres and themes, which would be almost impossible for humans to create.
The ability to play one or more musical instruments or sing would be an asset, along with knowledge of AI technologies. You’ll also need to be creative and give appropriate prompts to GenAI to produce unique and enthralling pieces of music.
8. AI Reporter
Careers in artificial intelligence exist for reporters, too. The AI reporter job is specifically for those with a background in journalism. An AI journalist is someone who reports on the AI beat for media companies.
Your role includes generating story ideas on the beat, reporting on the news of the day, and investigating deeper stories.
Knowledge of SEO writing and keyword research is an asset, especially if the role is specifically for digital platforms and social media. You must be passionate about all things related to AI. It also helps to have connections in the AI industry and have enough technical knowledge to understand the lingo and be able to translate it to a lay audience.
9. AI Teacher
If you love teaching and you’re passionate about AI, then this job may be the perfect one for you. As the name implies, an AI teacher delivers classes about AI and how to use AI tools.
Many of these classes are delivered online. However, educational institutions are also hiring AI teachers for in-person, face-to-face classes.
This role covers lesson planning, developing curricula, designing training programs, and delivering classes. To succeed in this job, you need to stay on top of developments and trends in the AI industry. And you get top marks if you also know programming languages.
10. AI Writer
AI writers produce written content with the use of AI tools for writing. You could write blog posts, articles, website copy, marketing materials, and everything in between. You’ll need to be a good writer, of course. At the same time, you should know how to write effective prompts for GenAI to deliver the tone, style, and content you’re looking for. Research skills and SEO copywriting are important skills to have for this job as well.
This is just a snapshot of emerging AI jobs for creative professionals. The AI job landscape is dynamic and exciting. Increasing applications of artificial intelligence will create new jobs, many of which we can't even imagine. And opportunities aren’t only for programmers, user interface designers, and data scientists. There will continue to be a demand for creative professionals who want to be at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and imagination.
For more content like this, browse our Best Articles from HumAI Blog: Thematic Catalog and explore dozens of curated AI resources to power your creative journey.
FAQ
Can creatives really get jobs in the AI industry?
Absolutely. While the AI industry is often associated with technical roles like data scientists and software engineers, there is a growing demand for creative professionals who can collaborate with AI technologies. Roles such as AI artists, content creators, storytellers, designers, and educators are becoming increasingly common. Creative professionals bring emotional intelligence, aesthetic sensibility, and storytelling abilities—skills that AI can't replicate but can augment with the right tools and workflows.
What skills do I need for a creative AI job?
Creative AI roles require a hybrid skill set. You’ll need strong foundational skills in your creative discipline—be it writing, music, art, design, or filmmaking—combined with a working understanding of how AI tools function. Familiarity with tools like generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL·E), machine learning concepts, and prompt engineering is highly valuable. Soft skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration are also essential in this evolving field.
Do I need to know how to code to work in AI?
Not necessarily. While programming can give you a significant edge, especially in roles like AI game development or technical content creation, many creative roles don't require coding. For instance, if you're a copywriter using AI for content ideation, or a designer using generative art tools, a technical background is helpful but not mandatory. However, learning basic programming languages like Python or JavaScript can help you understand how AI works and increase your career opportunities in the long term.
How can I build a portfolio for an AI-related creative role?
To stand out in the AI industry, your portfolio should demonstrate both creative excellence and the ability to use AI tools. Include projects where you've used AI to generate, assist, or enhance your work—such as AI-generated illustrations, music composed with AI software, interactive AI-powered content, or writing supported by tools like ChatGPT. Explain the tools you used, your creative process, and the decisions you made. This helps employers see how you integrate technology with your artistic vision.
What are some examples of creative jobs in AI?
There are many exciting creative roles in the AI field. Examples include:
- AI Artist: Uses machine learning models to create visual art.
- AI Content Writer: Trains AI through conversational scripts and writing tasks.
- AI Copywriter/Editor: Writes or edits content about AI for public platforms.
- AI Film Director: Uses AI for editing, scripting, or production decisions.
- AI Game Developer: Designs game narratives and systems powered by AI.
- AI Musician: Composes music using AI tools and software.
- AI Teacher: Educates people on how to use AI tools creatively and ethically.
These roles combine artistic ability with technology in innovative ways.
Where can I learn the skills needed for AI jobs?
There are many accessible resources online for learning AI-related skills. You can explore platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, Skillshare, and YouTube for courses in AI fundamentals, creative applications of AI, and software tutorials. Many universities also offer free introductory courses on AI. For hands-on practice, try using AI tools like RunwayML, Adobe Firefly, or ChatGPT. Join AI forums, newsletters, and communities (such as Reddit, Discord, or LinkedIn groups) to stay updated on trends and get real-world advice from other professionals.
Is AI going to replace creative professionals?
No—AI is more likely to augment creative work than to replace it. While AI can automate repetitive or data-heavy tasks, it lacks human creativity, emotional nuance, cultural context, and personal expression. Think of AI as a co-creator or assistant that can help you brainstorm ideas, speed up workflows, or generate drafts, but not as a replacement for originality and artistic vision. In fact, demand for creatives who know how to work with AI is growing, not shrinking.