Forward by Adam Rahn, a human: I use AI quite a bit, probably more than I should given all the concerns there are surrounding it (specifically in regards to sustainability, ethics in how they are trained, and that we’re assisting and fast-tracking their evolution into world-ending murder-bots). Ahem. All that aside for now, I find using AI can help create some efficiencies in various parts of my workflows, so I wanted to see if it could hold muster (or mustard? I don’t know how the real saying goes) and create a blog post for me. My prompt was: “Write a blog post on how freelancers, aimed at video producers, but inclusive of all freelance industries, can utilize AI, such as ChatGPT, to enhance and streamline their workflows, and include various examples of how freelancers can use LLMs. Elaborate on examples as much as you like.” Of note, this was part of a series of posts and I had already prompted it to write in the style of the current content available on this website. I have included MY opinions on points in [bracketed, bold text], otherwise everything is directly copied / pasted from ChatGPT. Additionally, I asked ChatGPT to come up with a thumbnail for this post as well (text added by me). Please consider providing your human input on this below, I’m very interested in what other creatives / freelancers think about this and how they utilize AI / LLMs.
Enhancing Freelance Workflows with AI: A Guide for Video Producers and Beyond
As freelancers, we're always looking for ways to streamline our workflows and deliver high-quality work more efficiently. One technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we work is artificial intelligence (AI). In this blog post, we'll explore how freelancers, including video producers, can utilize AI, such as ChatGPT, to enhance their workflows and improve productivity. [This intro is a bit short for my liking, albeit clear and concise. I would go into more depth on some of the various types of AI that we already use within other realms of our lives.]
Understanding AI and LLMs
AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. One powerful type of AI is large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, which are trained on vast amounts of text data and can generate human-like text responses based on the input they receive. [ChatGPT loves the bulleted or itemized lists of content, with very little thought to segueing between segments, or maybe I do and it’s just copying my style too well….]
How Freelancers Can Use LLMs
Content Creation: LLMs can be used to generate scripts, outlines, or ideas for video projects. For example, a video producer could use ChatGPT to brainstorm creative concepts for a client's promotional video or to outline the structure of a new YouTube series. [This is the best and most common way I use AI / ChatGPT.]
Client Communication: LLMs can assist with client communication by providing quick and accurate responses to common questions or inquiries. Freelancers can use ChatGPT to draft emails, respond to messages on social media, or provide updates on project status. [Again, another very common and helpful way to use something like ChatGPT. I find when responding to another human and I know it needs to be a prompt response and I’m mentally pre-occupied with editing or another task I can provide some context and ask it to come up with a response. If I have the time I think human-to-human interactions, even via a digital medium, should remain between humans, since that’s a skill I really value and could EASILY get lost if you’re not exercising it regularly.]
Research: LLMs can help freelancers quickly find information and resources for their projects. For example, a freelance writer could use ChatGPT to gather background information for an article, while a graphic designer could use it to find inspiration for a new design. [Great examples, and more recent versions of ChatGPT provide decent citations.]
Workflow Automation: LLMs can automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry or file organization. Freelancers can use ChatGPT to create templates, fill out forms, or organize files, saving time and reducing errors. [I haven’t utilized ChatGPT in this way but it makes sense and could feasibly increase productivity in some areas since this is, in essence, what I pay for Quickbooks to do with my business financials.]
Creative Collaboration: LLMs can facilitate creative collaboration among freelancers. For example, a team of freelancers working on a video project could use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, collaborate on scripts, or provide feedback on each other's work. [Another great idea w/ some overlap on an above point.]
Real-World Examples
Video Production: A freelance video producer could use ChatGPT to generate interview questions for a documentary, create a storyboard for an animated explainer video, or draft a script for a client's social media ad. [This is probably the best use scenario for someone in the freelance world right now.]
Graphic Design: A freelance graphic designer could use ChatGPT to generate ideas for a logo design, create a mood board for a branding project, or draft copy for a client's website. [Again, good suggestion.]
Writing: A freelance writer could use ChatGPT to outline a blog post, generate ideas for a novel, or draft a speech for a client's presentation. [I utilize ChatGPT quite a bit for coming up with rough drafts or outlines.]
Conclusion
AI, particularly LLMs like ChatGPT, has the potential to revolutionize the way freelancers work. By leveraging AI tools, freelancers can enhance their workflows, improve productivity, and deliver higher-quality work to their clients. Whether you're a video producer, graphic designer, writer, or any other type of freelancer, integrating AI into your workflow can help you stay ahead of the curve and succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. [There’s not enough personality in this post overall, but I do feel like it got a few actionable points across in regards to what AI / LLMs are best suited for when it comes to freelancers. If I were going to use a blog post in a real scenario, and not as this weird-pseudo-test that I’m doing right now, I would likely have ChatGPT write the outline of the post and I would go in and provide ‘my voice’ for it. Thoughts, feelings, opinions on the above post? Let me know in the comments!]