Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Recent cover songs, résumés, web design, animation, and even voiceovers all have generative AI fingerprints. Creative industries are witnessing a rapid shift in process and production, while artists and creators have pushed beyond what was possible just a year ago.

And change shows no sign of slowing down.

While today's technology is evolving at a blistering pace, driven by stronger computing power and datasets, it's also the direct result of years of slow and steady innovation. Take AI image generation, which dates back to the 1960s when an artist at the University of California at San Diego started developing software that used coding to draw art. Producing sophisticated and hyperrealistic images using AI wouldn't be possible without existing digital applications.

Consider Adobe Photoshop, which has enabled both professional and amateur graphic designers to create, edit, and finesse or modify image imperfections using the "smudge tools" and "healing brushes." Generative AI has both enhanced these tools and developed newer, more refined ways to modify images.

At the same time, generative AI has accelerated productivity while also democratizing access to creative tools that expedite workflows. Amateurs have the chance to create without specialized skills, and creators without coding experience to use AI-powered platforms to develop basic apps, reducing the barrier to entry for tech-related projects.

Meanwhile, existing applications and products are adopting and integrating generative models, enhancing their functionality, and expanding their user bases. By making high-quality image generation more accessible, standards and expectations will also be higher.

As innovation continues, it will impact not only how industry professionals work but also how everyday consumers -- writers, designers, and artists from across the spectrum -- express themselves.

Creatie.ai looked at news reports and company announcements to see how generative AI is changing creative tools.

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