Introduction 

The Beginner Course in AI for Creatives provides essential knowledge and practical skills for artists, designers, and content creators to leverage artificial intelligence in their work. From understanding foundational AI concepts to hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, participants will learn to collaborate with AI to enhance their creative process. The course emphasizes a balanced perspective, covering both the transformative potential and the critical ethical considerations of this new technology.

Trainee Requirements & Prerequisites

• No prior AI experience is needed; a passion for creativity and exploration is the main requirement.
• Basic digital literacy (using a computer, the internet, and common software).
• Ability to work collaboratively in small teams for project-based learning.
• Commitment to attend all sessions and participate in practical exercises.

Overall Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the Beginner Course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the foundational role of AI and its impact on the creative industry.
• Effectively use AI-powered tools for ideation, content generation, and visual design.
• Apply AI to enhance personal workflows in video, audio, and visual production.
• Articulate the key ethical and legal considerations surrounding AI-generated content.
• Develop a strategy for monetizing creative work in an AI-driven landscape.

Training Delivery

• Hands-on workshops for practical application of AI tools.
• Case studies and project-based learning to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Group discussions and peer review sessions to foster a collaborative learning environment.

The total duration for this beginner course is approximately 14 weeks, providing in-depth theories and practices.

Tools & Equipment

• Internet-connected computer with a modern web browser.
• Access to AI tools such as Midjourney, Canva, ChatGPT, and RunwayML.
• Standard creative software (e.g., Adobe Express, Figma, Audacity).

Training Subject Areas

Module 01 – The New Creative Landscape (AI-101) This Module introduces learners to the fundamental shift in the creative industry caused by AI. It focuses on reframing the relationship with AI from a tool to a collaborative partner.

• The AI-Human Partnership: This section covers how AI is transforming the creative process, from ideation to realization, and helps learners overcome the initial fear of AI as a job replacement.
• The Creative Process in an AI Era: Learners will explore the four phases of creativity and discuss how AI can augment each stage, leading to more efficient and innovative outcomes.

Module 02 – The Foundations of Creative AI (AI-102) This Module demystifies the technology behind creative AI, providing a non-technical overview of the concepts and models that power these tools.

• Demystifying Core AI Concepts: Introduces key terms like algorithms, datasets, and machine learning in an accessible way.
• Behind the Scenes of Creative AI: Explores the basic functionality of popular AI models like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Transformers, with simple, creative-focused examples.

Module 03 – AI-Powered Ideation & Content Generation (AI-103) This Module provides practical, hands-on experience with generating content using AI tools.

• Overcoming the Blank Page: Guides learners on using AI as a brainstorming tool to generate ideas for stories, designs, and campaigns.
• Mastering the Prompt: Teaches the art of prompt engineering to get the best results from text-to-image and text-to-text models like Midjourney and ChatGPT.
• From Prompt to Product: Hands-on exercises in generating and refining visual and written content.

Module 04 – AI in Visual Arts and Design (AI-104) This Module dives into the specific application of AI for visual creators.

• AI as a Visual Assistant: Demonstrates how to use tools like Canva's Magic Edit and other platforms for creating and manipulating visuals.
• Exploring AI Art Styles: Learners will experiment with different AI models to achieve hyper-realistic images, abstract designs, and other unique styles.
• Case Studies in AI Visuals: A review of artists and designers who have successfully integrated AI into their professional practice.

Module 05 – AI for Video, Audio, and Film (AI-105) This Module focuses on how AI is revolutionizing time-based media, including video and audio.

• Next-Gen Post-Production: Explores tools like RunwayML for video generation and how AI can automate editing, sound design, and special effects.
• AI-Assisted Audio: Guides learners in using AI for soundscape creation, music composition, and audio editing.
• Storyboarding and Pre-visualization: Discusses the potential of using AI to quickly generate storyboards and visual concepts for film and video projects.

Module 06 – Monetization and Professional Application (AI-106) This Module shifts focus to the business side of creativity, showing how AI can be a powerful professional tool.

• The AI Creator Economy: Discusses various strategies for monetizing AI-assisted work on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
• Supercharging Your Workflow: Teaches how to use AI for market research, trend forecasting, and automating routine tasks to increase efficiency.
• AI as a Business Partner: Explores how AI can serve as a virtual assistant for administrative and marketing tasks.

Module 07 – Ethical and Legal Considerations (AI-107) This crucial Module addresses the complex issues that arise from the use of AI in creative work.

• The Question of Authorship: A critical discussion on who owns AI-generated content and the value of human originality.
• Copyright and IP in the AI Era: Examines the current legal landscape and emerging frameworks for intellectual property with AI.
• Avoiding Bias: Educates learners on recognizing and mitigating bias in AI models to ensure fair and inclusive creative output.

Module 08 – The Future of Creativity (AI-108) This capstone Module looks forward, preparing learners for a future where AI and creativity are increasingly intertwined.

• Emerging Technologies: Explores the future of AI in AR/VR, generative art, and other cutting-edge fields.
• Democratizing Creativity: Discusses how AI is making sophisticated creative tools accessible to a wider audience.
• Lifelong Learning: A final discussion on the importance of continuous learning and adaptation for professional creatives.

Assessment Methods: Assessments will include a combination of methods, where trainees submit exercises for evaluation and receive constructive feedback.

• Class Exercises: In-class, hands-on tasks to solidify understanding.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world examples of AI in creative work.
• Assignments: Individual take-home projects to apply learned skills.
• Final Project: A portfolio-ready project demonstrating the effective use of AI tools.

Certification Requirements:

• At least 90% attendance.
• Completion of all assignments and projects.
• Final project submission and presentation.

Reference Resources

• Primary Texts: AI for Creatives: Unlocking Expressive Digital Potential by Vivian Ching and Dinesh Mothi; AI For Creatives by Valerie Mur.
• Online Platforms: Tutorials from Canva, Midjourney, RunwayML, and ChatGPT.
• Additional Resources: The trainer will provide curated articles, videos, and links on AI ethics, legal frameworks, and emerging trends.