Taste Is the New Talent — Why Curation Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI

Why Curation Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to admit in the middle of the AI gold rush:

Not everything that gets created deserves your attention.

Taste is the new talent in the dawn of AI

Why curation matters more for creatives than ever.

We’re in a moment where you can generate anything—images, copy, videos, voiceovers—with a few clicks. And while that’s powerful, what I’m seeing (and maybe you are too) is a growing divide. A chasm, really. Between people who have a sense of creative taste—and those who are just slapping content together and wondering why it all feels... empty.

As someone who’s built a decade-long career in the fiber arts (hello, supposedly “dead” industry), I’ve been curating by instinct and necessity for years. Color palettes. Textures. Brand aesthetics. Community vibes. And now that AI has entered the chat, my skill set just got a major glow-up. Because tools can give you speed—but taste? That’s timeless.

And let’s be honest: people say they want “real,” “raw,” “authentic.” But what do they actually respond to?

Aesthetic. Storytelling. Vibe.

We’re not in an era of mass production anymore—we’re in an era of mass curation. Your ability to filter the noise, make bold choices, and create something that feels intentional? That’s your superpower now.

But let’s be clear on something else, too: using AI should never be a shortcut to steal from other artists.
There’s a big difference between using it to enhance your creative flow—and using it to imitate someone else’s soul. That’s not innovation. That’s intellectual laziness. And it’s not what the future of art and entrepreneurship needs.

As solo creatives, many of us wear every hat—from strategy to design to storytelling to promotion. We don’t need to be perfect at everything, but we do need to protect the integrity of our voices. AI is a tool, not a crutch. Not a mask. Not a way to bypass originality.

The difference between creative theft and creative empowerment? Intention.
Use AI to help you express more, not copy more.

So no, I don’t think this is the end of artistry. I think this is the beginning of a renaissance in taste.

If you know what you’re doing, AI becomes a paintbrush. If you don’t—it just becomes another way to mass-produce mediocrity.

To the artists, curators, and indie creators out there: Don’t panic. Don’t plagiarize. And don’t blend in.

Refine your eye. Protect your voice. Use these tools like the creative weaponry they are.

Because in the age of endless content—taste will win.

How to Leverage Good Taste & Curation to Stand Out in the Age of AI Overwhelm

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity—Always
Just because you can produce 100 AI images a day doesn’t mean you should. Select only the most on-brand, aesthetically aligned content that elevates your brand—cut the rest. Curate ruthlessly.

2. Build a Signature Aesthetic
Create a visual identity (color palette, texture, lighting, mood) that’s unmistakably yours. Whether using AI or your camera, every piece of content should feel cohesive, not random or templated.

3. Use AI to Prototype—Not Publish
Use AI to draft concepts, moodboards, or mockups—but refine them with your own artistic eye. Your final content should reflect your taste, not just the tool’s default style.

4. Combine AI-Generated with Real-Life Anchors
Balance polished AI visuals with behind-the-scenes moments, photos of your hands working, your studio, or your materials. That contrast makes your brand feel real and grounded.

5. Curate AI Prompts Like You Would a Collection
Don’t just type “pretty image of...” and hit generate. Curate your prompts the way you would plan a product drop: with intention, emotion, and brand voice. The magic is in the details.

6. Write with Nuance and Personality
AI can support structure, but your voice needs to lead. Don’t settle for generic copy—edit and infuse your personality, quirks, and perspective. That’s what people connect with.

7. Use AI to Elevate—not Erase—Your Brand Story
Your origin, values, and vision are what make your brand unforgettable. Use AI to help tell that story better, not blur it. Ground your content in why you do what you do.

8. Share Less, but Make it Count
Instead of flooding your feed with filler, share a single well-designed piece that stops the scroll. A strong, curated brand moment speaks louder than 20 forgettable posts.

Erin James

Fiber artist

BA in Art Hisotry BS in Anthropology

From SC 

http://feralscene.squarespace.com
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