Artful Intelligence | Ep 2: Elise Swopes on Photography x AI

How can you shape the future with AI to create the world you want to live in?
Reid Hoffman and Chris McLeod explore this question with Elise Swopes, a trailblazing visual artist and educator blending AI with photography. Currently an evangelist for Adobe, Elise has been a creative force since the early days of Instagram, crafting surreal visuals for brands such as Adidas, McDonald’s, Casamigos, and Sony. But her journey hasn’t been without challenges. From online harassment to personal struggles, she’s faced adversity with resilience, using her art to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.
Join us as we traverse her path—while Reid reflects on AI’s evolving role in fostering creativity and meaningful human expression. Can AI ever replace human style, or will the future of art always require a human touch?
Time Stamps:
02:14 - Chris McLeod intros the series

Part 1: Shape Your Tools Because They Will Shape You and Your Future
07:07 - How Elise discovered AI and overcame early backlash
09:26 - Building websites and creating digital art as a kid
11:26 - Teaching creativity online and the power of sharing knowledge
17:03 - Reid: How can we foster more constructive conversations about AI?

Part 2: The Right Networks Will Amplify Your Voice Without Losing It
17:13 - Using AI tools to redefine creative possibilities
19:29 - Elise’s journey from public school to creative entrepreneurship
21:26 - Brand collaborations with Nike, McDonald’s, and Casamigos
23:36 - Navigating higher education on her own terms
25:12 - Reid: What would a “better future with AI” look like for artists?

Part 3: Taste and Style Are Your Competitive Advantage in Shaping the Era of AI
27:50 - How artists can shape AI’s future through experimentation
31:31 - Elise’s creative process with Adobe Firefly and AI-generated art
33:52 - Reid: Could AI make human artistic style obsolete?
41:16 - Elise reflects on personal growth and creative freedom

Links:
Swopes’ Website:
swopes.info
Swopes on Instagram:
instagram.com/swopes
Swopes AI piece discussed in the episode:
instagram.com/reel/C5D0rFJOEzf/?igsh=MWgwNDU1c…
Swopes’ TEDx Talk:
youtube.com/watch?v=joWNKJlf8N0

Show Description:
Artful Intelligence explores the thrilling intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Chris McLeod, this mini-series dives into the stories of groundbreaking artists using AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Each episode showcases how human ingenuity and machine learning collaborate to create the extraordinary. With thought-provoking contributions from Reid Hoffman, Artful Intelligence asks bold questions about the future of creativity: Can AI amplify human expression? How do we ensure it empowers rather than replaces us?