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Creative Boom Podcast - Episode 201 - AI, Beauty Standards and the Death of Realness, with Liz Seabrook
The discussion highlights the impact of AI on beauty standards and the creative industry, emphasizing the growing visual sameness and the pressure it places on individuals to conform to unrealistic ideals. For brand strategy, this underscores the importance of authenticity and the need for brands to navigate the balance between technology and genuine human connection in their visual storytelling.
Creative Boom: AI, Beauty Standards and the Death of Realness, with Liz Seabrook What happens when everything starts to look the same? In this episode, Katy sits down with photographer Liz Seabrook to talk about image-making in a world that feels increasingly artificial. From AI-generated campaigns to face-tuned portraits, they explore what's being lost as perfection becomes the default. They begin with AI, because it's impossible not to. But the conversation quickly moves into something deeper.
The strange overlap between technology and beauty standards, and how both are pushing us towards a kind of visual sameness that feels unsettling. Liz shares what she's seeing behind the scenes as a working photographer: Clients arriving with AI-generated mockups; expectations shaped before a shoot has even begun, and a growing disconnect between the people making the work and the outcome. There's also an honest conversation about how we see ourselves and why so many people feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. How years of filters, retouching and social media have quietly shifted our idea of what's normal.
And the subtle pressure to look a certain way, even when we think we're immune to it. Katy reflects on her own recent experience stepping back in front of the lens. The vulnerability of it. The surprise of seeing yourself through someone else's eyes. And the reminder that behind every great image is a team of skilled creatives working together to make something real. They also touch on what's happening across the wider industry. The rise of AI in creative workflows, the loss of entry-level roles, and the increasing demand for more content, faster, often for the same budgets.
It paints a picture of an industry in flux, trying to keep up with technology that's moving faster than anyone can regulate. And yet, there's still optimism. Liz leaves us with a simple but powerful thought. To be creative is to be optimistic.
Because why make anything at all if you don't believe it might be seen, felt or make a difference? A timely conversation about authenticity, pressure and where creativity goes next. Further Information More Episodes The Spark: Rob Draper on Old-School Electro, Portrait-a-Day and Nike Dreams Why Starting From Scratch Might Be the Best Thing That Ever Happens to You, with Rob Draper The Spark: Katy Ennis-Hargreaves on Croc Hatred, Accidental Shoplifting and Vivienne Westwood Why Being Yourself Is Your Biggest Creative Advantage, with Katy Ennis-Hargreaves of BOLDISM The Spark: Malika Favre on Coffee, Dinner Party Dreams and a Cheeky Confession
Building a Career in Illustration on Your Own Terms, with Malika Favre The Spark: Jimmy Turrell on Snails, Rave Culture and Creative Chaos Creativity, AI and the Truth About Staying Original, with Jimmy Turrell The Spark: James Martin on Pasta, Pet Peeves and a Few Unfiltered Truths Personal Branding, Visibility and the Truth No One Tells You, with James Martin The Spark: Natty Harris on Good Pens, Big Feelings and Pasta Personalities Grief, Growth and Rebuilding a Creative Life, with Natty Harris
The podcast addresses significant issues regarding AI's influence on beauty standards and brand authenticity, which are highly relevant and impactful for brand strategy professionals, while also presenting fresh perspectives on these topics.