How I keep my work authentic

When I first started using ChatGPT, I worried I might be contributing to environmental issues or somehow cheating the creative process. But over time, AI isn't a replacement for human kind or creativity, it’s like having a personal assistant for my brain.

AI is a tool

I limit AI's input in my crochet projects, as I only use it to help me organise my thoughts, draft patterns, or structure my work.

When I crochet, I often struggle to write patterns, my mind jumps for task to task, notifications distract my process, and if I try to draft while crocheting, I end up pulling apart my work to rewrite the pattern in full focus.

AI helps me capture idea's as they happen, so I can return to them and test patterns myself, this helps keep my work authentic and functional, while saving time and frustration.

Where I draw the line

The bigger problem for me, and for many designers, is when AI creates patterns or images that are sold without testing or credit.

Customers may buy a pattern that doesnt actually work, because it was never tried or refined, it leaves people guessing and falsely purchasing something they trust is correct.

AI images of crochet or knitting can mimic real handmade work, which makes it feel like our designs are being replaced, that’s where the ethical line is, AI can support artists and designers, but it shouldnt replace human effort or craftsmanship.

It really confuses me, why someone would share an AI image as if it's their own work or like it's really them, that's why social media has 'label this AI'.

How AI DOES help

ChatGPT is about supporting my brain by helping me organise my thoughts, breaking down tasks into managable parts, explains things in ways that work for my neurodivergent way of thinking.

I’ve become reliant on it in some areas, its like having a personal assistant who helps me navigate the daily chaos.

Final notes

AI doesn't have to be a threat, to handmade work, when it's used correctly, it supports creativity and organisation, saves time without losing authenticity, helps neurodivergent creators like me access and understand information, rather than seeming like it's replacing what we do and have.