How do creative freelancers use AI tools in 2023?
We wanted to know, so we found out. Here’s what our network of 10,000+ creative freelancers from 100+ countries had to say about how they’re using AI tools in their work.
77% of creative freelancers have used AI tools
With the recent surge of free-to-use generative AI tools, it’s no wonder that a majority of creative freelancers have already tried their hands at AI. 77% of respondents said that they have used AI tools in their creative work, and only 23% reported not having done so – at least not yet.
36% of creative freelancers using AI do so daily
Let’s drill down to those creative freelancers who use AI tools. A hefty 90% of them use AI tools at least monthly, suggesting that most freelancers find at least some value in them. 77% of respondents have become frequent users, deploying AI in their work at least weekly.
Copywriting is the most common use case for AI tools
With an overwhelming majority, the most common use case for AI tools is copywriting. 62% of creative freelancers who use AI tools mention copywriting as the main use case, followed by design (27%) and web development (25%).
AI is primarily used in the early phase of the creative process
Most Bou & Co. freelancers use AI tools in the earlier phases of their creative process: ideating, information gathering, and producing first drafts. For example, 69% of creative freelancers using AI for copywriting use these tools to create first drafts.
In the cases of photography, animation, and video, AI tools are more commonly used in the later stages of the creative process. A whopping 47% of the freelancers using AI for photography use the tools to polish their work to production quality.
The reasons why 23% of creative freelancers are not using AI
Not every creative freelancer is jumping on the AI bandwagon: 23% of the respondents reported not having used AI tools in their creative work. The most common reason for nonuse was “I don’t think it’s ethical to use them” (36%). Yet, many non-users will likely become AI users in the future: 34% of them stated the lack of time as a reason for not using AI.
From in-house to full house.
If the ideal team for building your brand does not work at Bou, they likely work with Bou. Our extended team is called Bou & Co. and it includes 10,000+ curated creative freelancers from 100+ countries. So even when you need local market understanding, rare industry expertise, or niche creative skills, you can still get the full package from us.
Can I work with your freelancers?
Glad you asked. Yes you can.
