By Michael Kelman Portney

I'm sure this is going to come as a great surprise to you, but I need to be honest here: I’m using AI to create this blog. To write, to refine, to brainstorm, and to craft the intricate narratives you’ve been consuming. And guess what? I’m not hiding it. Not even a little bit.

Because here’s the thing—AI isn’t a crutch. It’s not some kind of shortcut for the creatively bankrupt. It’s a tool. A damn powerful one. In the right hands, it’s not a replacement for creativity—it’s a microphone for it. It amplifies ideas, sharpens thoughts, and allows us to push boundaries in ways we never thought possible.

Why I’m Not Afraid of AI

I see it every day: people wringing their hands over AI like it’s the boogeyman. “What does it mean for creativity?” “Will it replace artists?” “Is it ethical?” And to all that, I say: What are you really afraid of?

• Are you afraid of knowledge? Because that’s all AI is—an endless well of data, patterns, and insights waiting to be tapped.

• Are you afraid of progress? Because the truth is, AI isn’t going anywhere. You can fight it, or you can embrace it and use it to create something extraordinary.

• Or are you afraid of yourself? Because maybe, deep down, you know that AI won’t replace your creativity—but it might expose your unwillingness to evolve.

AI as a Tool, Not a Threat

Here’s the truth: AI doesn’t do the work for you. It doesn’t come up with ideas out of thin air, and it doesn’t replace the human spark that drives great art. What it does is take the raw material you bring to the table and help you shape it into something greater.

In my hands, it’s a co-pilot. It sharpens my prose, helps me think through ideas, and makes sure I’m delivering the best possible experience to you, my audience. It’s like having a collaborator who’s always ready, always sharp, and never tired.

Does that mean I’m less of a writer? Less of an artist? Hell no. It means I’m willing to use every tool at my disposal to push my craft to new heights.

Why You Should Lean Into AI

If you’re afraid of AI, I get it. It’s new, it’s unknown, and it feels like a challenge to everything we know about creativity. But here’s the reality: AI isn’t going to kill art. It’s going to evolve it.

• It’s going to let people who’ve never picked up a pen or a brush express themselves in ways they never could before.

• It’s going to help great artists reach new levels of complexity and depth.

• It’s going to give us access to ideas, perspectives, and possibilities that were previously out of reach.

The question isn’t whether AI will change creativity—it already has. The question is whether you’re brave enough to embrace that change and make it your own.

My Work Is Living Proof

Look at what I’ve built here. Every blog post, every narrative arc, every twist and turn—it’s all crafted with the help of AI. Not because I couldn’t do it without, but because I couldn’t do it like this without.

AI isn’t replacing me. It’s amplifying me. It’s taking my voice and making it louder, sharper, more precise. And if you’ve enjoyed what I’ve created, then you’re already experiencing the proof that AI isn’t the enemy. It’s the future.

This Is About More Than Technology

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about embracing progress. It’s about refusing to be afraid of what’s new and unknown. It’s about taking a good, hard look at yourself and asking, “Am I willing to evolve?”

Because that’s what creativity is: evolution. It’s not about clinging to the past or hiding behind outdated ideas of what art should be. It’s about pushing forward, breaking rules, and finding new ways to connect with people.

AI is just the next step in that journey. And if you’re afraid of it, maybe it’s time to ask yourself why.

The Bottom Line

I’m not hiding my use of AI because I’m proud of it. I’m proud of what I’ve created, and I’m proud of how I’ve used this tool to elevate my work.

And if you’re still skeptical, that’s okay. Just remember this: progress doesn’t wait for anyone. And the artists, creators, and thinkers who embrace AI aren’t abandoning creativity—they’re shaping its future.

So, are you ready to take the leap? Or are you going to sit on the sidelines, clinging to the past while the rest of us create something extraordinary?

Your move.