Creatives Are Going to Be Elevated': Canva's COO on How AI Is Transforming the Artistic Landscape

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A New Era for Creativity

AI is rapidly transforming creative industries, and Canva’s Chief Operating Officer, Cliff Obrecht, has a bold take: “Creatives are going to be elevated.” Rather than replacing human talent, he believes AI will enhance it—freeing designers from repetitive tasks and empowering more people to express ideas visually.
At a time when many fear automation, this optimistic outlook is gaining attention.

How Canva Is Using AI

Canva, now used by over 170 million people, is integrating AI into its tools—enabling users to generate images, design content from text prompts, and automate tasks like resizing and background removal.
Obrecht says these features are about removing friction, not replacing artistry. Creators can now focus on the bigger picture: storytelling, emotion, and strategy.
“AI is a creative accelerator, not a replacement, ” said Obrecht during Canva’s latest launch event.

What This Means for Creatives

Designers may worry AI will make their skills obsolete—but in reality, it’s becoming a collaborator. Tasks that once took hours can now be done in seconds, allowing more time for high-level creative thinking.
And for beginners? Tools like Canva make design accessible to anyone with an idea, not just trained professionals.

The Big Picture

From Canva to Adobe, tech companies are redefining how we create. AI is entering the creative toolkit—not as a rival, but as an assistant. Still, questions about authorship and originality remain part of the conversation.
Do you see AI as a creative partner - or a threat? Let us know in the comments or tag @FeedcNews with #AIElevatesCreativity.  
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