Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538122
2 • THE ARTISAN FALL 2025 always been the key to keeping up with modern technology and changes within the industry. One important thing to remember is that AI is not and does not have the human touch nor the artist's hand. There will always be within our group a human element that cannot be replicated or replaced. The most important thing we can do as artists is to continue to work on our crafts, embrace education, and learn about where we can work hand in hand with visual effects, cinematographers, and all other departments that are also learning and incorporating AI into their work. Despite the valid concerns that many have voiced that AI will replace jobs and displace workers, instead of negative results, it could be possible that AI, as a tool, may help enhance human creativity. This can lead to more freedom to create what was once seen as impossible and help give us the ability to generate looks and characters we only dreamed of. Even if using AI in a limited way, such as to prepare visual demonstrations for a director or your creative team, you can save time and money by showing what is possible to design. If you delve into all the AI options offered online, many sites offer free trial use that include help with generating vision boards, aiding with concept development, exploring color palettes, even help in creating virtual character looks. There is nothing to lose by simply doing a bit of research and checking into all the different ways AI can help complement what you are creating or, at least, save you some time with more menial and tedious tasks that are non- creative. If you know someone in the AI or technology world, do not be afraid to ask questions and learn more about what exactly can or cannot be done. Sometimes getting clarification and education is all that is needed to help quell any fear. It can be unnerving when you are trying something new or feeling that you are perhaps being left behind, and wonder if you can continue with your career and still be relevant. The answer is yes. We are, after all, artists, and our work in the film and television industry will always need the human experience and the human touch. I believe we may find a way to incorporate and work with AI while keeping creativity alive. Julie Socash President Within our business in the entertainment world, we have seen many changes and have had to adapt accordingly. This can also be said about the world at large since COVID and the changes in the way all business is done. This is partly because it had to change and partly due to outside forces such as economics, technology, and the advancement of AI (artificial intelligence). This is nothing new to us, and what has served us all best in the past is not to try to stop change or progression in the industry, nor is avoiding it, but instead learning how to collectively embrace the transformations and find our place by growing with them. It has helped when we make ourselves part of the team so we can continue to play a vital part in all forms of television and film production. For those who have been in the business long enough, we can remember when CGI was extremely rare, continuity was done with Polaroids and a binder, as well as going to location most of the time was looking up in what was a book of maps called The Thomas Guide. Now, fast-forward to the present, we have adapted to receiving call sheets, information, and doing continuity on our phones and computers. Many of us now work hand in hand with production, and CGI is often used to help complement our work or create images that would not have been produced in the first place. In this world of technology, there are a variety of learning tools to keep up with what is relevant in the industry. There are books, videos, tutorials, and multiple ways to put together a plan to move forward with your colleagues in the business and continue to share your talent and artistry with the world. If you look at history, there have been many technical and creative achievements that were, in the past, perhaps thought to be impossible, which are now performed routinely and considered mainstream. When looking at this from a broad lens to continue to stay relevant and be the ones who get selected for the jobs whether as the department head or as part of the team, there are a few key factors which may determine if you will be able to keep up with the industry and receive the requests to join the production team. Education and staying informed have FROM THE PRESIDENT " AI may shape the future, but humanity will always define its purpose." –Barack Obama Managing Editor Adam Brandy Contributing Writers Tracey Anderson Mary J. Borgia Farah Bunch Cheryl Eckert Joyce Gilliard Zoë Hay Patrice K. Madrigal Alex Noble Luke O'Connor Peter Reitz Maria Sandoval Julie Socash Christien Tinsley Publisher IngleDodd Media Office Manager Linda Flores Mailing List Manager Linda Flores The Artisan is published quarterly by Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706, 828 No. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 Phone (818) 295-3933 Fax (818) 295-3930 All editorial and photo submissions should be sent to email address: hllywdmkupartist@yahoo.com To update member information, email to: dispatch@ialocal706.org Advertising: IngleDodd Media (310) 207-4410 muahs@IngleDodd.com www.IngleDoddMedia.com Officers of I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 President Julie Socash Vice President Elena Arroy Recording Secretary Porshawna Mosely Secretary-Treasurer Leslie Devlin Sergeant-at-Arms Sherrita Cole Business Representative Cheryl Eckert Official Magazine of Hollywood Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists. Published in the Interest of ALL the Members of Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Julie So ca sh