AI vs. The Algorithm—Ishmil Waterman

On letting go of ego, riding the creative wave, and reshaping the future from the ground up

In this episode of THE GRAIN Podcast, I sit down with photographer, retoucher and artist Ishmil Waterman to talk about why he welcomes AI, and the value of staying open to change. We explore what it means to let go of ego, how a “tsunami” of individualism is quietly building to break industry norms, and why embracing uncertainty is one of the most powerful tools a creative can have right now.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed—or just curious—about the role of AI in the creative process, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and a few necessary provocations.

For more on Ishmil Waterman:

• Retouch House

• Ishmil Waterman’s Instagram

• Ishmil Waterman’s personal website

• A Return to Refinement: A look at fashion’s renewed love of technique [3 Magazine]

Stay tuned for my grains of thought in the newsletter, for news and insights on how AI is impacting the creative industry worldwide.

Read more about THE GRAIN at thegrain.ai and get in touch with me at ronit@thegrain.ai.

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