AI as a Backyard Tool (1) — Why We Use AI Extensively

Why does Atelier Tonope use AI so extensively?

It is not to have AI replace people, but to focus on the dialogue with the person right in front of us.

We live in an era where AI can draw pictures.
It can create music and produce videos.
It can write text and generate ideas.

In such an era, when Atelier Tonope, an art school, says, "We use AI extensively,"

"Even though you're an art school?"
"What does that mean?"
"Isn't that the opposite of what people drawing is about?"

You might think things like this, but for Atelier Tonope, AI has become indispensable. This is not because we want to leave painting to AI. Nor is it because we want AI to replace human sensibility. On the contrary, by using AI, we can focus more on the "person" right in front of us. At Atelier Tonope, we have always valued "interpersonal interaction." While improving painting skills is certainly important, we also value:

What that person is looking at
What moves their heart
The pace at which they want to progress
What kind of expression they want to try

We prioritize engaging with each individual while cherishing these aspects. However, when running a small business, in reality, there is a shortage of hands for many backyard tasks. All of these are important tasks, but if we get too caught up in them, it becomes difficult to leave enough energy for the "time to interact with people" and "time to face creation" that we truly want to value.

For us right now, although I wouldn't say we have mastered it 😅, AI is like a supporter. Centered on ChatGPT Pro, we also use Gemini and Claude for our backyard operations. Each has its own strengths, atmosphere, and perspective, so we get support from them depending on our purpose. What I feel while using AI is that AI is not just a "tool for convenience," but a tool for creating an environment where I can focus on what I really want to do.

Each person's pace
That person's purpose
What that person likes
The way of interacting that person needs right now
I want to focus on those things.

By using AI, we reduce the burden of backyard tasks and can focus on the person in front of us in the classroom. I feel that depending on how it is used, AI can actually be a supporter that helps us return to the human side of things. That is why we use AI extensively.

Not to have AI replace people, but to focus on communication with the person in front of us, we want to continue to value people drawing, people feeling, and people interacting with each other while utilizing AI.
Beth-naru