## This Week in Creative Industries: AI Takes Center Stage

The creative world experienced significant developments this week as major companies and researchers spotlight how artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry. Two major stories emerged that show both the opportunities and challenges that creative professionals face today.

### Adobe Launches Creative Collective to Address AI Questions

On February 12, 2026, Adobe unveiled the Creative Collective, a new group bringing together experienced and newer creative professionals. This group was created because the creative industry is changing very quickly, with new technology and tools appearing constantly. The collective includes artists, designers, and other creative experts who work together to understand these changes.

The main job of the Creative Collective is to analyze what's happening in the creative world and give advice to other creative professionals. The group looks at questions like: What tools work best? What should creative professionals worry about? What new technologies are coming next? The collective is different from other tech groups because its members have real-world experience actually using creative tools and AI every day.

### AI is a Big Topic of Discussion

Right now, the Creative Collective is focusing heavily on artificial intelligence and AI tools. For some creative professionals, AI is exciting because it can help them work faster and try new ideas. For others, it causes concern about how AI might change their jobs or how their artwork might be used. The collective wants to bring these different viewpoints together so creative professionals can have honest conversations about AI.

Adobe says the collective will help the creative community in practical ways. This means sharing tips, telling inspiring stories, and giving real advice that creative professionals can actually use. The group will hold live events, create detailed reports, and have roundtable discussions where professionals talk through challenges together.

### AI Tools Affecting Human Illustrators

Meanwhile, new research shows that AI image generation tools are changing how people view human-created artwork. Studies found that AI tools have reduced the attention that human illustrators receive by approximately 30 percent. Additionally, some illustrators report that their creative output has dropped by around 10 percent. These numbers suggest that AI is creating real challenges for professional illustrators who depend on their artwork for income.

### What This Means for Creative Professionals

These two stories together tell us that the creative industry is at an important turning point. Big companies like Adobe are working to help creative professionals understand and adapt to AI, while researchers are measuring the real effects AI is having on creative work. The Creative Collective's first major meeting, called the Creative Collective Summit, will bring together these professionals to share their experiences and create solutions.

The Creative Collective also plans to participate in Adobe 99U Conference in June 2026 in New York City, where creative professionals from around the world can learn from each other. These gatherings show that the creative industry recognizes AI as both an important opportunity and a serious challenge that needs careful, thoughtful discussion among experienced professionals.