Today on the podcast, I talked about a fascinating topic with my longtime industry friend, Jeff Sieh: the rapid evolution of AI image creation, and whether it could actually replace tools like Canva. Jeff and I go way back to the early days of Pinterest marketing, and he recently grabbed my attention with a bold email subject line: “Did OpenAI Just Kill Canva?” Naturally, I had to have him on the podcast to dig into this. Our conversation covered how fast AI is moving, how creators and business owners can leverage it, and the incredible opportunities and challenges it presents — especially for visual platforms like Pinterest.
The Rise of AI Tools and What It Means for Creators
Jeff shared a behind-the-scenes story about preparing for his talk at Social Media Marketing World, where he initially planned to make fun of OpenAI’s old image tool — until just days before his talk, OpenAI released a dramatically improved version. With the new tool, Jeff could modify images in real-time, changing things like clothing, backgrounds, and character expressions just by chatting with the AI. We explored how this is a game-changer for creators who don’t have traditional design skills. Now, even small business owners can create stunning custom imagery without relying on stock photos or overused templates — opening doors to more creative branding, Pinterest visuals, and even product mockups.
The Ethical Questions and Potential Pitfalls
Of course, with every innovation comes a set of ethical and practical concerns. Jeff and I didn’t shy away from the tough conversations: copyright issues, the risk of oversaturation, and the need to support original artists even as AI becomes more mainstream. He likened the current evolution to past tech shifts, like TV not actually “killing” radio, but instead creating a new, modern version of it. We agreed that while bad actors are misusing AI to create low-quality content (hello, seven-fingered Pinterest images), responsible creators can use it thoughtfully to elevate their work rather than diminish it. The key is staying mindful about data, originality, and protecting sensitive information.
Practical Tools, Favorite Resources, and a Few Fun Stories
For those curious about where to start, Jeff recommended three key tools: ChatGPT (for content creation and data analysis), Midjourney (for detailed AI image creation), and Lex.page (for crafting better email subject lines and content). He also emphasized the importance of experimenting — uploading your Pinterest data to AI tools for analysis, animating your best-performing pins, and using AI to uncover creative styles you love. One of Jeff’s proudest moments? Creating custom, animated slide decks for his presentations that made his audience laugh — something he couldn’t have done so easily before AI entered the scene.
Moving Forward: How We Can Embrace AI Responsibly
We wrapped up by looking toward the future. AI is moving so fast that there are no true “experts” yet — we’re all learning as we go. Jeff encouraged using these tools to make businesses more productive and creative, without losing our human touch. It’s not about replacing creativity; it’s about enhancing it. With smart boundaries around sensitive data and a commitment to ethical use, we have an incredible opportunity to innovate, connect with our audiences more deeply, and unlock creative potential we didn’t even realize we had. If you’re ready to dive deeper, Jeff invites you to join his email community at jeffsieh.com/news — where he shares more incredible tips (and some truly epic subject lines).
Podcast Episode
Did Open AI just Kill Canva??
For further resources:
Are AI Images on Pinterest worth it? Simple Pin YouTube Video
