Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace AI, learn how to use it, and figure out how it can enhance your creative process.
"Eric Solorio, a YouTube creator, blends VFX, animation, and AI, and is best known for his viral Deadpool video."
Eric Solorio
YouTube Content Creator
I never thought AI would change my career so drastically, but when it did, it wasn’t the nightmare some feared—it was a game-changer.
AI didn’t just take my job, it made it cooler. I went from working with traditional tools to fully embracing the tech-driven future. Here’s how it all went down.
Watch my full podcast here:
From After Effects to AI: My Natural Evolution
I’ve always been a fan of learning new tools. I started out working with programs like After Effects, Premiere, and Adobe Animate, handling videography and motion graphics for companies and social media. For me, it was all about staying curious and open to new technologies.
What surprised me the most was how AI wasn’t here to take over—it was here to help me level up. Instead of fearing that it would replace my job, I saw it as a tool to make everything faster, more efficient, and—let’s be honest—a lot cooler.
My Early AI Struggles
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. When I first started using AI, it wasn’t as accessible as it is today. I had to figure things out using tools like Google Colab, and I didn’t have many resources to guide me.
It was frustrating at times, but that challenge pushed me to make my own tutorials, which is what kicked off my YouTube channel.
Back then, there weren’t polished tools or services like there are today. But now, with platforms like Luma Labs and Runway’s Dream Machine, the landscape has changed.
AI is more user-friendly, and I can see why it’s now becoming a go-to for creators everywhere.
AI vs. Human Creativity: Who Wins?
There’s this big debate going on about whether AI will take over human creativity. I don’t think it’s an either-or situation.
AI is great for generating ideas, speeding up workflows, and handling tedious tasks. But at the end of the day, the human touch is what makes work truly unique.
Some people will want AI to handle everything, and that’s fine. Others, like me, will always want a bit more control over the creative process.
I don’t think AI is going to replace us—it’s just going to push us to be better, faster, and more creative.
How My Viral Deadpool Video Came to Life
One of my favorite projects was the Deadpool video I created, which went viral. The idea started, as many do, from just browsing the internet.
I saw some images that sparked the concept in my mind—Deadpool sitting on a train, looking out the window. Simple, right?
I recorded myself acting out the scene and then used an AI tool called Viggle to swap myself with Deadpool.
I combined that with After Effects, ran the background through AI to make it look like the train was moving, and voila! The video turned out great, and it’s been shared all over.
AI didn’t do all the work, though. It was a mix of my vision, manual editing, and AI tools coming together. That’s the sweet spot—where AI enhances the creative process, but the creator is still in control.
VFX and Animation: AI’s Impact
In the world of VFX and animation, AI has been a massive game-changer. It speeds up the process so much that one person can now do what used to require an entire team.
AI allows me to take a project from concept to completion way faster than before. That’s been a huge advantage, especially for creators like me who work solo or with small budgets.
While Hollywood studios have the resources to hire teams of VFX artists, AI has leveled the playing field for independent creators. With the right tools, we can produce high-quality work on our own, and that’s exciting.
Does AI Limit Creativity? Spoiler: Not Really
A lot of people worry that AI will limit creativity, and yeah, it could if you let it. But I think AI is more of an enhancer.
Sure, you can ask an AI to generate something for you, but if you use it to spark ideas, it actually pushes your creativity further. It’s a tool, not a replacement for your imagination.
For example, I use AI to help generate ideas, but I don’t just stop there. I tweak things, add my own spin, and bring my creative vision to life in ways that AI alone couldn’t do.
AI Opened Doors for Freelancers Like Me
AI hasn’t just changed the way I create—it’s also opened up new career opportunities. Thanks to AI, I was able to leave my traditional job and move fully into freelance work.
It’s allowed me to take control of my projects, work on things that excite me, and make a living doing it.
This kind of career freedom wasn’t possible for me before AI came along. Now, it’s not just about working faster or smarter—it’s about being able to choose my path and create the way I want to.
Standing Out in a Sea of AI Creators
In an age where everyone’s using AI, how do you stand out? For me, the key is to stay true to yourself.
Don’t just chase trends—bring your personal experiences and unique perspective into your work. There’s no one else with your exact background, your creative instincts, or your way of thinking.
If you’re passionate about what you create, that will shine through. AI can help you execute your ideas faster, but your individuality is what will make your work stand out.
Looking Ahead: AI and Creativity
The future of AI and creativity is bright. A few years from now, I think we’ll look back and wonder why people were so worried about AI taking over.
Just like digital drawing is now accepted as real art, AI will become a normal part of the creative process. It’s already happening.
My advice? Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace AI, learn how to use it, and figure out how it can enhance your creative process.
The tools are out there, and they’re getting better every day. AI may have changed my job, but it didn’t replace me—it just made my work cooler.
