Gardeners are those who experiment with various AI tools and models, picking and choosing specific elements to incorporate into their work. They use AI in a very targeted manner, adding "handpicked" bits of AI-generated content to their creations. This approach is characterized by a light touch or minimal integration of AI into the creative process.
<aside> 🗒️ Gardeners likely value the human element of creativity and view AI as a supplement rather than a core component of their work. They're selective and precise, aiming to maintain a high degree of personal input and control over the final product. This approach might be preferred by creators who are cautious about AI or who see it as a tool for inspiration or overcoming specific hurdles, like writer's block.
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Gardeners are characterized by their selective and targeted use of AI tools and models. They approach AI as a supplementary resource, picking and choosing specific elements or pieces of content generated by AI to incorporate into their work. The term "Gardener" implies a careful, deliberate approach, akin to handpicking flowers or plants for a garden. Gardeners will develop and carefully tend to a key set of prompts to deal with specific tasks, preferring to reach into their tool bag for tried, true, and trusted solutions.
The Gardener's integration of AI into their creative process is minimal and light-handed. They prefer to maintain a high degree of personal input and control over the final product, using AI to assist with specific tasks rather than as a co-creator. Generally the AIs will be used as idea generators for key elements rather than sweeping sets of prose. Additionally, Gardeners look for AI to serve a specific task or need, such as extracting information for a Story Bible, or creating marketing materials. Again, the AI “garden” to the Gardener is functional and selective.
A key identifier of a Gardener is the frequent use of the phrase "I just" when describing their use of AI. This phrase indicates a focused, limited application of AI tools — "I just use AI for [specific purpose]."
Gardeners view AI as one of many tools in their toolbox, not the primary means of creation. They are more likely to use AI for inspiration, to overcome specific challenges, or to enhance certain aspects of their work, rather than relying on it for major components of their writing.
While Gardeners are open to experimenting with different AI models and tools, their experimentation is guided by specific needs or goals. They're not as interested in exploring AI for its own sake but rather in how it can serve their targeted purposes.
While some people might move onto to being more comfortable with other job types and Gardener is one of the easier ones to master, the Advanced Gardener stays a Gardener. The prompting becomes more sophisticated as an author becomes more comfortable using AI. An Advanced Gardener can prompt on the fly multiple models, set the hyperparameters to “just” get what they need and go back to writing. This is not the same as the next job type, Weaver, because at the end of the day, the Gardener is using the AI for a specific task to support the writing, not to do the writing itself, except in small, limited passages.
Both “plotters” and “pantsers” find the Job Type Gardener suits their AI writing needs.
A Gardener is an author who integrates AI into their writing process in a controlled, selective manner. They see AI as a supplement to their creativity, useful for enhancing their work in focused ways rather than reshaping their entire creative process. This approach reflects a cautious optimism about AI, embracing its potential while maintaining a strong sense of personal artistic vision and control.