Creative hot takes: March 2025

When it comes to shopping online for anything we can all get stuck in the “consideration stage”. For me, I enjoy the research. But lately, I’ve noticed that finding trustworthy information can be increasingly challenging. The platforms we rely on for product reviews and comparisons are evolving, and not necessarily in ways that benefit us as consumers. 

Take YouTube, for example. When I needed a new office chair, I found myself deep in a rabbit hole of review channels. At first, it seemed like I was getting authentic insights—real people testing real products. But the more I watched, the more I realized—most of these reviews were sponsored…suddenly, every "honest opinion" felt questionable. It’s not that all sponsored content is misleading, but when advertising becomes this seamless, skepticism is the only rational response. 

So, how do you sort through the noise? Recently, I was researching new office speakers. Frustrated with vague Amazon reviews and biased YouTube takes; I tried something new. I fed the product specs of my current speakers and my potential upgrade into an AI chatbot. I asked for an objective comparison and then pushed further, tailoring my questions to my specific needs. The result? An unbiased breakdown that gave me the clarity I was missing. No sponsorships, no affiliate links, just raw data translated into a recommendation I could trust. 

For the first time in a while, I felt capable of to making a confident purchase without second-guessing. As someone who tends to overanalyze every buy, I think I just found a game-changer to help me through the “consideration stage”.

AI slop. The new-ish term for (badly) generated AI images.

Missing fingers
Extra fingers
No fingers
Lines that don’t connect
Melting windows
Errors. Errors everywhere.

The world is getting hyper-sensitive to spotting it. It’s the new “uncanny valley.” So, when you hear about companies using AI Slop-level images to build their display/banner advertising, you just gotta shake your head. The lowly banner ad could very well be the first impression your potential customer has with your product. Your BRAND hangs in the balance. Why would you leave that crucial moment to a subpar image?

I get it. You need to save money. Bottom-line and all that. But hear me out.

I see that we’re getting to a place where using gen AI this way is inevitable, so if you’re going to use AI, grab your best designer/Photoshop wizard and make sure they employ some combination of these tools and skills to help avoid your next campaign being called “AI slop.”

Retouch, upscale, and retouch again

Get in there and paint. By “hand.” Do it. Remove those extra digits. Connect those broken powerlines. The goal is to nudge the model into generating “more correct” outputs. Then run your image through an AI-powered upscaler. YMMV depending on your approach and tool used here, but the goal is to move toward a high-resolution image with crisp, correct details.

Image to image and “inpainting”

Some gen AI tools can help you “photobash” multiple images together to create one image. Mock up what you want in Photoshop (or even roughly draw elements you need) and run it through an “inpainting” or an “image to image” workflow to blend the disparate pieces into one cohesive image. Retouch and upscale again. We should be around 4K resolution by now.

The finishing touch

Get back into Photoshop. Launch “Camera Raw Filter” and get to work. Here you can do your color corrections. Adjust curves. Fine-tune lighting. Color grade. Consider adding a blur to the background. Maybe some bokeh. Then, introduce a touch of noise or grain for a more natural feel—just don’t overdo it. Restraint is key.

This isn’t new. Just new tools and workflows for the age-old process of retouching. It is absolutely a skill that can elevate AI slop into more pleasing and less triggering images. It's a step that could save your customer experience, your campaign—nay, your brand—from being shunned and ridiculed by angry internet denizens.

Master this process, and your campaign might just avoid the AI-slop bin—it may even stand out in a world drowning in it.

Traditional loyalty programs are becoming a thing of the past. Modern consumers crave rewarding and personalized experiences, which often come in the form of gamified loyalty systems. Popularized by games like League of Legends and Marvel Rivals, these programs offer a compelling model that can be applied to brands across a range of industries. It's no wonder game companies are succeeding in this realm, it's what they do best! However, it's important to note that you don't have to be a gaming brand to have a gamified loyalty program. 

The decline of traditional loyalty programs 

Many old-school loyalty programs rely on complex point systems and standard rewards that just don't resonate with customers anymore. People lose interest, don’t completely understand their benefits, or forget to use it altogether. This often leads to customer frustration, leaving brands that don’t adapt in the dust. 

Think about the classic punch-card system at your local coffee shop where you buy ten coffees, and you get the eleventh one free, or a retail app that only allows you to scan and redeem rewards at the point of sale. While this might have worked before, today's consumers are looking for more personalized and engaging experiences that they can control. In fact, studies show that about 50% of loyal customers have left a company for a competitor who was able to stay more relevant and better satisfy their needs.  

The rise of gamified systems 

Gamification brings game-like elements—such as missions, rewards, and interactive experiences—making the customer journey more impactful. Brands that incorporate gamification into their loyalty strategies have seen customers spend up to 3x more than the average customer, experience a 47% increase in customer engagement, a 22% rise in brand loyalty, and a 15% boost in brand awareness.  

Gamification examples 

Let's see these programs in action by exploring two successful examples from the gaming industry. Both highlight how gamification can enhance engagement and loyalty by making products highly desirable and worth the investment.  

League of Legends uses a progression system where players buy a themed Event Pass for exclusive rewards, including skins and other cosmetics for playing the game and participating in missions. The pass offers value (worth up to $250) significantly exceeding its cost ($12.69) for a relatively low investment. A free track is also available for players to earn rewards without buying the premium pass. 

Marvel Rivals offers a Luxury Battle Pass for $9.99, granting access to exclusive character costumes and various cosmetic items valued at around $155 in total. With some of these rewards, players can earn enough in-game currency to purchase every third luxury pass for free. A free pass is also available, incentivizing customers to play the game and complete missions. 

Implementing gamified loyalty programs 

To transition from traditional to gamified loyalty programs, brands should consider: 

• Simplifying the user experience: Make sure the program is accessible and easy to understand, reducing barriers to entry. 

• Personalizing rewards: Offer rewards that align with customer feedback and individual preferences to enhance value. 

• Incorporating interactive elements: Use challenges, leaderboards, and time-sensitive rewards to foster excitement. 

• Leveraging social interaction: Include features that allow customers to share achievements, compete with friends, or participate in community challenges. 

• Providing immediate rewards: Offer gratification through instant rewards to motivate continued participation. 

By learning from and embracing gamified systems, brands can move beyond outdated loyalty models and create experiences that resonate with modern consumers, ultimately fostering long-term loyalty.