We’re back from SXSW, and let’s just say - it delivered. The energy, the conversations, the insights. If you missed our Lively Grit Daily House, don’t worry. We’re bringing the best of it to you.

But first, let’s talk about this month’s theme: Momentum.

John Cleese once said, “If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.”

That’s never been more relevant. AI promises efficiency, but what if its real value isn’t in working harder, but reclaiming time to create?

Back in 1991, Cleese gave a talk on creativity that still resonates today. It’s a reminder that structured play, not constant productivity, fuels real innovation. Watch here.

💡Takeaway: The best ideas don’t happen in the grind. They happen in the gaps.

The Biggest SXSW 2025 Takeaway? People First.

The real theme of SXSW wasn’t AI, virtual production, or future trends. It was people. Because without them, there’s no execution, no community, no momentum.

Technology is evolving at lightning speed, but the real question isn’t whether AI will replace us. It’s whether we’ll use it to create more - or just work faster and burn out.

SXSW 2025 Insights from The Lively Grit Daily House

• AI isn’t taking over—it’s giving time back. But only if we let it.

• Audiences crave clarity. They don’t need more noise, they need answers.

• Not everything should change. The real challenge? Knowing what to evolve and what to keep.

Chris RWK, the artist behind Audience101’s brand character, captured the SXSW theme perfectly with his latest piece: “It’s Not Like It Was.”

It’s fitting - AI, quantum computing and automation dominated the conversation. But Chris’s work is a reminder that while technology evolves, creativity stays human.

Check out his work: @chrisrwk

Here’s What We’re Talking About Today:

Audience Insights & Future Trends: Scaling Creativity & Marketing with AI

 📊 The Data shows that AI isn’t just saving time, it’s reshaping how work gets done:

• 82% of marketers say AI frees them to focus on more exciting work (Canva Report).

• 85% of professionals save 208 hours a year—that’s five full weeks back (Canva Report).

• 77% of marketers say AI enhances their creativity.

🚀 How to stay ahead in an AI-driven world:

• Use AI to amplify creativity, not replace it.

• Beware of AI sameness. If everyone uses the same tools the same way, creativity flattens into mediocrity.

• Challenge AI outputs. Always lead and then tweak, ensuring it’s your work always.

Case Study: How Dell is Transforming Virtual Production and Creative Storytelling  

📌 Why This Matters

At SXSW 2025, Dell didn’t just make an appearance - they set the stage for a conversation about the future of virtual production, AI-driven workflows and creative storytelling.

Through partnerships with Orbital Studios, Narwhal Studios and Mod Tech Labs, they showcased how cutting-edge AI and advanced computing aren’t replacing creativity - they’re elevating it.

Imagine this: a filmmaker can pre-visualize an entire scene; adjusting lighting, camera angles and set designs - all before stepping on set. Brands can produce high-quality, AI-enhanced marketing assets at scale, reducing time-consuming post-production. Creative teams can collaborate across time zones, in real-time, without losing artistic control.

This isn’t a distant future. It’s happening now.

📈 The Data: The Future of Creative Workflows

AI is shifting from an efficiency tool to an essential creative enabler.

• AI isn’t replacing creativity - it’s unlocking it.

• AI allows teams to efficiently scale user-generated content and advertising. (Canva Report, 2025)

• 80% report that AI enhances their productivity. (Canva Report, 2025)

• 51% of Americans say that creativity matters more than practicality in brand engagement—a number that jumps to 70% among Gen Z. (McCann American Dream Report, 2025)

💡The Takeaway: The New Age of Scalable Creativity

The Lively Grit Daily House at SXSW 2025 reinforced this:

• Filmmakers, brands and advertisers can now collaborate in an interactive virtual space - planning entire scenes before production even begins.

• AI-powered pre-visualization tools allow for instant adjustments to lighting, camera angles and set design - reducing costs and production time.

• Teams can work across locations with real-time virtual collaboration, bringing directors, designers and creatives together from anywhere.

• Virtual production is no longer just for Hollywood. The technology is becoming accessible to brands, agencies and independent creators looking to scale content without sacrificing artistic integrity.

For brands and creators willing to embrace AI and virtual production, the result isn’t just saved time - it’s a new level of creative freedom.

Behind the Scenes: Momentum, Resilience & The Power of Acknowledgment

Momentum isn’t just speed. It’s direction.

This year has been a lesson in resilience; splitting with a business partner, launching a new side of the business while keeping the old one running, navigating imposter syndrome…

And yet, something shifted.

At SXSW, people kept coming up to say:
“This was the best panel series I’ve been to. Raw, unfiltered, no sales pitches.”
“The experience felt different, more real, more valuable.”

Then, an email landed from a client:
"The team at Lively delivered outstanding service on a strategically important project. Clear, professional, flexible - flawless execution. Couldn’t have asked for better."

It hit me: Momentum isn’t created alone. It’s fueled by:

• The team who shows up

• The partners who believe in the vision

• The community that actually cares

💡Takeaway: Momentum requires recognition. Don’t just move forward, acknowledge what’s driving you.

Mood Board: What Our Community Is Sharing

A Word from Our Partners… Me.

Drop your vote and tell us what would make it worth $1 to you. As a reward, drop an email and I’ll send you a link to the full white papers we got from Canva and

Coming Next Week…

We’re diving deeper into:

• How to build your personal brand within your company.

• What quantum computing actually means for business.

• The formula for creating the perfect B2B experience.

• Why wellbeing matters more than ever.

Same time, same place - see you next week.