a playful exploration of the leading edge of social video content creation

Video Mojo offers insights, tools, & strategies that will make your exploration of authentic relationship building more effective & efficient.

πŸ€– Beyond the Gimmick: What AI Avatars Can Do for Marketers

AI Creativity ChroniclesMaking Marketing Fun Again, One Week at a Time AI Avatars: More Than a Trend, A Tool for Marketing Insights Last week, you met Abigail β€” my fully AI-generated avatar spokeswoman. This week, I produced a short video that pulls back the curtain on the AI-enhanced creative process that brought her to life β€” and what it reveals for marketers and creators. 🎯 Learn how AI avatars can: Help clarify your message and tone Bring your ideal audience persona to life Accelerate...

πŸ€– Meet Abigail: My AI Spokeswoman. She’s More Than Just a Pretty Prompt 🎀

AI Creativity ChroniclesMaking Marketing Fun Again, One Week at a Time She’s Not Real, But the Creativity Is. If AI tools are evolving at lightning speed β€” and they are β€” then creative marketers have two choices: πŸ›‘ Hesitate and get left behind πŸš€ Or experiment boldly and stay ahead of the curve I chose option 2. Meet Abigail, my new AI-generated spokeswoman: She’s not just a gimmick. She’s a living experiment in what’s now possible with: ChatGPT (for script co-writing & image prompt) Ideogram...

🎬 This Doc Filmmaker + AI = Creative Firepower πŸ”₯

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Hey Reader, The Creative Edge Today: Human + AI in Sync AI isn’t the enemy β€” it’s an amplifier. The creative edge comes from being a smarter, more human partner with AI. That’s not just a theory β€” it’s what creative leaders are doing right now. Co-created with Ideogram.ai In my latest episode of Video Mojo, I talk with my long-time collaborator Vince Casalaina, a passionate documentary filmmaker with a story that matters… and a...
Jon Lajoie’s Baby Talk Podcast

🧠 Brains Before Bots: What Real Creativity Looks Like Now 🎨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], AI is making everything easier. But that’s not what's important.What's important is: What are you doing with that ease? This week, I’m spotlighting two different kinds of innovators who are using AI not as a crutch, but as a creative amplifier. In the fast-moving world of content and marketing, the pros who stand out lead with the vision, taste, and creative skillsβ€”the "human in the loop" abilities...

🎯 I Made This in 60 Seconds. Imagine What You Could Do. πŸš€

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Hey Reader, Not Playing with AI Yet? That’s a Choice β€” and It’s Risky. I know it doesn’t look like me exactly… but I made this image in 60 seconds. Seriously. I simply uploaded my profile avatar image and gave ChatGPT a one-line prompt: β€œPut this image on a mug that's on a home video studio creator's desk. Warm, positive colors and lighting.” Boom. This fun, vibrant, creative image showed up. And, I was impressed (again) by the...

🌊 Catch the unstoppable AI creativity wave πŸ“„ Don’t miss this free PDF

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Image conjured with the impressive new Canva AI. πŸ“„ Don't Miss My Latest Free PDF:Empowering AI Trends for Social Media MarketersIt’s a quick, insight-packed guideβ€”the slide deck from a recent webinarβ€”that outlines the creative shifts reshaping how we digital creatives work to wow audiences. (If you recently subscribed to this list and already got this download, welcome to Creativity Chronicles!) When...

πŸš€ Creative AI shifts you can’t ignore 🎨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time I’ve seen this beforeβ€”and the ending is a media revolution Dear Reader, You can’t ignore what’s happening in creative AI right now. Trust meβ€”I’ve seen this movie before. Back in the '80s, when digital video landed, the world cracked open for a new generation of innovative storytellers. Suddenly, you didn’t need a studio to make something meaningfulβ€”you just needed a camera and the guts to hit record. Image conjured with...

πŸš€ How playing with AI can spark real breakthroughs ✨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time See how play sparked a real breakthroughβ€”then try it for yourself Dear Reader, ✨ How can AI spark your next creative breakthrough? Start by playing. In a spontaneous moment of AI dream analysis (yes, that's a thing), I let ChatGPT take the leadβ€”and it surprised me. Together, we turned my dream into a Notion productivity template and a fresh mindset, all through creative experimentation and play. No plan. No script. Just flow. πŸŽ₯...

πŸš€ Missed the Magic? Watch the AI + Marketing Replay! 🎯🎬

Hey, Reader, Last week's webinar, in which I shared my favorite apps for marketing, personal productivity, video production, and AI creativity, is now live on YouTube. In case you missed the live event or want to review anything, here's the recording: In case you'd like to click some of the links I discussed, here's the free PDF of my presentation: AI-Marketing-Power-Tools-Webinar (1).pdf If you feel like supporting me in providing this kind of free, hopefully useful information, I have one...

πŸ“ Tools Change ✨ The Creator Vibe Remains… πŸš€ Join Me Thursday!

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time "Tools will come, tools will go. Only the vibe coder remains." β€” Rick Rubin This insight perfectly captures the essence of what I call "vibe creating"β€”the unique, essential human touch that stays constant amid rapid technological evolution. (It's also my spin on an AI trend called "vibe coding.") Rick Rubin quoted in a YouTube by Bilawal Sidhu, vibe coder extraordinaire. In marketing, your personal vibeβ€”the genuine human...

AI + Marketing Tools to Grow Faster πŸš€ (Free Workshop!)

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Discover the exact tools I use dailyβ€”save time, grow your business, and spark creativity. Hey, Reader, Join me Thursday, March 13th at 11am PT / 2pm ET for a live workshop where I’ll share the exact AI + marketing tools I use daily to grow my business, serve clients, and spark creativity. I’ve spent countless hours curating these tools, and now I’m breaking them down for youβ€”what I use, why I chose them, and how they help. What...

πŸš€ AI & Social Media Marketing: Free Webinar, Last Call! 😱

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time This is going to be FUN,informative, & maybe evengame-changing. Hey, Reader, I'm pumped about the presentation that I'm about to deliver live for the National Institute for Social Media and you're invited! Charles Darwin emphasized that those who adapt are the ones who thrive: In today's world, to me at least, improvising means being willing to experiment with AI and learn about its game-changing powers. That's why I'm...

πŸš€ Stop Grinding & Start Creating – A Mindset Power Move! 🧠

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Did you know productivity can be a trap? Hey, Reader, Something as simple as asking β€œWhat should I DO now?” can keep you stuck, unfulfilled, and creatively stagnant. This email is about what to do instead. I heard about this from the author, Martha Beck, in her podcast convo with Mel Robbins and it blew my mind. Instead of asking β€œWhat should I do?” Beck suggests we ask: β€œWhat should I MAKE?” 🎨 The Power of a Shift in Mindset As...

πŸ€– AI & Social Media: The Trends You Can’t Afford to Miss πŸš€

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time AI is changing the game in social media marketingβ€”are you ready? Hey, Reader, As you may well know, AI is shaking up social media marketing in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. It has totally changed how I work. If you’re not leveraging it yet, you’re already behindβ€”but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, and I can't wait to share these new "power tools" with you. I'm honored to team up with the National...

πŸš€ Embracing the Journey: Lessons from 40 Years of Creativity 🎭

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time What Does It Take toStay Creative and Independent? Hi Reader, It's hard to believe but true: As of last month, I've been a self-employed creative entrepreneur for 40 years. It’s been a journeyβ€”sometimes exhilarating, sometimes uncertainβ€”but always filled with learning, reinvention, and, most importantly, creative freedom. I co-created this image with my "AI friend," Ideogram, to express the self-reflective spirit of this...

🎨 Creativity, Anxiety & the Joy of Letting Go ✨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time The Opposite of Anxiety Isn’t Calmβ€”It’s Creativity. Hi Reader, I’ve been delightfully pulled into Martha Beck’s new book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose. The creative sparks are flying! Ms. Beck talks about how anxiety comes from pushing too hard and trying to control everything. But creativity (and real joy!) is ignited when we let go and allow ourselves to be pulled by curiosity. In other...

🌟 Feeling Stuck? Learn How AI Can Help Ignite Your Creative Spark! 🌟

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Over 50 andReady for Something New? Hi Reader, Does this sound familiar? You’re bored with the same old routines. Retirement feels less like freedom and more like a waiting game. You’re itching to create, connect, or explore, but you don’t know where to start. If so, you’re not aloneβ€”and I’m here to help. πŸŽ₯ Here’s a quick story about how used AI to refine my mission so I'm ready to meet these challenges.One way that I play...

🎨 Are You Ready to Play with the Future of Creativity? πŸ€–

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Here's why learning AI is becominga kind of creative superpower. The world of creativity is changing faster than everβ€”and, even though The AI Revolution is only just getting started, AI is already transforming the creative landscape in mind-boggling ways! πŸš€ And, here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to unlock its magic. With a playful mindset and simple tools, you can create things you probably never thought...
Smiling middle-aged male video creator in gray tee-shirt with headphones on. Computer screen with colorful images. In home studio with video lights. Splash of rainbow colors across background.

πŸš€ Follow the Juice: AI + Creativity = Big Wins ✨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time How to Unleash Your Creative Sparks with Powerful Collaborators Conjured with Google Labs' experimental Whisk image generator. Sometimes, following the juiceβ€”the energy that lights you upβ€”leads to breakthroughs in unexpected ways. Just yesterday, I experienced this firsthand while thinking about my goal of guesting on more podcasts. AI + Creative Juice My friend Peter reminded me that I needed a media kit in order to give podcast...
? From Dylan to Atomic Habits, inspirations for a more creative 2025 ?

πŸŽ‰ New Year, New Sparks of Creative Freedom! 🎨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Happy New Year! As we prepare to enter 2025, we are given the gift of a fresh chapter, a blank canvas. As I reflect on this, the highlight of the Holidays so far was seeing the remarkable new Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown." I loved it! My inspirational takeaway is to remember to have the courage to create on my own terms, no matter what. I hope you will do the same... even though it's not always easy. This year, I want to...
Happy Holidays!

✨ My Holiday Blessing for You ✨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time Happy Holidays! Conjured with Midjourney. I wish you the full expression of your innate joyous creative freedom and a bright, happy, and healthy New Year! πŸŽ„ ✨ Jon Leland, AI Creativity Over 50 Guy 113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205Unsubscribe Β· Preferences

🎨 Inspiring Insights & Resources to Spark Your Creativity ✨

Creativity ChroniclesUnlocking Creative Joy, One Week at a Time An insight, a book, & a movie... all to get your creative juices flowing Let’s get something straight: AI isn’t the enemy of creativityβ€”it’s a new kind of creative rocket fuel. I get it. Suggesting that we embrace AI might feel like heresy, especially when so many people are alarmed about AI. But while the world debates whether AI is β€œtoo much” or β€œtoo dangerous,” others are quietly transforming their lives and having inspiring...

🎨 Ready to Play Creatively? These 5 Books Will Light the Way ✨

🌟 πŸ“• New Free Download, I’ve handpicked 5 transformative books on creativity that will inspire, empower, and guide you on your creative journey.

🎹 Why Creativity Feels Like Coming Home 🏑 (And How It Can For You Too)

In the last 24 hours, something magical happened. I felt a sparkβ€”a nudge, reallyβ€”to reconnect with something I’ve always loved: playing music and singing.

Boost Your Creativity with AI: Exclusive Video Mojo Chat with Kyle Shannon of AI Salon

AI is a great creativity enhancer. Join Jon & Kyle to learn the importance of fun & play so you enjoy the maximum benefits of AI.

How to Unleash Video Creativity: Leveraging AI & CapCut with Judie Russell

Few people understand video production the way that Judie Russell does. Learn now she's leveraging AI & apps like CapCut to be more creative.

Unlock Email Marketing Joy with Liz Wilcox’s Secrets to Fun & Making Money with Email

Delve into the power of email and video to spread joy and creativity in cultivating community and authentic relationships.

Clicks Amid Conflict: YouTube Business Success Strategies from an Inspiring Ukrainian Expert

Ever wondered what it takes to start anew amidst chaos?​ This Ukrainian entrepreneur explains how he rebuilt his business on YouTube. πŸ’ͺ🏼

Spike Your Creative Juice In The New Video Mojo Creativity Sandbox!

Do you have a creative passion that needs a kick in the pants? If you're keeping your precious creativity on the back burner, check this out!

You’re Doing A.I. All Wrong! Here’s a More Creative Approach.

German journalist, speaker, & storyteller, Richard Gutjahr joins Jon to inspire your creativity by dispelling common misconceptions about AI.

Ready to Supercharge Your Marketing Using AI? Best Apps to Get Started.

A new world 🌍 of marketing intelligence is unfolding at an insanely rapid pace. 🌟 Learn from an expert the must-have apps & best practices.

How to Have Creative Fun by Learning to Surf the AI Marketing Tsunami with Frank Prendergast

Not a substitute for human creativity, AI offers abundant opportunities for creative fun that enhances & empowers marketing. Learn how now.

Amazing AI-Powered Video Apps. πŸŽ₯ How Were MidJourney & RunwayML Used to Go Viral?

The future of AI creativity is demonstrated by an innovative mash-up of two leading-edge AI programs to create a concept movie trailer.

How Can ChatGPT & AI Help You Make Your Business Better? – Guest: Marketing Strategist, David Boyle

Marketing Strategist & PROMPTS author, David Boyle offers valuable tips on how to use ChatGPT to improve marketing and positioning.

Meaningful Social Media Marketing: Why Being Valuable Must Come Before Making Money

Kevon Cheung and Jon discuss marketing with meaning & the inspiration that comes from building in public, transparency, and community.

The Secret to Authentic Video Marketing Success: Why Being Human Wins.

Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist for video messaging app, BombBomb shares insights on how authenticity can transform video marketing.