“I Could’ve Done That” — But You Didn’t

I once heard someone describe modern art like this:

“It’s just a red circle on a white canvas. I could’ve done that.”
The artist’s quiet response?
“But did you?”

That phrase stuck with me.

It captures something fundamental about creativity — not just in the art world, but in how we judge anything that looks too easy. We tend to measure value by effort, or at least the appearance of it. If something looks simple, we assume it lacks substance. We dismiss it. And in doing so, we overlook what actually matters: the idea, the intent, and the act of making.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about that story in the context of AI.

We’re seeing a flood of AI-generated content — images, articles, interfaces, even music. It’s fast, often impressive, and sometimes oddly simple. So naturally, a familiar reaction shows up again:

“That’s not real creativity. Anyone could do that.”

But again, I hear the same response echo back:

“But did you?”

Having access to a tool isn’t the same thing as knowing what to do with it. You still need taste. You still need an idea. You still have to do the thing.

Yes, AI makes creating easier — sometimes radically so. But that doesn’t eliminate the creative spark. If anything, it sharpens the difference between spectators and makers. The tools have leveled the playing field. Now the only thing stopping most people from creating something is… doing it.

And that’s the part so many people underestimate.

It’s easy to dismiss something once it’s finished. A painting that looks too simple. A design made with the help of AI. A photo that feels too effortless. But someone made it. Someone thought of it, decided it was worth pursuing, and put it out into the world.

The execution still matters. Maybe now, more than ever.

Instead of saying “I could’ve done that,” maybe ask yourself —

“What could I do?”

Because whether you’re painting red circles or typing AI prompts, the hardest part is rarely the tool.
It’s showing up, having a vision, and following through.

And if it looks easy? Good. That means the door is wide open.