What does it take to help shape the tools that define modern creativity, from rub down type to the birth of Photoshop, while still staying endlessly curious about what’s next?
“Always explore new tools and stay curious.” In Episode 10 of Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders, Lukas Riedl and Carl van den Boom sit down with Russell Brown, the “Doc”. A pioneer in digital creativity and one of the early forces behind Photoshop.
From the early days of Industrial Light & Magic to the moment Photoshop first appeared on a Macintosh, Russell shares the story behind one of the most important creative tools ever made. What started as a solution for visual effects, shaped by the world of Star Wars quickly became something much bigger, putting creative control directly into the hands of photographers and artists.
Russell reflects on that defining moment and his first time he could make selections, adjust images, and take full control without relying on complex systems or operators. A true shift in how creativity could be expressed.
The conversation then moves into today’s world, where AI is rapidly transforming workflows once again. But instead of fear, Russell approaches it with curiosity. For him, AI is not a replacement for creativity, but another tool to explore: whether that’s pre-visualizing a shoot, experimenting with lighting, or bringing long-held ideas to life faster than ever before.
From darkroom roots to digital revolutions to AI experimentation, this episode is a reminder that creativity has always been about one thing: staying curious enough to keep exploring.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The connection between Star Wars, ILM, and the creation of Photoshop
- The “holy sh*t moment” of taking control over your own images
- How creative tools evolved from darkrooms to desktops to AI
- Why curiosity and experimentation drive long-term creativity
- Using AI as a tool — not a replacement — in photography and design
- Pre-visualization with AI for location scouting and lighting ideas
- The balance between experience, craft, and new technology
- Why becoming the best at what you love still matters
🎙️ Listen to the episode here:
Resources & Mentions
Light & Magic (ILM Documentary Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM_XwzOK_98
Photoshop: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
Adobe Firefly: https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.html
Adobe Creative Cloud: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud.html
John Knoll (Photoshop Co-Creator): https://twitter.com/johnknoll
Explore more of Russell’s work through the links below:
Celebrating the creatives who stay curious, embrace new tools, and continue exploring what’s possible. If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone pushing their creative boundaries.
Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer.
