AI Replaced My Art: A Designer's Journey to Restoration with Jonathan Davenport

Jonathan Davenport candidly talks how AI disrupted his career and his wild year of reinvention, darkness, and new hope. 

Returning guest Jonathan Davenport talks with Catherine Baumgardner in a raw, emotional conversation about watching his illustration and WWE gear-design business shrink as AI tools replaced decades of specialized creative work. He shares the moment he realized client profile pics he'd hand-drawn were being swapped for AI versions, and how that spiraled over years until finally having to reach out to longtime clients for brutally honest feedback about why they quit calling.

Jonathan opens up about reinventing himself through new skills, landing a role designing the Superman Experience at Warner Bros, and creating the viral animated short "Daybreak" for wrestling stars transitioning from WWE's New Day to their new promotion, New Level. He also discusses designing the deeply personal cover art for a friend's memoir, "How I Got Over," and the power of specialized, human-touched creative work in an increasingly AI-homogenized industry.

On the back half of the episode, the conversation turns deeply vulnerable as Jonathan and Catherine discuss anxiety, isolation, spiritual resilience, and the healing power of genuine connection — including a beautifully shared way to release fear and lies.

A moving, inspiring episode for creatives navigating the AI era, wrestling and pro wrestling fans, artists facing career uncertainty, and anyone needing a reminder that connection beats isolation every time.

Please let Jonathan know what you thought of his interview here: linktr.ee/davenpoe

Please also follow Catherine here: instagram.com/voice_of_costume