In 2018, artificial intelligence expert Kai-Fu Lee estimated that AI and automation would take over half of human work in 15 years. The pandemic has likely accelerated that timeline significantly. Since the virus struck, "I haven't talked to anyone who's not doing automation as a way to become more competitive, and more resilient," IDC analyst Maureen Fleming told Wired. Lee also predicted that creative jobs would survive automation because creativity is a uniquely human trait that no algorithm can replace. And the pandemic is accelerating the importance of creativity, too. For instance, with in-person photo shoots largely impossible, companies like Ben & Jerry's and Lowe's are using 3D rendering tools to create assets for marketing campaigns and e-commerce sites that are even more vital now that foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores is way down.