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What 22 years in this profession has taught me about what technology still can’t do
The Fear Behind AI-Proof Jobs
In a world where AI can write your emails, design your logo, and even mimic your voice, it’s no wonder people are searching for genuinely AI proof jobs.
I understand that fear more than you might think. Twenty years ago, when I started this business, my fear wasn’t technology at all. It was much simpler than that. Would anyone actually trust a complete stranger with their baby’s tiny hands?
That fear never really goes away, if I’m honest.
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What 20+ Years Has Taught Me
Over the last two decades I’ve watched thousands of babies, families and pets come through my studio. Not one experience has ever been exactly the same. Every baby moves differently. Families carry all kinds of emotions into the room. And a memorial appointment always holds its own particular weight.
No amount of technology changes that.
Imagine asking AI to cast a much-loved pet who has just died. It has no idea what that loss actually feels like. It can’t sense the moment to stay quiet and simply hold a paw steady, or know when a family needs comfort rather than conversation.
Just recently, a client came to me because a framed cast had fallen off the wall and cracked. She needed it fixed properly, by hand, by someone who understood the material and cared about getting it right. AI can generate an image of a repair. It can’t actually mend a broken keepsake, and it certainly can’t reassure someone upset about a memory they thought they’d lost.
I’m not convinced it ever will. Perhaps this is one of those professions where human presence will simply always matter.
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A Question Worth Asking
It’s made me wonder whether we’ve spent so much time asking what AI can do. Maybe we’ve stopped asking what people will always want another person to do.
After more than 22 years in this profession, I don’t think families come to me simply because I can make a cast. They come because they want someone they trust, someone who can capture a moment that will never happen again.
Perhaps that’s the lesson. Technology will keep changing how we work. But I suspect there will always be room for careers built on craftsmanship, empathy and human connection.
If you’ve been thinking about learning a practical skill, maybe the real question isn’t whether AI can replace it. Maybe it’s whether people will always value it.
If that’s something you’ve been wondering about, I’d be happy to chat about my own experience. No pressure, just an honest conversation.
How AI Supports, But Doesn’t Replace, Keepsake Creation
While AI may seem like the future of everything, there’s still a significant role for human creativity in the keepsake business. AI can assist in automating certain aspects, such as processing orders or managing inventory. However, the true essence of keepsake creation lies in the artistry and emotion behind each piece, which cannot be replaced by a machine.
AI can certainly aid in the design process, using algorithms to suggest styles, colours, or layouts based on trends. But it is the skill and intuition of the artist that brings these designs to life, making each keepsake truly unique. In a world where authenticity is highly valued, this human touch is what sets keepsake businesses apart.
None so true as this sculpture created by me—a mother holding the hands of her son who passed away far too soon. This piece is a powerful example of the emotional connection only a handcrafted keepsake can deliver.
The Demand for Personalisation in Keepsakes
In a world where products are mass-produced and often feel impersonal, there’s a growing demand for individuality and personalisation. People want to feel seen, heard, and appreciated – and keepsakes are a beautiful way to reflect that. Whether it’s a personalised 3D cast of a baby’s hand, a silver necklace with a unique engraving, or a belly bump casting, keepsakes offer a level of personal touch that AI can’t replicate.
As more consumers seek ways to connect with memories and loved ones meaningfully, the keepsake industry is poised for continued growth. A recent Deloitte survey found that 60% of people are willing to pay more for personalised products. This trend aligns perfectly with the values of keepsake businesses, which provide deeply personal and customised products.
Why Training with Precious Memories is the Best Choice
My training courses take three days to master everything, including baby and family casting techniques. This is an ideal timeframe to gain confidence and skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Discover more about my expert 3D casting training courses to master baby and family keepsake techniques.
Whether you want to start your own business or expand your creative skills, my personalised approach will support you every step of the way.
Contact me to learn more:
Email: info@precious-memories.co.uk
Phone: 07738 165146
This is why 3D castings thrive in the age of AI—because nothing replaces the human touch and the emotional connection that keepsakes provide.