AI Use Policy

Artificial intelligence tools are part of how I work. I believe you deserve to know exactly what that means — what I use AI for, what I don't, and what commitments I make to protect your confidential information.

This policy applies to all client engagements with Calico Story House.

1. The Short Version

AI tools let me offer the kind of strategic depth and research that would otherwise require a larger team — without the overhead, and without compromising the human craft at the center of every deliverable. I use AI tools for brainstorming and research, but I do the writing. You can also rest assured that your confidential information never goes into an AI tool.

2. What I Use AI For

Research and Strategic Thinking

I use large language model tools (LLMs) to support the strategic and research work that informs client projects. This may include:

• Generating ideas for content topics, blog themes, or newsletter angles
• Developing headline options and email subject line candidates for review and refinement
• Creating buyer profiles and audience personas based on information you provide
• Suggesting interview questions for customer stories or client discovery
• General industry research and background context

In all of these cases, AI generates raw material that I evaluate, refine, and shape. It is a thinking tool, not a decision-maker.

My Own Marketing

I use AI image generation tools for visual content in my own marketing. I do not use AI image generation for client deliverables without your explicit permission.

3. What I Don't Use AI For

Client Writing Deliverables

I write. It's what I do and what I love. AI tools do not write the brand narratives, customer stories, video scripts, email sequences, newsletters, or other copy I deliver to clients.

The one exception is early ideation — I may use an LLM to generate a list of angles, headlines, or structural options before I begin writing. I consider this the equivalent of a brainstorming session, not ghostwriting.

Replacing Interviews and Discovery

I conduct client and customer interviews myself. AI tools do not substitute for the conversations that make your story yours.

Client Image Work

I do not use AI image generation tools in work I produce for you unless you specifically ask for it and we agree on how it will be used.

4. Your Confidential Information

I do not input confidential client materials into AI tools. This includes:

• Proprietary business information
• Unpublished content or internal documents
• Customer data or personally identifiable information about your customers
• Information shared in discovery calls or interviews that you would reasonably expect to remain private

When AI tools support my work on your project, I rely on information that is already public, information you have explicitly cleared for external use, or general knowledge — never on your confidential materials.

5. About the Tools I Use

I currently use a combination of large language model tools, AI image generation tools, and AI-assisted design platforms. The categories of tools I use include:

• Large language models — for research, brainstorming, ideation, and stress-testing
• AI image generation tools — for my own marketing visuals only
• AI-assisted design platforms — for visual content in my own marketing

The specific tools within each category may change as the AI landscape evolves. The commitments in this policy apply regardless of which tools I use at any given time.

6. A Note on Copyright

All written deliverables I produce for you are written by me, and copyright transfers to you upon delivery and final payment, as specified in our project agreement. Because client deliverables are not AI-generated, there is no AI copyright ambiguity in the work I hand you.

7. Questions

If you have questions about how I use AI tools or want to discuss your preferences before we begin working together, I welcome that conversation.

Calico Story House
TLOMalley@CalicoStoryHouse.com