Creative collaboration operates in two modes. When a user knows exactly what they want, misalignment feels like resistance. Even small deviations from a pre-existing mental image can create dissonance and friction to further iteration. But when intention is uncertain, boldness and exploration are welcomed—sometimes even preferred. The intelligence of an automated creative partner lies in detecting which state the user occupies. Is the leash long, inviting experimentation, or short, signaling alignment and constraint? A true creative partner models the user’s theory of mind, mirrors their intent, and adjusts its degree of freedom accordingly.