AI in Graphic Design – A Brave New World
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its influence on various industries is undeniable. ChatGPT has been the fastest-growing app in history. In the realm of graphic design, the impact of AI, specifically Generative AI, is becoming increasingly evident.
As designers, it’s crucial to understand this new technology and leverage it to our advantage.
This blog post aims to guide you in developing AI literacy, offering insights into the generative AI tools currently available, and how to effectively utilize them in your creative process.
Understanding Generative AI: Breaking Down the Basics
At its core, Generative AI refers to algorithms that can create content from scratch. These AI models have been trained on vast datasets and can generate designs that follow popular trends, mimic particular styles, or even create something completely new. Understanding the basics of how these algorithms work can help designers better control and collaborate with these tools.
Generative AI Tools: Embracing the Future of Design
To better understand and appreciate the potential of generative AI, it’s helpful to look at the tools currently available. Here are a few examples:
- Bing Image Creator: Bing Image Creator, powered by DALL-E, is celebrated for its quick, convenient access and high-quality results, although it requires a Microsoft account and is still in the preview stage.
- DALL-E 2 by OpenAI: DALL-E 2 is recognized as the original AI image generator known for fast, accurate depictions and is not copyrighted. However, it has a confusing credits system and lacks a dedicated app.
- Dream by WOMBO: Dream by WOMBO, available as a mobile app, allows users to remix their own images in various styles but generates only one image per prompt and requires a subscription for full access.
- Craiyon: Craiyon is a completely free AI image generator providing unlimited access and simple usage but occasionally produces distorted images and may have a longer wait time.
- Midjourney: Midjourney is renowned for producing the highest-quality photos without any duds and boasts a supportive Discord community, despite its monthly cost and potentially confusing setup process.
- Adobe Photoshop (beta): Quickly create, add to, remove, or replace images right in Adobe Photoshop with simple text prompts powered by Adobe Firefly generative AI.
I’ve used most of these. My go-to is Midjourney, and then I use Photoshop for additional clean up. I talked about it a little in my post where I talked about building this site.
Bridging the Gap: From Novice to AI-literate Designer
Becoming AI-literate does not mean becoming a machine learning expert. Rather, it’s about learning to converse with AI tools effectively. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with basic AI concepts and terminologies. Many online resources and courses can help you grasp these fundamentals.
- Experiment with tools: The best way to learn is by doing. Use the AI tools mentioned above, play around with their features, and understand their strengths and limitations.
- Stay updated: AI is evolving rapidly. Staying updated with the latest advancements can help you adapt to changes and discover new tools.
- Network with AI-literate creatives: Join communities, attend webinars, and engage in discussions about AI in design. This can provide new insights and even collaboration opportunities.
Conclusion: Leveraging AI for a Bright Design Future
Developing AI literacy is not just about staying relevant. It’s about embracing a powerful tool that can augment your creativity, enhance your designs, and streamline your workflow. As we continue to explore this exciting intersection of technology and creativity, remember that AI is not here to replace you, but to work with you. So, let’s bridge the gap, step into the future of graphic design, and shape it together.
Interested in learning more about how I use AI in graphic design? Or are you worried AI may force you to change careers? Let me know how I can help.
