Pros and Cons of Using AI in Graphic Design

The two words that are being thrown around the business world more so than any other right now are artificial intelligence. Many, many years ago, this is a term that you probably would’ve heard being predominantly used in science-fiction movies. Nowadays, however, the game has changed, and the advancements in AI mean that it’s one of the most topical subjects in the tech world and beyond.

There are plenty of things we have yet to learn about AI in a long-term sense, but the early signs are both intriguing and a little bit scary when you consider the possible repercussions. Of course, we can’t make a statement like that without going into further detail, which is what we’re here to do today.

We want to run through a handful of positives and negatives when it comes to the influence of AI, especially within the context of graphic design. It’s a complex question, and we don’t expect to sway you in one direction or the other, but it’s certainly important to have some kind of balance.

With that being said, let’s dive into it.

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The rise of artificial intelligence

In a general sense, there’s a lot of excitement in the air when it comes to the rise of artificial intelligence across multiple industries. The popular opinion is that it could completely revolutionise the way in which we create, the way in which we think, and how much success we can find in a hundred and one different fields.

From diagnosing medical patients to preventing attacks, we’re talking about a high level that AI is aiming to operate. For those reading this, though, you’re probably more interested in something at a slightly lower scale, which is graphic design. We’re so used to seeing incredible pieces of work come from these artists, but in recent times, AI has had a thing or two to say about it.

From AI-generated images of celebrities in strange scenarios to apps that can completely transform your appearance, AI is able to churn out content like it’s going out of fashion.

Some of it is good, some of it is bad, and there’s a whole lot to dissect in the midst of it all.

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The pros of AI in graphic design

Improving speed and efficiency

The need for speed is evident in all different kinds of industries in the modern age. We live in a society where the average attention span seems to have gone downhill pretty rapidly, and we’re confident in saying that social media is a big reason for that. At the same time, that tends to be where a lot of graphic design work gets distributed.

Still, whether it be on X/Instagram or not, the bottom line is that AI graphic design work can be churned out at a quicker rate than a lot of designers can handle. If you find yourself needing some content, and you need it done in a way that fits a certain deadline, you can easily get away with using AI, and you’ll wind up with a really solid design.

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Next-level designs

The scary thing about this entry is that we’re only really at surface level when it comes to just how expansive this could become. In graphic design, the aim of the game is to create something that works for a client or a particular project. So, then, why not think outside the box in a way that’ll help you create a unique piece of work that’s never been seen before?

Simply put: some AI systems are just more capable of doing so than others. It can depend on your budget, but there are illustrations out there that are so visually stunning that it can really take your breath away. It’s not realistic to think this will happen with every single design that is produced, but if you do your research, you could end up with something special.

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Brainstorming and mood boarding

Sometimes, before you get started on a big project, the best thing you can do is sit down and plan it out. There are various different routes you can travel down when it comes to how exactly you want to do so, but we tend to believe that there are a couple of ideas that reign supreme - such as brainstorming and mood boarding.

While it may come as a surprise to some, this is a department in which AI in graphic design can thrive. It doesn’t have to have pinpoint accuracy, it doesn’t take a lot of time to develop, and it can give you a much clearer picture of what it is you are trying to achieve. We all want ideas to spark up out of nowhere, and these methods certainly help take you down that path. Need help with concept creation and moodboarding? Then check this out.

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The cons of AI in graphic design

Still young

When we think of AI, we often think about the future, whether it be the kind of future we aspire to have ourselves or the one that we want to see for humanity as a whole. Sure, it’s been discussed for decades, but only in the last few years have we really been able to see it jump into the mainstream - which is probably why we’re so frequently reminded of just how young it is.

In more ways than one, AI is in its infancy. Because of that, we can’t fully rely on it in a way that can make us feel totally comfortable about the direction of travel. Yes, there are obviously going to be examples of it working out quite well, but it’s a much better idea to embed it slowly and wait to see what further progress is made in the next 5-10 years.

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Needing a human touch

It seems like an obvious point, and that’s perhaps because it is, but a lot of people are going to lose their jobs if AI takes over in the way we anticipate. In an economy that seems to be struggling more than it is thriving, the idea of a non-living entity taking jobs away from hard-working people seems quite unfair. In fact, it makes some actively resentful towards artificial intelligence.

The fact of the matter is that there are some niches which require a human touch that AI simply does not possess. Whether it be adding intricate and personal details or simply removing backgrounds, there are so many things to think about in this industry that rise above a founder’s desire to cut back on spending by sacking his entire design team.

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Generic

In the realm of design work, you need to have some real finesse in the finished product in order to make a piece pop. That may not always be the case if the client is looking for something a bit simpler, but it certainly helps. What you do not need are consistently generic pieces that, even in their simplicity, are prone to really frustrating mistakes.

If you take a look at a lot of AI pieces really closely, you’ll begin to notice that a few things are just a little bit off. It sounds a bit cheesy to say there isn’t any heart in the work, so we’ll instead say that it often just isn’t refined enough. That’s because, for the most part, the technology isn’t always there to do it, which is why many view it as subpar.

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Need help with creating the perfect graphic design? Contact us!

We can understand if you’re finding all of this a little bit daunting. After all, there are so many horror stories out there about artificial intelligence and what the existence of it will actually mean for us all in the years to come. However, we’re hoping that our insights here have helped to provide you with a quick look at what we can expect as we enter what appears to be a brand-new era for the industry.

Here at Hatchly, we have our own way of operating, and it’s called unlimited graphic design. We have the kind of model and platform that helps you with any design requirements you have, and we do it at a favourable rate with a team of dedicated professionals — all human!

Our aim is to take as much stress off of your shoulders as we possibly can, and if that sounds like something you want for your business, then feel free to get in touch!