Creative play with AI tools

Since attending DesignThinkers 2023 in November, I’ve been super inspired to play around with various AI tools without the worry of creating something “perfect”.

The idea of AI in design has always been overwhelming to me, because I never knew where to start. What should I use. How do I create prompts. I’d need a great creative idea to want to execute. It would have to be a really cool visual.

Then I decided to just start, and see what I could do - no expectations.

One of the first things I learned to do was just create. I had no idea how to write a good prompt, so I just thought of cool visuals I wanted to make and try typing things to make it a reality.

I found that creating a colour palette I loved was a good place for me to start.

Then it was easier to type in the specifics of the visuals, play around with different styles and build out a real composition.

The first online tool I started using was Ideogram AI.

Some tools are better at some things than others, and I found that Ideogram was great for creating the psychedelic style that I loved with a 3D rendered visual.

I’d play by adding an object to the rainbow pastel colour palette I was working within, and then adding some background details to the composition of the piece.

This is one of my favourite creations from the platform.

Another tool I’ve fallen in love with is Adobe Firefly.

I’ve found that Firefly is spectacular when it comes to creating a detailed image. I’ve also found that the intricate layered paper style I love comes out really well on this platform.

Once again, working within my rainbow pastel colour palette, I wanted to see what Firefly could really do.

This composition of a rainbow-haired woman whose hair turns into a moon with stars in the background, is one that always stands out to me in my now-growing AI creative portfolio.

I love the amount of intricate detail and whimsical energy of this piece.

Once I decided to start using AI and just play with it, just create, I’ve really started to learn how to write a good prompt, how to dream up a visual and have the AI execute it.

And I’ve learned to appreciate creating for the sake of creating, and appreciate having fun.