How can designers use AI?

AI might ultimately end up using us for evil doings, but let’s forget about that for now. Instead, let’s answer this: how can designers use AI right now?

I mean it is getting pretty wild, isn’t it? If the scaremongers are to be believed, every white-collar job will be obsolete soon. Meticulously taken care of by those cold, hard robot brains while we fester in our energy pods. Well, dystopian fan fiction aside, today is 2025, and we still live in the hope that creatives and our robot counterparts can live harmoniously.

Here’s why…

Let’s be so for real right now, even the most creative minds can hit a wall. Delivering box-fresh originally, and innovation is hard AF. Especially if you work with multiple brands, all with different needs, budgets and audience types.

The thing about creativity is that (*condescending tone alert*) it’s a heavy crown to wear guys – and you can’t always switch it up on demand. There’s fresh inspo to find, admin jobs to (yawn) tick off – and don’t forget the never-ending stream of could-have-been-an-email meetings. Every designer has encountered those moments, and when they do, the work starts to feel… well, a bit too much like work. And what creative worth their salt wants that?

Now, before you start checking out and let a robot replace your brain, leaving you unburdened from responsibility. Think again, dummy. AI is a tool. It’s to aid and support your talent. The moment you believe it can do what you do better than you can, then we’re all frickin’ doomed. So, don’t be lazy and keep it together, friend – OK?

Look we KNOW, AI tools are already transforming the design world, making it easier for people to create imagery, animation and art. But, it is only as good as the hand that fuels it, so make sure that hand is yours. Nurture it, and work with it. Let it give you more room to innovate, improve your workflows, and dare we say it – have more fun in the process – but don’t you ever, EVER, let it dull your shine baby.

Ok, let’s dive in to the need to knows…

You know the drill, spending hours upon hours resizing images, tweaking finished designs for different formats, or repeating the same tasks over and over again. This isn’t where your value is at. This isn’t blue sky thinking you’re paid for. This is admin. But, it still needs doing and not everyone can do it. AI tools can help automate many of these time-consuming tasks, freeing up your time for the real work.

Example: AI-powered design tools like Canva or Adobe Sensei use machine learning to automate repetitive tasks like cropping images, aligning text, or even adjusting colours for brand consistency. That means instead of spending time on standardising the finishing touches, you can focus on creating that WOW factor.

Often, getting started can be the biggest barrier to hitting that “I AM A GENIUS’ moment. No one wants to go through the embarrassment of the first draft or sketch out that idea that gives you the major ick. We get it. But this is another arena AI can help in. Many AI tools are designed to help kick-start your creative process. It might even help light the way for a path you hadn’t quite mapped out yet. From colour combos and typography suggestions to logo variations and layout concepts, AI can act as a virtual brainstorming partner – and one who won’t laugh at your first bad idea.

Example: Tools like Designhill’s AI Logo Maker can help you generate logo variations based on your input. It’s a good alternative when you need to see some options before settling on a final design.

If there’s one thing that makes a design stand out, it’s getting personal honey. However, when you’re dealing with an advert or asset that’s going out to multiple verticals and audiences, tweaking a design for every individual persona or sector is no easy – or enjoyable – task, especially when you’re working with large datasets. This is where AI can help you deliver great designs, at scale.

Example: AI tools can analyse customer data to generate targeted designs that appeal to specific demographics. For instance, you can use AI-powered platforms like The Grid to create website designs that adapt in real-time to user behaviour.

When it comes to design, user experience is EVERYTHING. Whether you’re creating a website, an app, or a marketing campaign, the user’s journey must be seamless, darling. AI tools can help analyse user behaviour and predict needs, giving you the design brief of dreams before you even put mouse to Illustrator. This makes it easier (and quicker) for you to make the right choices that make that UX POP!

Example: AI-powered platforms like Hotjar and Crazy Egg offer heatmaps, session recordings, and analytics that can help designers understand how users interact with their designs. This valuable feedback allows you to make data-driven design decisions and optimize your designs for maximum user engagement.

Look no one, and we mean NO ONE, does animation and motion design better than the Pisatchio Motion Lab – and that’s just FACTS. In fact, check out a lil campaign here. However, AI is indeed making it easier to give those who know how the power to get the job done quicker, and slicker than ever before. Whether you’re working on motion graphics, explainer videos, or visual effects, AI can help streamline the animation process and add that extra touch of magic.

Example: Tools like the Adobe Character Animator use AI to automate character rigging, facial animation, and even motion tracking, saving time and ensuring your animations are smooth and lifelike.

So, what does this all mean? AI isn’t here to steal your job or replace your creativity – if you don’t let it. Instead, use it, don’t lose it baby! Let it help make your work more efficient and open up new creative possibilities. With AI by your side, you’ll be able to focus on the parts of design you love — creating memorable, meaningful work that resonates with your audience.

And guess what, we’re so into keeping ahead of things, we’ve dedicated an entire episode of our Nuts About Design podcast to it. Listen to Episode 3 for insights on AI’s role in the design world, and how it’s changing the creative game for designers everywhere. You might just be inspired to try a new AI tool for your next project.

The key takeaway here is that AI in design is not about replacing human talent; it’s about making your work smarter, faster, and more creative. As designers, we’re always looking for new ways to push boundaries, and AI is one of the most exciting tools we have to help us do just that.

So, embrace the future, experiment with AI tools, and get ready to see where this new wave of creativity can take you.

And, if you need some creative support – you know where we are…