Will AI Replace Graphic Designers: This Is Why Not

As a design company we’ve been among the first ones to wonder if AI will replace graphic designers. 

Artificial intelligence, especially AI for graphic design, is still developing. However, there’s no question about it: AI is here to stay.

But can AI replace human designers? Let’s dive right into it.

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Why AI can’t replace graphic designers

There’s no shortage of fantastic AI image generators out there. With some clever prompts, you can create just about anything - from a logo to illustrations, even photorealistic images.

But there are simply some things AI cannot do.

Creativity and original thinking

AI assisted design tools create by learning. So, while they are able to repackage and combine different iterations, the end result will never be something completely original and cutting edge. 

For example, it’s common that AI struggles with creating images of people that are not conventionally beautiful. The reason for this is that most images of people on the internet (celebrities, models) are conventionally pretty. 

Cultural awareness and nuance

Whether you sell your product or services internationally or simply to different groups of people in the same country - a little bit of cultural nuance goes a long way.

AI-powered tools often lack cultural considerations, and sometimes create visuals that don’t resonate with a particular target audience, or can even be perceived as offensive. Human designers always create with a very specific target audience in mind, and create designs that won’t just communicate the message, but also delight them. 

Here’s a great example. KFC, a well-known global brand, launched its collaboration with Karabo Poppy, a popular illustrator in South Africa. The campaign encouraged customers to share pictures of the bucket on social media with the hashtag #madeforsharing. 

On the other hand, fried chicken is traditionally eaten for Christmas in Japan. So, the brand really doubles down on the holiday messaging and custom seasonal packaging in this part of the world. 

Human emotion and storytelling

Another type of creative professional that’s worried about the rise of AI are writers. However, as good as it is with complaining information, good storytelling and emotional impact are a different playing field.

The same applies in graphic design. For example, an AI generated ad could easily portray a happy family having a meal together. Or even a hurt person in distress.

But take a look at this stellar example from WWF. With almost no ad copy, the ad perfectly captures the urgency of protecting endangered species that are “disintegrating” in front of our eyes. 

Strategic and business insight

AI can be a great choice for a quick visual, e.g. a seasonal social media post or a last-minute web banner. But none of these will deliver the same impact as custom designs built with your brand identity in mind. 

Design isn’t just a means of communication with your target audience - it’s an investment in the future of your brand. Whether it’s a new, user-friendly website, digital ads, or perhaps a new logo, these visual assets can move your brand forward and help you reach specific goals (brand positioning, sales, social media expansion, etc.).

How AI can help graphic designers

In short: there’s no way AI can fully replace the touch of a human graphic designer. However, in order to stay competitive, graphic designers must embrace AI technology. 

Here are some of the ways AI can help people in the design industry. 

Idea generation

Sometimes the most difficult part is getting started. Creative blocks are a common issue with all creative professionals. Instead of scouring design websites, talking long walks in nature or listening to music (although all of these can be helpful), AI can provide ideas for a specific project.

This can help shorten the graphic design process, and help designers get to work faster. Moreover, it can also be a good way for design clients to give better brief by generating visual  ideas that will point designers into the right direction.

Greater productivity

Design work includes many repetitive or menial tasks, such as changing the color, removing backgrounds, adding a different image to the same design, etc.

Although there’s room for improvement in this department, AI is a great time-saving asset for these types of tasks. Instead of wasting your time creating multiple variations of an ad, you can create one and let AI take care of the rest. This leaves more time for your creative process and doing what humans do best - generating original ideas and solutions. 

Expanding creative possibilities

There are many types of graphic design out there, and no single designer is good at all of them. AI gives you quick access to specific skills you might not possess, which again can make the design process shorter and cheaper. 

For example, a skilled UX designer might not be the best at creating custom illustrations or typography. However, these can all be vital elements of a website or digital product. With AI they can easily create all the assets they need, and use their expertise to ensure user-friendliness and a functional product. 

If you have a creative team, this allows you to expand your offer and tap into different markets.

Personalization at scale

We’ve already mentioned that AI struggles with cultural context and nuances. Nevertheless, if prompted right, AI technology can help you double down on personalized messages (e.g. custom email banners or ads).

By using AI to change simple visual elements, such as a name, product shot, or color, you can create unique assets that will help you boost conversions. 

Faster prototyping

Although it’s not always applicable, prototypes and mockups are really important with some types of design. With the finished design, AI design software can create high-quality mockups in seconds.

If you’re working with clients, these assets will show your professionals and help clients visualise the finished product in real life. 

Conclusion

We hope this sheds some light on the future of graphic design and AI. Although there’s no way you can replace human creativity and sensitivity, the impact of AI on creative industries is enormous and cannot be overlooked.

Integrating AI into the design process will result in a more efficient workflow and cost savings. On the other hand, using AI exclusively for your design needs will result in generic, low quality visuals that don’t fit your brand. 

At ManyPIxels we know the importance of this fine balance. Our vetted design pros are always in tune with the latest design trends, including developments in AI. However, they have been battle-tested way before AI was this widespread, and possess real design skill and professional grit.

Want to work with us? Get started with monthly design subscriptions as low as $599. Get all your design needs under one roof, with unlimited requests and revisions.

Care to learn more? Book a time that suits you and we’d be happy to help.