By David Dunn | How to Leverage AI for Efficiency
Creativity and efficiency might sound like opposites, but in today’s design world, AI brings them together in amazing ways. If you’re a designer who still spends half your day tweaking layouts or finding stock images, this one’s for you.
By late August 2023, tools for automating creative work had exploded in popularity, and they’re only getting better.
3 Ways AI Can Help You Automate without Losing Your Soul
1. Auto-Generating Content with Adobe Firefly
Adobe’s Firefly project uses generative AI to create design elements from text prompts: “Sunset background with watercolor texture” turns into usable assets instantly.
2. AI-Assisted Layouts in Canva and Figma
Canva’s “Magic Resize” feature and Figma’s layout plugins automatically adjust your designs across devices and formats. It’s like cloning yourself ... but cheaper.
3. Task Automation with Zapier + ChatGPT
Create workflows where new client inquiries automatically generate project briefs or proposals using GPT-based plugins. Save hours without losing personalization.
But What About the Human Touch?
Automation isn’t about removing the human; it’s about removing the boring. The hours you save are hours you can spend on brainstorming, storytelling, and branding—the magic stuff. Just like Fast Company reported earlier this year, automation is becoming a secret weapon for creative professionals. Those who embrace it early will leap ahead.