“The playing field is poised to become a lot more competitive, and businesses that don’t deploy AI and data to help them innovate in everything they do will be at a disadvantage.” – Paul Daugherty
“The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race….It would take off on its own, and re-design itself at an ever increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete, and would be superseded..” - Stephen Hawking

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in graphic design has sparked conversations about its potential to revolutionize the field. But will AI truly take over this creative realm?

To understand this, let's explore what AI is and how it functions, exploring its applications within renowned design platforms like Canva and Photoshop.

AI operates on algorithms, mimicking human cognitive functions to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions. In design tools such as Canva, AI streamlines the creative process by suggesting layouts, color schemes, and even generating design elements. Similarly, in Photoshop, AI functionalities assist in tasks like object selection, content-aware fill, and automatic enhancements through its neural filters.

The allure of AI in graphic design lies in its ability to create anything in any style seemingly. It can synthesize diverse design elements, craft visually stunning compositions, and even generate artwork autonomously—but there's a catch. The effectiveness of AI in design hinges on the prompts it receives. It's a tool that responds to instructions and input, and the quality of output relies heavily on the specificity and relevance of the query.

Professional graphic designers bring more than technical skills to the table. Their experience, creativity, and deep understanding of design principles allow them to infuse soul and emotion into their work. They navigate the nuances of client needs, aligning their designs with brand identities and storytelling elements that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. AI, while a powerful assistant, lacks this intrinsic understanding and emotional connection.

Consider the realm of photo retouching and complex editing—areas where professional graphic designers exhibit their expertise. While AI tools boast impressive capabilities, they may stumble when tasked with nuanced tasks that require human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. The finesse needed to delicately cut or retouch a photograph, understanding the essence behind the image, and the story it tells—these are realms where the human touch reigns supreme.

In conclusion, AI undeniably enriches the design process, offering efficiency and innovative capabilities. It's a potent tool for inspiration, streamlining routine tasks, and suggesting creative directions. As a graphic designer who grew up with computers and technology, I have witnessed the rapid evolution of these tools. While I find movies like The Matrix and Terminator fascinating, they also scare me a little. My generation understands the potential risks of technology. However, we also enjoy playing with AI, working with it, and using it as a powerful tool in our work. Recent advancements have brought AI into every field, from design to writing and medicine. It is both fascinating and worrying to think about where it will lead, but for now, I believe that AI still lacks the soul, experience, and individual touch that humans bring to their creations. Or perhaps AI wants me to think that way.