Graphic Designers

Graphic design already uses a lot of computer help. For example, new AI tools (like the image feature in ChatGPT-4o) can automatically generate detailed pictures from a text description ^[1]. In one survey, 86% of creative professionals said they use AI to help with tasks like editing media or creating assets ^[2].

In practice, AI can do routine tasks (like filling in colors or laying out a simple chart) quickly, but the output often has odd mistakes (wrong shadows or weird details) ^[2]. That means real designers still check and fix AI results. Experts point out that while AI can speed up technical work, it is much worse at true creativity.

A recent report found that companies see AI as good at routine design tasks but still gave humans a “very low” or “low” score on creative thinking ^{[3] [4]}. In short, many simple graphic-design tasks are already being automated by AI, but big-picture creative decisions (choosing fonts, coming up with new ideas, refining the style) usually still need a human artist.

Graphic designers are generally trying out AI tools because they’re cheap and easy to use. Many popular programs (like Canva or Photoshop) now include built-in AI helpers, so even individual designers can use them right away. In fact, freelancers who know how to use AI often earn more money – one report found AI-skilled freelancers make about 40% higher hourly rates ^[5].

Companies like having faster workflows, and workers like having new tools. On the flip side, adoption isn’t instant everywhere. Clients often still want unique, human-made designs, and some worry about issues like who owns an image made entirely by AI ^[6].

Because of this, businesses tend to treat AI as a helper, not a replacement. They are also investing in training so designers can work alongside AI ^{[2] [7]}. Overall, most experts see AI as a way to boost designers’ productivity – it handles repetitive parts, letting people focus on the creative and strategic side of design ^{[2] [7]}.