AI tools are changing how creative professionals work. Here's what you need to know:
Types of AI tools for creatives:
Tool TypeWhat It DoesExamplesImage Creation/EditingMake and change picturesAdobe Firefly, MidjourneyVideo Making/EditingCreate and edit videosLumen5, WibbitzGraphic DesignMake layouts and designsAdobe XD, FigmaWritingGenerate text contentWordLift, AI Writer3D Design/AnimationCreate 3D models and animationsBlender, Autodesk Maya
To choose the right AI tool:
The future of AI in creative work:
AI and machine learning are key parts of modern tech. Here's what they mean:
TermDefinitionAIMachines doing tasks that usually need human smartsMachine LearningComputers learning from data without being told exactly what to do
In creative work, AI and ML help with:
For example, AI tools can help make many design options or suggest what users might like.
AI has changed how people in creative jobs work. It helps them:
AI has made new jobs too, like people who train AI or look at data. But some worry it might take away jobs or mean people need to learn new skills.
AI tools have many good points for creative work:
AdvantageHow it HelpsFaster workAI does simple jobs quicklyFewer mistakesAI can look at lots of info without getting tiredMore ideasAI can suggest new ways to do thingsSave moneyAI can do some jobs that people used to do
These tools help creative people focus on the big ideas and do better work.
AI tools have changed how people in creative jobs work. These tools help make work faster and better. Let's look at the different kinds of AI tools for creative work.
AI image tools help make and change pictures easily.
These tools use AI to make and edit images quickly. They're useful for design, photos, and digital art.
ToolWhat it doesAdobe FireflyMakes images from textMidjourneyCreates nice-looking picturesDeep Dream GeneratorMakes strange, dream-like images
AI helps make and edit videos more easily.
These tools use AI to look at videos and make new content.
ToolWhat it doesLumen5Makes videos from textWibbitzCreates short videosRaw ShortsMakes explainer videos
AI helps make designs faster and easier.
These tools use AI to make new designs and layouts.
ToolWhat it doesAdobe XDMakes design layoutsFigmaCreates design partsSketchHelps make design layouts
AI tools can work with the software designers already use.
AI helps write and make content more quickly.
These tools use AI to write and suggest content.
ToolWhat it doesWordLiftSuggests content ideasContent BlossomMakes high-quality contentAI WriterWrites content from scratch
AI helps make 3D models and animations easier.
These tools use AI to make and change 3D models.
ToolWhat it doesBlenderMakes 3D modelsAutodesk MayaCreates 3D animationsSketchUpHelps design 3D models
Picking the right AI tools for creative work is important. Here's how to choose the best ones for you.
When checking out AI tools, think about these things:
FactorWhat it MeansWhat it doesDoes it do the jobs you need?Easy to useCan you learn it quickly?Works with other toolsDoes it fit with what you already use?PriceCan you afford it?Help availableIs there good support if you need it?
To make choosing easier, use a table to compare different tools.
ToolWhat it DoesEasy to Use?Works WithPriceHelpAdobe FireflyMakes imagesOKAdobe toolsMonthly feeLots of helpMidjourneyMakes imagesEasyBy itselfFree try, then payOnline helpDeep Dream GeneratorMakes imagesOKBy itselfFreeSome online help
The price of AI tools can be different. Some are free, some you pay for once, and some you pay for every month. Think about how much you'll use the tool and if it's worth the money.
Cost TypeWhat It MeansFreeNo cost to useOne-time feePay once and use foreverMonthly feePay each month to keep usingPay-per-usePay only when you use it
Pick a tool that fits your budget and how often you'll use it.
Here are some tips to help you start using AI tools in your work:
TipDescriptionBegin smallStart with simple tasks or use AI for new ideasTry different toolsTest various AI tools to find what works best for youWork with AIUse AI as a helper in your work, not a replacement
To get the most from AI tools, combine them with your own thinking:
MethodHow to Do ItGet ideas from AIUse AI to make many ideas, then pick the best onesAdd your own touchUse your judgment to make AI-made content betterKeep improvingKeep working on AI-made content until it's just right
AI tools are helpful, but they have limits. Here's how to handle them:
ChallengeSolutionKnow what AI can doLearn the good and bad points of each AI toolWork within limitsPlan your work around what the AI tools can do wellCheck the workAlways look over and fix AI-made content yourself
AI tools for creative work keep getting better. Soon, we'll see:
AreaExpected ImprovementsDeep learningAI that learns more like humansHuman-AI teamworkBetter ways for people and AI to work togetherPersonal touchAI that fits each user's needs better
These new tools will help change how creative people work.
As AI tools do more, some worry about jobs. But AI will likely:
ImpactDescriptionDo simple tasksFree up time for more complex workCreate new jobsNew roles working with AIShift focusMove to tasks that need human thinking
To keep up, creative workers should learn to use AI well.
To work well with more AI in creative jobs:
ActionWhy It HelpsLearn new skillsBe ready for changes in your workStay up-to-dateKnow about new AI toolsPractice problem-solvingDo tasks AI can't do well
In this guide, we've looked at:
We also talked about:
AI keeps changing, so it's good to:
ActionWhy It's GoodLearn about new toolsStay up-to-dateJoin online talksHear from expertsGo to eventsMeet other people who use AI
Start using AI tools in your work:
StepWhat to DoStart smallUse AI for easy jobs firstTry different toolsSee which ones you like bestMix AI and your ideasUse AI to help, not replace your thinking
Remember, AI is here to help you do better work, not to do your job for you. By using AI, you can:
Here's a list of some good AI tools for creative design:
ToolWhat it doesJasper.aiMakes new images and logosDALL-E 3Creates images from textCanvaHelps with design and photo editingKhromaSuggests layouts and colorsAdobe FireflyMakes custom images and art files
When picking an AI tool for design: