How Designers Use AI To Streamline Creative Workflows

By now, it's no secret that AI technology is everywhere. People are using artificial intelligence to help with all manner of tasks, from meal planning to running their online businesses. And for professional creatives, AI design tools have made a huge impact on their niche.

When we talk about artificial intelligence in design, we're referring to using algorithms, models, and tools to help automate steps in the design process. These tools are AI-powered assists, not replacements for human work. They're changing how we brainstorm, edit, and finalize creative projects.

As someone who works in design, I've been curious about how AI tools could streamline graphic design work. So, in this guide, I'll review how designers are using AI for their creative workflows and share my own experiences. Let's break down exactly where these tools help and how you can start applying them to your own creative process.

Areas where AI supports the design workflow

AI now plays an integral role across the entire design life cycle. It reduces time spent on tedious, repetitive tasks and enables faster iteration. AI is expected to save professionals 12 hours per week by 2029. Here's a closer look at the most common areas where AI helps streamline the design workflow.

Ideation and brainstorming

I've found that when I'm stuck on a concept or need visual inspiration, AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Midjourney can help spark ideas. Sometimes the brainstorming process can really drag its feet, but I don't want the work done for me — I just need a boost.

AI supplements human creativity; it doesn't replace it. It can help surface examples, remix datasets, and create visual jumping-off points to run with. It's not inventing something new; that's for the human designer to do. It's simply a way to fast-track planning and inspiration.

Here's how I use AI models for ideation:

• ChatGPT can outline ideas. Need to generate a quick concept list or put a creative brief together? ChatGPT can organize text prompts into actionable items.
• DALL·E can inspire visuals. Build a mood board or some sample aesthetics based on written descriptions.
• Midjourney can flesh out concepts. When working on high-concept visuals, use the platform to guide direction and inspire flow.

Image generation and editing

Here's a theoretical scenario: Say you need to create a custom header image for a client deck. This usually takes an hour working in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Instead, you fire up Adobe Firefly and have that high-quality visual ready in 10 minutes.

AI tools can be a huge help when it comes to asset creation and refinement. Whether using an AI image generator or enhancing existing photos, there are many ways professionals are making use of AI. In my work, I've used:

• Adobe Firefly. Polish your visuals to perfection with generative fill, text-to-image, and style transfer.
• DALL·E. Another honorable mention, DALL·E is great when you need to generate quick concept art or iterations of scenes or characters.
• Canva. This free-to-use, user-friendly design tool offers templates, Magic Write, and text-to-image features to speed up everyday design work.

Automating layout, typography, and style consistency

If you work in digital design, think about how many hours you've spent manually adjusting color palettes and tweaking typography. A long time, right? This is another area where AI assistance can streamline the whole process.

Here's how I use AI to help perfect visual consistency:

• Layout suggestions. AI can suggest balanced spacing and visual hierarchy in real time, saving you brain power.
• Color palette generation. Let AI do the work of matching color palettes based on uploaded images, brand guidelines, or prompts.
• Typography matching. AI tools can auto-select fonts that pair well with or match brand guidelines.
• Template creation. Save time with smart templates that allow for quick resizing and repurposing.

The best part about design work is the actual designing. These tools automate routine decisions and busywork, leaving you with more time to spend on the fun part: actually creating.

Top 3 AI design tools (and how professionals use them)

After dabbling in dozens of different AI platforms, I've landed on my top picks for designers looking to integrate AI into their workflows. These tools are standouts for their capabilities, ease of use, and practicality.

1. Adobe Firefly

Adobe Creative Cloud has been my go-to creative software for decades, dating back to when it was still (the now defunct) Adobe Creative Suite. But instead of the process of designers meticulously editing and enhancing images by hand, Adobe Firefly has entered the arena. 

This tool has completely changed my workflows in Photoshop and Illustrator. Firefly offers high-quality, AI-powered features that are native to the Adobe ecosystem, seamlessly integrating with the other apps. With this tool, I can instantly create, edit, or improve images, videos, vector graphics, and more.

• Key features. Generative fill, brand consistency tools, and text-to-image capabilities.
• Pricing. Included in Adobe Creative Cloud Pro; pricing starts at $69.99 per month (annual billing). You can instead purchase it as a standalone add-on for $9.99 per month.
• Workflow use. Ideal for asset refinement and brand-aligned content creation.
• Best for. Pro designers already using Adobe's suite who want to enhance speed and quality.

2. Midjourney

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Midjourney is where I turn when I need to create a high-concept visual quickly. Concepting, storyboarding, and visualization are all early-stage design tasks that can take up a ton of time. When you're able to automate some of the process, you can get to work faster and satisfy those clients with quick turnaround requirements.

This tool's text prompt flexibility and impressive visual range make it a favorite for ideation. Midjourney can also help you keep a client's brand and marketing guidelines at the forefront, which is one less thing to have to remember.

• Key features. Stylized rendering, prompt-based customization, and community support.
• Pricing. Starts at $10 per month or $96 per year.
• Workflow use. Great for early-phase ideation and prototype visuals.
• Best for. Designers who want standout visuals or bold options to show clients.

3. Canva with AI features

If you're a beginner or a small business owner wearing multiple hats, give Canva a try. Canva is a comprehensive online design platform that offers everyone the tools needed to make beautiful, professional-quality assets, even if you don't have any professional design skills.

The platform offers templates, stock images, and design elements in addition to a suite of "Magic" AI features. Magic Write can help you brainstorm or draft content for social posts, captions, or blogs, while Magic Design can instantly create design drafts based on your content (like, for example, turning text into a presentation). 

• Key features. Magic Write, Magic Design, text-to-image, and branded templates.
• Pricing. Free tier available; Pro plan starts at $15 per month or $120 per year.
• Workflow use. Perfect for social media, presentations, and branded content.
• Best for. Beginners, marketers, and remote teams who need simple, user-friendly tools.

What AI really does (and doesn't do) in the design process

A word of caution: It's very easy to overestimate what AI-powered tools can do.  While you may be tempted to have AI handle everything, it's not the best call. You have to know the limits. Based on my experience, here's the reality:

• AI helps streamline the process. It speeds up repetitive tasks and accelerates early-stage ideation. It can optimize the parts of the creative process that feel tedious, like brainstorming or brief writing.
• AI doesn't replace creativity. Design decisions require human judgment, taste, intuition, and an understanding of context. A fully AI-generated design is likely to miss the mark on several, if not all, of these fronts.

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Hiring AI-savvy design professionals on Upwork

If you're an AI-savvy designer, there are thousands of freelance graphic design jobs to browse on Upwork. Today's clients are looking for efficiency in addition to expert design, and having expertise in these AI tools may be the ticket to landing your next gig. 

Looking to hire a graphic designer instead? These highly skilled professionals deliver strong outcomes, whether you're working with a distributed team or managing a single remote project. Browse a pool of top talent and take your design needs to the next level.

FAQ about how to use AI for design

When I first started learning how to use AI for design, I had questions. You may be in the same boat. Let's take a stab at answering the big ones.

How can I start using AI design tools in a side hustle?

If you're just beginning to work with AI tools, they can be a great way to test the waters of a graphic design side hustle. Platforms like Canva, Adobe Firefly, and Midjourney are user-friendly and widely used by professionals. You can build a portfolio by experimenting with these tools and offering quick-turnaround design services, like social media graphics or pitch deck visuals.

Can I use AI to create a design?

Yes, but remember that AI helps rather than fully creates. I often use tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly to speed up the brainstorming process, generate those initial rough layouts, and then refine visual elements. 

Can ChatGPT do graphic design?

Not directly. ChatGPT can't produce visuals on its own, but I use it to draft creative briefs, brainstorm ideas, or even help structure HTML/CSS mockups. When you pair it with a tool like Midjourney, it can become part of a complete design process.

Do professional designers use AI?

Yes. Many professional AI designers on Upwork use these tools to streamline their process, iterate faster, and deliver a better final product. The key is finding the right AI tool to support each step of your workflow, whether you're a freelance or in-house designer.

Are AI design tools free to use?

Some are. Canva offers a pretty robust free tier, though it has its limitations. Free versions work well for casual use, but for advanced features and better quality, professional plans are often worth the price. Adobe Firefly and Midjourney both require a paid plan. 

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

Prices are current at the time of writing and may change over time based on each service's offerings.