Introduction
As a graphic designer, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my workflow and push creative boundaries. AI has completely changed the way I work, allowing me to generate ideas faster, automate repetitive tasks, and focus on what truly matters—designing. From generating high-quality images to refining typography and enhancing visuals, AI tools have become an essential part of my daily workflow.
In this article, I’ll share the AI apps I use in every project, why they’re game-changers, and how they help me deliver high-quality design solutions efficiently.
How AI Fits into My Graphic Design Workflow
When working on branding, web design, or marketing materials, AI plays a crucial role in different stages of my creative process:
✔ Brainstorming & Research – Finding inspiration and design references.
✔ Image & Asset Generation – Creating high-quality visuals.
✔ Typography & Color Selection – Finding perfect font pairings and color schemes.
✔ Editing & Enhancement – Removing backgrounds, upscaling images, and refining details.
The following AI-powered tools have become my go-to apps for optimizing each stage of my design process.
1. Pikaso by Freepik – My AI-Powered Image Generator
Whenever I need high-quality, AI-generated images, Pikaso by Freepik is my top choice. Whether I’m designing social media graphics, concept art, or marketing visuals, this tool helps me create stunning, royalty-free images based on prompts.
Why I Use It:
✔ Generates custom, high-resolution images in seconds.
✔ Allows fine-tuning of styles and compositions to match brand identity.
✔ Saves time searching for stock images—I create my own unique visuals.
💡 How I Use It: For mood boards, branding concepts, and visual storytelling in client presentations.
2. ChatGPT – My AI Assistant for Content & Ideas
AI-generated text isn’t just for writers—it’s a game-changer for designers too. I use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, refine design concepts, and generate marketing copy for my projects.
Why I Use It:
✔ Helps with concept development and creative direction.
✔ Generates website copy, social media captions, and brand messaging.
✔ Provides quick summaries of design trends and industry insights.
💡 How I Use It: For project briefs, UX writing, and crafting compelling brand narratives.
3. Perplexity – My Research & Inspiration Hub
Whenever I need in-depth research on design trends, market insights, or competitor analysis, Perplexity AI is my go-to tool. Unlike regular search engines, it provides well-structured, AI-curated results that help me stay ahead of industry trends.
Why I Use It:
✔ Delivers reliable, AI-curated research without sifting through irrelevant results.
✔ Helps me analyze design trends, branding strategies, and visual styles.
✔ Saves time by offering concise, well-organized answers.
💡 How I Use It: For staying updated on the latest in design and marketing.
4. Adobe Firefly – My AI-Powered Creativity Booster
Integrated into Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe Firefly allows me to create text-based image effects, generate textures, and enhance compositions effortlessly.
Why I Use It:
✔ AI-powered image generation and texture creation.
✔ Helps create custom visual elements for branding projects.
✔ Seamlessly integrates with Adobe tools for fast editing and enhancements.
💡 How I Use It: For creating unique visuals, concept mockups, and text-based effects.
5. Runway ML – My AI Video & Motion Graphics Tool
For video editing, motion graphics, and AI-powered visual effects, Runway ML is an essential tool. It’s particularly useful for creating dynamic social media content and automated video animations.
Why I Use It:
✔ AI-powered video editing, object removal, and motion tracking.
✔ Text-to-video generation for quick animated designs.
✔ Saves time by automating complex video effects.
💡 How I Use It: For animated brand assets, video intros, and interactive content.
6. Khroma – My AI Color Palette Generator
Color selection is crucial in every project, and Khroma is an AI-powered tool that helps me generate harmonious color palettes based on my preferences.
Why I Use It:
✔ AI curates color schemes based on my design style.
✔ Provides real-world previews of colors in action.
✔ Helps maintain brand consistency.
💡 How I Use It: For branding, UI/UX projects, and selecting impactful color combinations.
7. Remove.bg – My Background Removal Shortcut
For quick background removal, Remove.bg is my go-to tool. It eliminates manual editing work and gives me a clean cutout in seconds.
Why I Use It:
✔ Instantly removes backgrounds without Photoshop.
✔ Works with batch processing for multiple images.
✔ Speeds up workflow for product and marketing visuals.
💡 How I Use It: For e-commerce, website assets, and social media graphics.
Conclusion: AI Supercharges My Design Process
Using AI doesn’t replace creativity—it enhances it. These AI-powered tools allow me to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently, giving me more time to focus on strategy, branding, and innovation. Whether it’s Pikaso for AI-generated visuals, ChatGPT for ideation, or Perplexity for research, these apps have become an essential part of my design toolkit.