Combining AI and Design: A Step-by-Step Guide

I recently had the opportunity to help a friend prepare for the launch of their crowdfunding campaign. Eager to make a big impact with the campaign, we knew that having a strong visual was key factor in attracting potential investors.

So whether you’re raising funds for a startup, a non-profit, or any other kind of project, having a strong visual presence is essential to your success and I believe that this journey will inspire you to unlock your creative potential and help bring your vision to life.

Tools:

Before we dive into the process of creating mockups using AI tools, let’s take a closer look at the tools we’ll be using.

Midjourney

Midjourney is an AI program that can turn written descriptions into pictures. It’s used through a Discord bot and we’re gonna use it as the starting point for our design.

DALL-E 2

DALL-E 2 is an advanced AI program developed by OpenAI that can create images from textual descriptions similar to Midjourney. It also has a feature called “Outpainitng” that allows you to extend an image and add more elements to the scene. It’s used through their web platform and we’re gonna use it to further refine and extend our design.

Both Midjourney and DALL-E 2 are powerful tools that can help you draft ideas really quickly. In the next section, we’ll go over the step-by-step process for using these tools to create your own mockups.

The Process:

Crafting the Prompt on Midjourney

Getting started on your mockup starts with forming a prompt on Midjourney. This includes describing the type of scene you wish to create and specifying the key components it will contain. You can be as vague or detailed as you like. For example, maybe you opt for a thumbnail showcasing a construction management system, or something similar. The prompt you make will serve as the basis for your design and direct the process from there.

Finding the Perfect Layout

Alright, now that you’ve found a layout you love, it’s time to generate some variations. With Midjourney, generating variations is a breeze! All you have to do is click a button, and it’ll show you several different options to choose from. The idea is to find a layout that can fit your design the best and sets the tone for the final product.

Preparing the Canvas

Once we’ve got some variations from Midjourney, choose a version you like. We want to make sure there’s no clutter, so we’ll get rid of any extra text or graphics. We’ll use Photoshop to make these simple tweaks and get the picture ready for DALL-E 2 Outpainting. This way, we’ll have a clean canvas to work with and create a stunning final image.

Extending the Image

Now it’s time to let DALL-E do its magic! The Outpainting editor will take your design to the next level by adding more elements and depth to the scene. Start by uploading the image you want to extend. The search prompt is the most important aspect of using the tool. By using the search prompt in the DALL-E 2 Outpainting editor, you can help the AI understand what kind of scene you want to create and ensure that the results are exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some tips how to craft a prompt.

• Describe your scene: Think about the scene you want to create and write a brief description of it. This could be a general description of the scene, such as “modern office,” or a more specific description, such as “a minimalist office with a large window and a green plant.”
• Adjust the results: The AI will use your search prompt to generate several different variations of your scene. You can adjust the results by refining your search prompt or scrolling through the different options.

To make it even sharper, I used Gigapixel AI by Topaz Labs, which is a paid application for image upscaling. However, there are plenty of free options available online that can give you similar results.

Final Touches

With the help of DALL-E 2 Outpainting, I’ve got a solid image to work with. Now, I head back into Photoshop to add the finishing touches. These final elements make all the difference in capturing people’s attention and conveying your message effectively.

A Final Thought

After taking a stroll through the process of forming the prompt, generating variations, and fine-tuning the image, there’s just one small detail I’d adjust — the flower pot. Perhaps replacing it with a pencil cup or similar item might be the perfect touch. The point is to find the right balance and make the design truly your own. With these incredible AI tools at our disposal, the possibilities are endless. I hope this step-by-step guide sparks some ideas and inspiration for your next project!