Explore ChatGPT design processes and image generation

Imagine a future where the boundaries of creativity and design are constantly redefined by the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can be your creative partner, reshaping how you conceive and execute designs.

With its advanced natural language processing (NLP) abilities, ChatGPT can offer graphic designers an unparalleled blend of efficiency and inspiration. This synergy of AI and human creativity is not a fleeting trend but a glimpse into the future of design.

This article explores the intersection of ChatGPT's capabilities with the design industry, particularly through the lens of our marketing design platform, Linearity Curve. We’ll share a step-by-step tutorial on developing a brand from the ground up using ChatGPT and Curve.

You’ll also get a full comparison between ChatGPT’s free and paid versions to help you decide whether to upgrade.

Let's unravel how ChatGPT can be a catalyst for creativity, a collaborator in design, and a bridge between your ideas and their visual embodiment.

The ChatGPT revolution in design

Creative work is undergoing a profound transformation with the emergence of AI technologies like ChatGPT. Far from being a mere tool for automation, ChatGPT is reshaping the core of creative workflows.

Think of ChatGPT as a helpful librarian with access to all the knowledge on the internet. It can help you brainstorm innovative ideas, refine creative concepts, troubleshoot common issues, and communicate your vision more effectively.

This revolution extends beyond the confines of traditional design. In the broader creative arena, AI plays a crucial role in shaping strategies and narratives, much like it's doing in marketing.

In 2000, Google co-founder Larry Page said, “Artificial intelligence would be the ultimate version of Google. So we have the ultimate search engine that would understand everything on the web. It would understand exactly what you wanted, and it would give you the right thing. That’s obviously artificial intelligence.”

The rise of digital art illustrates the impact of AI on the creative industry. As digital art continues to evolve, technologies like ChatGPT play a significant role in pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Consider how AI-generated content, especially digital illustrations and other imagery, has opened up creative avenues for internet users who lack access and training.

The transformative impact of automation and AI streamlines operations and also extends to enhancing creative expression. Tools like ChatGPT augment human creativity, serving as collaborators that enhance an artist's or designer's vision. This partnership combines AI's computational power with human intuition and creativity, leading to innovative designs and artistic breakthroughs.

Amidst this evolution, a pivotal discussion has emerged around the role of AI in the creative industry. While there are concerns about AI replacing human artists, the reality is more about collaboration than replacement.

The convergence of AI with digital art signifies a new era in the creative industry. What does this mean for you as a marketer, designer, or illustrator? Let's look at a few ways you can harness ChatGPT in your design workflows.

1. Enhance creative processes with ChatGPT

ChatGPT excels in understanding the nuances of creative briefs and can suggest design ideas that might not immediately come to mind. When it comes to making mood boards, color palettes, and typography choices, ChatGPT can be an invaluable asset to your team.

This AI-driven approach saves time and introduces an element of data-driven decision-making in the creative process.

Streamlining brainstorming and ideation

ChatGPT can be a dynamic brainstorming partner, offering instant, diverse, and sometimes unconventional ideas. It excels in understanding the context of a design project, providing a springboard for creative thinking.

This AI-driven brainstorming can lead to unique concept generations, pushing the envelope of creativity and helping designers venture into uncharted design territories.

Refining mood boards, color palettes, and typography

Making mood boards, color palettes, and typography choices is pivotal in setting the tone of a design project. ChatGPT can significantly streamline this process.

By analyzing current trends and understanding aesthetic principles, it can suggest cohesive color schemes and typography that align with the project's theme. This saves time and introduces a level of data-driven precision in the selection of visual elements.

Generating design variations

Exploring multiple design variations helps you find the perfect fit for a project. You can use ChatGPT to rapidly generate various design options, from subtle tweaks to entirely different styles.

This capability is especially valuable for exploring new creative directions and avoiding stagnation. It enables you to quickly assess multiple options and refine your ideas.

Overcoming creative blocks

One of the most significant benefits of ChatGPT is its role in overcoming creative blocks. By continuously offering new ideas and perspectives, it helps maintain a steady flow of creativity. This is particularly helpful in avoiding creative burnout and procrastination, common challenges faced by designers.

With ChatGPT, there's always a source of inspiration to turn to, ensuring your creative process keeps moving forward.

2. Improve design efficiency and productivity with ChatGPT

ChatGPT emerges as a powerful tool to streamline design workflows and enhance your team's productivity. By automating routine tasks, aiding in the design review process, and providing creative solutions, ChatGPT is reshaping how designers approach their projects.

Let's delve into how this AI-powered tool is making a tangible difference in the efficiency and productivity of graphic design processes.

Automating repetitive tasks

In graphic design, efficiency is key. ChatGPT excels in automating repetitive tasks, such as generating basic content and formatting text. This automation allows designers to redirect their focus to more creative aspects, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

But ChatGPT doesn't have the capability to perform some other essential design tasks. You need graphic design tools and design experience for:

• Resizing images
• Cropping
• Color correction and image enhancement
• 3D modelling
• Layer manipulation
• Advanced vector editing
• Animating designs

Streamlining design reviews and feedback

The review and feedback cycle is crucial in graphic design. ChatGPT can significantly expedite this process by quickly interpreting and incorporating feedback.

Optimizing resource management

ChatGPT can help manage design resources, such as stock images or font libraries, by providing suggestions and organizing assets based on project requirements.

For instance, when working on a project, you might need to select appropriate fonts or images that align with your project's theme. ChatGPT can analyze the project requirements and suggest suitable fonts and images from your library, saving you the time and effort of manually searching through extensive collections.

We've designed an extensive (and expanding) library of 2,000+ templates with suitable fonts, colors, and layouts. Try the templates below.

Assisting in content development

For projects that involve content creation, ChatGPT can generate textual content for websites, brochures, and other design elements, ensuring consistency and quality.

In content-heavy design projects, creating engaging and relevant textual content is as crucial as the visual elements. This is the area where ChatGPT shines.

It can significantly improve productivity when you use it to generate high-quality content ideas that align with the overall design and message of your project.

The AI's capability to adapt its writing style to match specific brand guidelines or project tones is invaluable. With the right prompts and some practice, you'll be able to create well-written content for your print and digital marketing materials.

By leveraging ChatGPT in copywriting and content writing, designers and marketers can efficiently produce high-quality text that complements their visual designs. For copywriting, it can create persuasive and engaging text tailored for advertising or marketing purposes, such as catchy headlines, product descriptions, and call-to-action phrases.

In content writing, ChatGPT aids in developing informative and engaging content for websites, blogs, brochures, and other informational materials. Especially after the Bing web search plugin was launched out of Beta in October 2023, ChatGPT's no longer limited to information before September 2021.

3. Use ChatGPT for collaboration and client communication

ChatGPT is revolutionizing the way design teams, clients, and marketers collaborate. As a versatile communication tool, it bridges gaps between various stakeholders, ensuring that ideas are clearly articulated and understood.

The integration of ChatGPT into client communication can significantly enhance project clarity and feedback. It can assist in interpreting client needs, translating them into actionable design briefs, and ensuring that all parties are aligned on project goals.

You can use ChatGPT to craft persuasive design proposals and compelling marketing copy. It can help draft initial versions of proposals, refine messaging, and ensure your copy is engaging and clear. This is also where its conversational model is helpful, because you can talk through your thinking process to produce fairly accurate results.

Here are a few key processes in collaboration and client communication that can be enhanced or automated with ChatGPT:

• Meeting summarization: ChatGPT can automatically summarize the key points of client meetings or team discussions, ensuring all stakeholders gain actionable insights.
• Feedback interpretation: The tool can help interpret and organize client feedback and user interviews, turning these into bullet-pointed tasks or design decisions.
• Drafting proposals: ChatGPT can assist in drafting initial versions of design proposals, incorporating the necessary technical and creative elements to make them persuasive and comprehensive.
• Email communication: Automate and streamline email communication with clients, using ChatGPT to draft responses, follow-up messages, and project updates.
• Idea generation and brainstorming: Facilitate brainstorming sessions using ChatGPT to generate creative ideas and suggestions based on client briefs or project goals.
• Project documentation: Create or update project documentation, ensuring all team members can access the latest project information and guidelines.
• Marketing copy creation: It can help craft marketing copy that aligns with the design project's themes and goals and is suitable for presentations or promotional materials.

By leveraging ChatGPT in these ways, designers and marketers can ensure more seamless, efficient, and productive collaborations. Improved client communications will result in better project outcomes and stronger client relationships.

4. Generate images and ideas with ChatGPT

ChatGPT, in combination with advanced AI image generation models, opens up new horizons for designers and illustrators. With a simple prompt, ChatGPT can generate an image that would've taken you hours to create. For marketing professionals, these images provide a way to visually communicate fresh, engaging ideas aligned with the latest trends.

These AI-generated images are not only innovative but also customizable, offering high-quality visuals that can be tailored to specific project needs.

AI-assisted design is highly efficient and doesn't necessarily compromise your craft and quality of work. For example, images generated through ChatGPT can be imported into Linearity Curve, our vector design platform. They can be further refined and integrated into your larger design projects.

This process allows for a seamless blend of AI-generated elements and a creative human touch, creating a synergy that enhances the overall impact of the design.

While direct image generation is not a feature of ChatGPT, users can utilize DALL-E integration for image generation purposes. DALL-E, an AI system developed by OpenAI for generating digital images from textual descriptions, operates independently of the ChatGPT subscription model. Image generation via DALL-E is available for users of both the free and paid versions of ChatGPT.

Understanding how to use ChatGPT design prompts

The ability to quickly generate and customize images allows for rapid prototyping and experimentation. This is a valuable asset in the dynamic design and marketing field.

Here's a table with effective prompt examples that you can try with ChatGPT or an AI image-generation tool:

These prompts can be used as a starting point for generating images or ideas with AI tools. The results can then be imported into design software like Linearity Curve for further refinement and integration into your design projects.

Step-by-step ChatGPT design workflow with Linearity Curve

Let’s get practical. This comprehensive and easy-to-follow tutorial will take you through the entire process of creating a brand with ChatGPT’s help. We’ll be using an iPad, but you can find information about all the Linearity Curve features for iPad and Mac in our Academy.

Conceptualize your design

Let's use ChatGPT to brainstorm some initial design concepts. Input your project requirements and let ChatGPT suggest creative ideas and themes.

We're going with the "vintage coffee shop" theme suggested in the table above.

As you can see, ChatGPT generated a bunch of great ideas to start with. Select the most promising concepts for further development.

We like the name "Retro Roast" and the tagline "Sip back in time."

Develop your design elements

Now, we'll create the logo, complete with colors, typography, and a vintage coffee shop background.

Ask ChatGPT for suggestions based on your concept's mood and style for tasks like creating color palettes or selecting fonts.

Color palette

ChatGPT mentioned muted earth tones and pastels. Let's prompt it to create a color scheme based on the vintage theme.

Typeface

ChatGPT suggested script fonts from the 1950s. In your next prompt, ask it to suggest some typefaces.

Background image

Use ChatGPT to generate an image of your vintage coffee shop to bring across the brand's aesthetic. You can base your prompt on the Interior design ideas ChatGPT shared.

If you're not happy with the first image it generates, you can tweak your prompt or ask it to create a few variations. Choose the one that best suits your vision.

Logo ideas

Before you start designing in Linearity Curve, you can also ask ChatGPT to generate some logo ideas based on the name, tagline, colors, and typefaces it has suggested.

You've probably noticed by now that image generators aren't great with words. But, nonetheless, ChatGPT produced 4 solid logo ideas for us to try in Linearity Curve.

Import your design elements into Linearity Curve

It's time to refine the generated text and images to match your new brand's voice.

Download the images from your ChatGPT chat and save them to your device.

To import your generated design elements into Linearity Curve, create a new blank document and open up the Library Tab (+) in the Inspector on the right.

Select the Photos tab and drag and drop your generated images onto your blank Artboard.

Design your coffee shop logo

You may want to create a new Artboard for your logo design.

To do this, select the Layers Tab and tap on the orange plus icon. Choose New Artboard and tap anywhere in your document to create another Artboard of the same size.

If there are any elements you'd like to keep in the logo ideas ChatGPT provided, you can go to the Style Tab and use Auto Trace to turn them into editable vectors.

Here are the settings we used:

• Mode: Illustration
• Min Path Size: 50%
• Level of Detail: High
• Simplify: On
• Keep Source Image: On

Tap the Auto Trace button to create a vector version of your generated image.

You can select and delete any elements you don't need. We kept the cappuccino cup and rose illustrations.

To do the same, Ungroup the Auto Traced vector design, select everything except the cup and rose illustrations, and tap delete.

Then, you can select the two illustrations individually and group each one by tapping on the Group icon in the Quick Actions Toolbar.

Next, you want to draw the logo shapes.

You can lock the generated image's layer by selecting it in the Layers Tab and tapping the lock icon. This will allow you to draw over it with Curve's vector tools without it moving around.

Create a new layer for your logo design and make sure it's selected.

Select the Rectangle Shape Tool and draw the central plaque's shape. You can adjust the Stroke Color, Width, and Corner Radius.

For now, you can design in black, as we'll add our Color Palette in the next step.

Select your plaque shape and scroll down to the Offset Path Tool in the Style Tab. Adjust the Offset Path settings and tap the Create Offset Path button.

Toggle Stroke Off and Fill On to create the inner plaque shape.

You can select both your plaque shapes and Group.

Then, switch to the Circle Shape Tool and draw the circle paths in your chosen logo design. To make perfect circles, hold down one finger  on your iPad screen while dragging each shape.

To ensure your plaque and circle shapes are perfectly centered, choose Multi Select Mode and select your shapes. Then, tap on the Arrange icon in the Quick Actions Toolbar and center-align them horizontally and vertically.

Create another smaller circle using the Offset Path Tool.

Add your text

Your design may not look like much, but you're ready to add your text.

Select the Text Tool in the Toolbar on the left and tap or drag to create a text box. Type "RETRO ROAST" in your text box, and choose your Font and Type (or font weight) in the Style Tab.

ChatGPT suggested a wide range of typefaces, but we decided on Futura Bold.

To curve your text around the outer circle's shape, choose Multi Select Mode and select both the circle and your text.

Scroll to the Text on Path Tool in the Style Tab. Once you tap on the tool, it will automatically curve your text on the shape's path.

Note that you can still edit your text and change the Letter Spacing, Size, etc., if needed.

Follow the same process for "SIP BACK IN TIME," but this time, you'll tap on the Reverse icon after using the Text on Path Tool. This will move the text to the inside and bottom of the circle shape.

You can now select your entire black logo design and move it over to a blank area to get a good look and add the finishing touches.

Create your color palette

Add and save your new brand colors in the Color Palettes Tab. Tap on Fill or Stroke to access the Color Picker, then choose the Palettes tab.

Tap on the Plus icon at the top to create a new color palette. Open the 3-dot menu to Rename your color palette and Set as Primary.

Below are the colors we're using from ChatGPT's suggested color scheme:

• Espresso Rich (Deep Brown):
  • Hex: #3B2F2F
  • A deep, rich brown that resonates with the strength and depth of espresso.
• Vintage Rose (Soft Pink):
  • Hex: #C08081
  • A muted pink with a vintage touch, adding a gentle and inviting aspect to the palette.
• Creamy Foam (Off-White):
  • Hex: #F5F5DC
  • A soft, off-white color, evoking the creamy foam of a well-made cappuccino.
• Caramel Latte (Warm Beige):
  • Hex: #D2B48C
  • A comforting beige that reminds one of a creamy latte, perfect for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
• Roasted Almond (Warm Taupe):
  • Hex: #8B5742
  • A warm taupe that conjures images of roasted almonds, adding a nutty warmth to the scheme.
• Burnt Sienna (Rustic Orange-Red):
  • Hex: #E97451
  • A rustic orange-red that brings in a lively yet aged character, akin to weathered terracotta.

To add each color, you can select an element in your logo (for example, the central circle), go to the Fill section in the Style Tab and type the color code in the Hex field.

Then, add the color to your color palette by going to the Color Picker and tapping the Plus icon underneath your color palette name.

Refine your design

Add your palette colors and finishing touches to your logo design. Once you're happy with it, select the entire design and Group.

Let's add your logo as a reusable Asset. Go to the Library Tab and tap on the Assets Tab at the bottom.

With your logo selected, tap on the Plus icon to create an Asset.

Now, head over to your generated image of a coffee shop (we haven't forgotten about it).

Search for an image of a hand holding a coffee mug in the Unsplash Library under the Library Tab. You can drag and drop it into your document.

Use the Background Removal Tool to give it a transparent background and place it in your scene.

Add your logo from the Assets Tab by simply tapping on it. Place it over the mug to make it look branded.

If you need to resize your logo and notice the text moving out of place, select each text box first and then tap on Create Outlines from Text option in the Style Tab.

Select your background coffee shop image and add a slight Blur to make your branded mug stand out.

Finalize and Export

Once you're satisfied with your design, you can Export it in your preferred image file format. To do this, tap on the File name menu item, open the Export dropdown, and choose the file type.

A few extra tips for success:

• Try Linearity Curve's AI-powered design automation tools, such as Background Removal and Auto Trace.
• Leverage the free Unsplash stock images in the Library Tab.
• Give your ChatGPT chats descriptive names so you can easily go back and continue the conversations.
• Keep experimenting with ChatGPT’s capabilities to fully leverage its potential in your design workflow.

By following these steps, you can efficiently run a ChatGPT-aided design workflow and harness the power of AI to enhance creativity and productivity.

ChatGPT free vs paid

All things considered, there are some limitations to the free version of ChatGPT. We've drawn a comparison between the free and paid versions of the platform to make it easier for you to decide whether you need to upgrade:

Navigating the future of design

ChatGPT emerges as a powerful ally for designers and marketers, offering innovative solutions to enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and elevate the quality of design work. Powerfully combined with Linearity Curve's robust vector design platform, it can help you reach a new level of creative productivity.

Linearity Curve is poised to play a significant role in this transformation. With more integrated AI features coming, our platform offers a glimpse into a future of boundless design.

Ready to try new and innovative design software?

Frequently asked questions