I’ll admit it: the first time I saw what AI tools could do, I was equal parts amazed and terrified. I remember sitting at my desk—coffee cold, half-eaten bagel on a napkin—and watching MidJourney generate an insanely detailed digital painting from a single sentence. In seconds.
For someone who’s spent years curating templates, working on designs, and tweaking logos until my eyes cross, this felt like a gut punch. It wasn’t just that the AI was fast (although, seriously, it’s so fast)—it was that it was good. Like, “convince-the-client-this-took-hours” good.
That moment stuck with me. Because while I knew AI was coming for repetitive tasks, I didn’t think it would feel this personal. It’s like watching a robot walk into your favorite coffee shop and make your signature drink better than you can—and cheaper.
So, here we are. AI is changing the creative world faster than any of us could’ve predicted. And if you’re in the business of graphic design, templates, or stock assets, you’ve probably felt it too. Let’s unpack what’s happening—and what we can do about it.
How AI is Rewriting the Creative Playbook
Back when I started designing, templates were a revelation. They weren’t just shortcuts—they were lifesavers. A good template meant you could give someone a polished, professional-looking design without starting from scratch. Flyers, business cards, website themes… templates made everything easier for people who couldn’t afford a designer. They leveled the playing field.
But AI? It’s not just leveling the field—it’s building a whole new one. No templates, no stock photos—just infinite possibilities generated on the spot. AI image generators were a weird novelty… and now they are making photographs and art so competitive large brands are actively embracing the change. Designers thought they were safe with fonts and typography… but even that is out the window with tools like Ideogram, that can make amazing typographic posters.
Logos in Seconds
Tools like Looka and Wix Logo Maker are essentially the template killer. You don’t pick from a pre-made library—you just type in what you want, and boom, the AI spits out something tailored to your input. No tweaking required.
Stock Photos on Demand
Remember when you’d spend hours searching for the perfect stock image? Not anymore. With tools like DALL·E or Runway ML, you can literally create whatever image you need. Want a llama in a spacesuit holding a latte? Done. (Yes, I’ve tested this.)
Dynamic Design in Minutes
Platforms like Canva and VistaCreate now have AI-driven features that can build entire social media campaigns or website layouts based on a few keywords. It’s not just templates—it’s templates that think.
Why This Feels Personal
Here’s the thing: I’ve built a lot of my career around helping people DIY their creative projects. I’ve spent hours perfecting templates and hunting down the best stock assets because I believed in making design more accessible. Templates let people look professional without needing a big budget or design degree.
So when I see AI making all of that… irrelevant? It stings. Not because I think AI is bad—it’s actually incredible—but because it’s forcing me to rethink everything. If templates aren’t the answer anymore, what is?
What We’re Losing in the AI Era
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of what AI can do, but it’s worth asking: what are we losing?
1. The Creative Middle Ground
Templates and stock assets were the in-between step for people who couldn’t afford custom designs but still wanted quality. AI skips that step entirely. It’s great for speed, but it’s also erasing the need for the “middle layer” of creativity.
2. The Personal Touch
AI is efficient, but it’s not human. It doesn’t have memories of late nights tweaking a design for a friend’s wedding or the joy of finally nailing the perfect logo concept. Those moments matter—they’re what make creativity feel alive.
3. The Value of Expertise
As AI tools become more accessible, the perceived value of professional design is shrinking. Clients are starting to think, “Why pay a designer when I can just use AI?” And honestly, that’s a tough question to answer.
How I’m Adapting (And How You Can Too)
I won’t lie—there were a few weeks where I genuinely thought about scrapping my entire site. I wondered if there was even a point in curating templates or writing about design when AI could do it faster and better. But here’s what I realized: there’s still a place for humans in this AI-driven world.
Here’s what I’m focusing on now:
1. Leaning Into Strategy
AI can design a logo, but it can’t tell you why that logo works for your brand. It can’t map out a cohesive branding strategy or anticipate your audience’s emotional responses. That’s where humans shine. I’m doubling down on offering strategic advice and storytelling alongside my design resources.
2. Embracing AI as a Tool
Instead of fighting AI, I’m learning how to use it. I’ll brainstorm ideas with ChatGPT, create mockups with MidJourney, and let AI handle the tedious stuff so I can focus on the creative decisions that matter. Not EVERYTHING needs to be creative. Sometimes it’s just work. And instead of farming it out to a low-cost, low-skill employee, now we can create a design agency and provide better assets in less time. If you want to play around… make sure you know the styles and aesthetics to get what you want, here’s a list of useful midjourney prompts.
3. Building Community
AI is great for automation, but it’s not going to give you feedback, support, or camaraderie. I’m leaning into building a community of creatives who can share ideas, challenges, and wins.
4. Focusing on What AI Can’t Do
AI can mimic, but it can’t originate. It doesn’t have personal stories, unique experiences, or a point of view. By weaving more of myself into my work—whether it’s blog posts, tutorials, or templates—I’m creating something AI can’t replicate.
What’s Next for Designers and Creatives?
I’ll be honest: I don’t have all the answers. This is uncharted territory for all of us. But what I do know is that creativity isn’t going anywhere. The tools might change, but the need for human connection, emotion, and storytelling will always be there.
So if you’re a designer, a template creator, or someone in the stock assets business, my advice is this: don’t panic, but don’t ignore what’s happening either. Learn the tools, adapt your approach, and keep doing what you do best—making the world a more beautiful, interesting place.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t destroying creativity—it’s changing it. And while it’s easy to feel like we’re losing control, I think there’s still a ton of opportunity for those willing to evolve. So, what do you think? Are you embracing AI, resisting it, or somewhere in between? Let’s talk—I want to hear your thoughts.