2026 Template Sale During Library Development

AI Graphics vs Graphic Designers

6/18/2026

Riverside, CA. - I've been experimenting with AI since the very first free research release of ChatGPT. After years of testing, creating, and pushing these tools limits, I've reached many milestones stumbling across impressive and underwhelming results. However, this seems to stick most in 2026 when it comes to AI Graphics vs Graphic Designers.

AI is an incredible tool, but it's still a tool.. at least presently.

"AI slop" is a derogatory term for mass-produced, low-quality digital content (text, images, video, or audio) created by generative artificial intelligence. It typically lacks meaning, accuracy, or human effort and is pumped out primarily to game algorithms for views, clicks, or ad revenue.

A lot of people ask if AI is going to replace the Graphic Designer roll. Personally, I say perhaps? I think in some cases it has already, but there are nuances. Today its far more possible for an average person to produce really good graphics with no prior training. So there is opportunity that was few and far in-between 10-20 years ago.

The truth is, these days ANYONE can be a graphic designer. AI tools in combination with free design software is accessible to anybody with an internet connection. Sometimes, an individual, a company, an influencer can get by with what they have or who they have. And sometimes AI can fill in spaces, which still costs TIME.

In my opinion, AI integration is literally a booster pack for real Graphic Designers. Lets not count the prompter out either. Someone with a good eye and is willing to keep prompting revisions to perfection can certainly rise to the occasion. If it was up to me, I'd still put my money on the Graphic Designer.

Now I'll admit it, some AI generated graphics are really good, clean, very well done. However, all AI generated layout design, in my opinion; almost ALWAYS needs to be simplified down. For example when creating an event flyer, or info graphics; AI usually generates multiple elements, bullet points, a lot of text and language. Much of which is intended to give the creator a general idea of different visual options/inspiration. This is where the Graphic Designer has an opportunity to shine.

I think this is certainly not the end of the Graphic Designer field. I do wonder what 2026 Graphic Design w/ AI education and training looks like for young minds. Its very important to build a strong foundation of fundamentals before even tapping in to AI. But I'm also experienced enough to know that, avoiding AI especially right now could also work against a developing Designer.

Personally, the amount of AI I use depends entirely on the project. Sometimes it might be 1% of the process. Other times it might be 0%, 20%, 90%. There is no fixed formula. The goal isn't to use more AI. The goal is to create the best possible result all while minimizing the time it takes to get that desired outcome.

I do think we're seeing a huge increase in fully AI-generated graphics. Businesses, brands, social media, and content creators are already embracing it. But as more AI-generated content fills the internet, I think the value of human made graphics has become a little more valuable than before. I say let AI Slop continue to flood the interwebs!

This is where a real Graphic Designer / Artist has an opportunity to shine.

Graphic design isn't disappearing. It's transcending and evolving. Also its co-existing with people of all levels of skills from no experience up to the most experienced! The field is just as important as it was prior to AI. The truth is, as much as AI is capable of saving someone time and money. AI prompting is a realm most of us are learning as we go and the best prompters I know spend a lot of TIME and MONEY on it.

Blog / AI Graphics vs Graphic Designers
by @evanipo

AI Slop Examples
Below are examples of graphics that are obviously AI Generated SLOP. I pulled these graphics from various business social media posts. The creators of these graphics are unknown, but the artwork is 100% AI Generated.