When you think of art, what comes to mind? Paintbrushes. Clay. Maybe pastels or colored pencils. If you teach graphic design, maybe you think of photography or typography. Not everyone would associate art and creativity with robots and code. But with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming part of everyday life, computers and art are more connected than ever.
In a recent , 71% of creative professionals said they use AI in their work. With so many creatives embracing AI, it’s clear that the design field is changing. So how can you prepare your students to successfully use AI in their creative careers?
In an episode of CERTIFIED: JVIDÊÓƵ's Educator Podcast, Chana Messer, a seasoned designer and educator, shared her insights on the impact of AI on the design industry and how you can leverage AI to enhance creativity in your classroom.
A creative ally, not an adversary
Mention AI in a room full of creative professionals, and you’re likely to get mixed reactions. Some are excited. Others are concerned. Many love it as a tool. Some think it’s the beginning of the end.
Messer takes an optimistic view of AI, preferring to view it as a tool that expands creative possibilities rather than a threat to jobs. She explains, "I don’t think of AI as an enemy, but rather a friend from another planet, coming to help us with our work.”
Key design applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, are already integrating AI into the user experience. This streamlines repetitive tasks and lets student designers focus more on the conceptual aspects of their work. "Tasks that are very complicated used to take hours,” Messer continues. “Now it may take me just a few minutes.” Helping students understand how to use AI as a creative ally can improve efficiency and free up their time to explore and execute on their creative ideas.
Real-world applications, in your classroom
Once you and your students have welcomed AI as a creative partner, you're ready to show its real-world value. Prepare your students for the workplace by introducing the tools they'll use on the job — and more than ever, that includes AI.
Messer recommends starting with accessible tools like Adobe Firefly. With Firefly, your students can get their feet wet with AI. Help them experiment with AI-generated images. Coach them on their prompt engineering skills. Give them a solid AI foundation before they graduate to more complex projects.
Once they know the tools, it’s important to help students see how those fit into their larger design process. Messer encourages her students to use AI as a source of inspiration rather than a final product. "I tell my students to use AI as part of a larger assignment. I ask them to take AI generated images and use them to create something else."
Integrating AI generated content with traditional design tools helps her students develop a deeper understanding of design principles and techniques. They know the tools. They know the technology. And they know their human touch is what makes the difference. "My students need to be creators rather than mere tool users. I think if you're a creative designer, nobody's going to take your job."
Standing out with certification
You’ve given them the tools. They’ve mastered the technology. But do they have the certifications that validate their skills as AI-savvy designers?
Certified students tend to perform better academically — and stand out when entering the workforce. That’s why, in her work at the University of Southern California, Messer focuses on preparing her students for the Adobe Certified Professional certifications. You can help your learners strengthen their resumes further with a Generative AI Foundations certification. With your teaching and industry recognition, they’ll be well on their way to creative success.
Ready to dive in?
The rapid growth of AI means that you and your students are learning together. Technology’s changing daily, so focus on remaining adaptable and open to change. Encourage your students to be innovative and creative. And don’t forget to build your community! Find other teachers excited about AI. Because working together, we can prepare students to design and shape their future careers.
Looking for more advice about AI and the world of design? Excited to learn more about certification? Listen to Chana’s full CERTIFIED Podcast episode and connect with our team here.