Vector Images and Document Layout Using AI
Illustrator's Generative Fill and Generative Patterns
I wrote this Generative Fill prompt to create the image in the oval:
"A dense rose garden with a stone wall and a white gate, an arbor with climbing roses over the gate, and a view of trees and sky behind the wall"
The shapes are very simple and rough. Illustrator does provide a "Detail" slider, but even at maxium detail, it does not create a very convincing illustration. Also, there is no arbor, so my prompt failed and needs to be re-worded.
My Generative Pattern prompt for the background:
"small green leaves in 3 shades on a darker green background"
The Pattern Fill is very successful. It is very easy to create a simple, pleasing pattern for use in backgrounds or packaging, and they are seamless!
Document Layout in Adobe Firefly
Firefly Variations 1 and 2
Firefly offered 20 layouts is response to this prompt:
Attend our undergraduate degree program in Digital Multimedia and AI-aided Design and create your future now!
Firefly Variations 3 and 4
Only one layout included any of the text or supported the message. It is engaging because of the image, but it's awkward, with dull color and random placement of rectangles and grids. "Create Your Future" is actually a good headline for a career course.
Human Redesign
The image of an eye with digital colors inspired me, along with the grids. But AI is not yet able to design a layout to support the message. It requires a designer to select a template, re-construct it, choose appropriate fonts, and add consistent branding. Using the original image as a reference, I created two images with Firefly's generative AI and layered them.
Human Redesign
Although I find the colorful digital eye engaging, the floral motif may not appeal to prospective male students, so I created two variations with darker, more tech-y photos. The text in all variations is a placeholder.
Building a document with separate elements generated by AI
There are thousands of templates available, but I built a simple layout in Illustrator with the photo on top, edge to edge, and the letter below, united by the headline. However, I did use AI to produce both the image and the text. I fixed the AI errors — the floating diplomas, extra mortarboards, and duplicated or missing tassels. After much work, the illustration is usable, and I still saved at least two thirds of the hours it would have taken to paint it from the reference photo.
Prompt for GPTChat:
Write a brief letter from the president of Hunter College, congratulating the graduating students in the class of 2025, to be published in the commencement program
Prompt for Firefly's Generative Fill:
A group of male and female college graduates are facing the viewer, wearing purple gowns and purple mortarboards with gold tassels, and the Manhattan skyline is in the background, detailed, watercolor style
Theme: "Concept Art"
Technique: "Watercolor"
