Interview with AI contributors

With the rise of AI-generated images, new tools and features popping up everywhere, all the time—keeping up with AI as a contributor can be overwhelming.

That’s why today we’ve brought 3 of our most relevant and active generative AI contributors to discuss the state of stock content creation and the pros and cons AI can bring to your workflows.

Meet Ekarana, Kimseo, and Cr3ativemind.

Let’s get to know you a bit better

How long have you been working as a designer?

Ekarana: I have been working as a designer for 10 years

Kimseo: I’ve been immersed in the world of design since my secondary school days. While working as a healthcare provider, I’ve nurtured a deep passion for design, treating it as a separate and enriching pursuit.

Cr3ativemind: I’ve been working as a designer for nine years

And as a Freepik Contributor?

E: I’ve only been an AI contributor for 8 months.

K: I began contributing to Freepik in March 2023

C: I’ve been a Contributor since November 2022 when I took my initial steps into the world of Freepik, exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence in design.

How would you define your style in 3 words?

E: Realistic, simple, and colorful

K: Clear, practical and dynamic – these words encapsulate my approach, combining straightforward communication with practicality and a touch of vibrancy.

C: Photorealistic, emotional and impactful.

Where do you usually find inspiration?

E: My inspiration comes mainly from Instagram; there are still many people who upload aesthetic photos there.

K: Inspiration often comes from social media trends. I enjoy reimagining these trends through my design lens, keeping my work fresh and current.

C: I find inspiration in nature, color combinations, and various sources. Colors play a crucial role in my work, and I strive to create images that evoke emotions.

Let’s talk about AI

How long have you been using AI as a design tool?

E: I’ve only been using AI as a design tool for one year.

K: It’s been about a year since I started using AI in my design work. This journey has been filled with learning and exploring the vast possibilities AI offers.

C: I embraced AI as a creative and experimental tool since the early months of its revolution in content production, starting around September 2022.

How do you choose what images you want to generate?

E: I make AI works according to current trends, so that they are what people need.

K: I align my AI creations with current trends and events, often drawing inspiration from resources like Freepik’s festivities calendar to stay relevant and timely.

C: I generate a variety of images on different themes and then curate the best 30% for submission, ensuring a balanced and impactful collection.

What’s your recipe for a good prompt?

E: When using AI, there needs to be lots of references and a clear idea of what we want the outcome to be. For example, if we’re making a picture of a fashion model, we must specify the fashion style, gender, clothing colors, and even the camera aperture. This level of detail is essential for achieving the desired result.

K: Creating a good prompt is like telling a concise yet vivid story. It requires clarity, detail, and a touch of creativity. The art lies in striking the right balance between giving the AI specific directions and leaving enough room for creative interpretation.

C: A good prompt for me includes specifying the desired style (photorealism, cartoon, 3D), being specific yet simple, incorporating emotional aspects, and configuring camera settings for ideal angles, distance, and focus.

What’s your workflow when working with AI?

E: I create AI images without using sample photos. Instead, I generate a prompt and continuously adjust it until I achieve the desired result. Once the image is generated, I use Photoshop to enlarge it and enhance the details.

K: It starts with developing a well-thought-out prompt. I then analyze the AI’s interpretation, making adjustments to the prompt as needed to refine the outcomes. If the generated image requires fine-tuning, I employ editing software to polish and perfect the design.

C: I generate a substantial number of images, select the best ones, and then fine-tune them if needed. I focus on achieving a perfect balance for a compelling image.

What’s the best part about working with AI? And the worst?

E: The best part is when our imagination is brought to life by AI, and the results meet our expectations. The worst part is definitely making images of people with body parts even appearing incomplete. That can be truly terrible!

K: The best part of working with AI is its ability to unlock a universe of creative possibilities. It’s like having a door to an infinite gallery of ideas and interpretations. The downside, however, is the AI’s occasional unpredictability and errors, which can be both a challenge and a source of unexpected creative inspiration.

C: The best part is the ability to express creativity, especially for introverts like myself. However, the downside is the spam generated by some users, which floods platforms and affects those who put effort into selecting quality content.

What has been your most downloaded AI-generated image?

E: A photo of three Asian models posing in retro outfits

K: A portrait of an Indian woman as a doctor. It seems to resonate well with a broad audience, perhaps due to its blend of cultural relevance and professional representation.

C: A realistic heart isolated on a white background, uploaded two months after joining the platform in 2022.

Do you have any piece of advice for designers who are afraid of AI?

E: Technology is constantly evolving and cannot be stopped. But, if utilized correctly, AI can significantly enhance our efficiency.

K: I encourage designers to view AI as a collaborative tool, not a threat. Embrace and experiment with AI to understand its strengths and weaknesses. While AI can boost creativity and efficiency, it’s your vision and skill that truly animate designs.

C: My advice is simple: embrace the inevitability of AI’s advancement. Utilize your unique skills and perspectives to add a personal touch to your work. Stay consistent, believe in your vision, and don’t be swayed by every new AI tool. Success comes to those who remain steadfast and true to their creative vision.