How To Future-Proof Yourself in the Age of AI

AI starter pack for designers

If you’ve been in the game 10+ years, you’ve probably felt the shift:

  • Clients asking if ChatGPT can write the copy

  • Teams replacing moodboards with AI-generated concepts

  • AI tools evolving faster than your can keep up with

Here’s the truth:

Designers who know how to use AI won’t get left behind, they’ll lead.

Here’s how to actually future-proof yourself (with tools and examples you can use this week).

1. Audit your workflow

Ask: Where am I wasting time on low-leverage tasks?

→ Moodboards? First-round comps? Writing concepts?

These are prime spots for AI to save you hours.

2. Use Visual Electric to spark creative direction

It’s like Midjourney but built for designers. It’s fast, editable, and focused on layout.

This has been my secret weapon for designing visual concepts.

Designers with diverse skills in art direction and photography have a distinct advantage here. Your ability to create compelling visuals depends on how specific and descriptive your prompts can be.

I used Visual Electric to create the featured post image in about 10 seconds, after spending 10 minutes crafting a very detailed, and specific prompt.

3. Supercharge copywriting with ChatGPT

Don’t just prompt “Write a headline.” Instead:

“Act as a senior brand designer. Give me 10 homepage headline options for a high-end coffee brand. Tone: earthy, elevated, confident.”

Let it be your creative partner, not your replacement.

4. Use Figma AI to speed up first drafts

Generate wireframes, summarize stakeholder feedback, and explore layout options in minutes.

Less clicking, more thinking.

5. Build your AI muscle 15 minutes at a time

Make it a weekly ritual:

Pick a tool, run a prompt, explore a direction you wouldn’t have taken on your own.

You’re not replacing your skills, you're sharpening them.

6. Start your AI toolkit

Here’s my designer starter pack:

→ Visual Electric (visual concepts)
→ ChatGPT (copy, strategy)
→ Figma AI (layouts, wireframes)
→ Runway (motion/video)
→ Notion AI (docs, research)

The future belongs to designers who can blend taste + tools + clarity.

Not the fastest.

Not the flashiest.

But the ones who stay curious, adapt early, and lead with intention.

Your Experience Is Your Superpower. AI Is Just the Multiplier.