Chris Do on AI-Generated Art, The future of Social Media & Pricing Design Work | The Futur

Introduction

Introduction

In a fascinating conversation on the Jesse Nyberg Podcast, renown designer, marketer, and educator Chris Do shares his insights on the future of artificial intelligence in design, the state of social media, and the nuances of pricing design work. Chris Do, known for his work at The Futur, maneuvers through these topics with a blend of personal anecdotes and professional expertise, making this dialogue both insightful and engaging.

AI in Design

Chris touches on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, comparing their impending influence to that of the internet. He stresses that AI will become the most disruptive technology of our time, fundamentally changing how we approach design and creativity. According to Chris, designers should not fear AI but learn to leverage it as a tool.

He recalls working late into the night on a keynote, utilizing AI tools like MidJourney and Photoshop’s neural filters to achieve striking results efficiently. Chris paints a future where "AI jockeys" will bridge the gap between technology and creativity, interpreting human language and needs into machine commands to produce artistic outputs.

Evolution of Social Media

The discussion shifts to social media's influence on design professionals. Chris highlights the ever-evolving algorithms on platforms like Instagram and TikTok that favor video content. He explains how platforms initially support rapid growth for newer users while plateauing accounts with larger followings. This dynamic, Chris, suggests, reflects each platform’s goal to keep users engaged for extended periods.

He notes that choosing the right platform depends on where one's community and clients are most active, whether it's Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Discord. Sharing anecdotes about friends experiencing rapid Instagram growth, he underscores the importance of adapting to platform shifts to remain relevant.

The Art of Delegation

Chris also talks about his process for delegating tasks within his team. He details how his COO, Ben Burns, manages the operational aspects, allowing Chris to focus on content creation and strategic thinking. This delegation of roles ensures productivity and allows for a diversified output from Team Futur.

Licensing and Pricing in Design

Lastly, the conversation dives into the complexities of pricing and licensing design work. Chris acknowledges the challenges designers face with devaluing design and competing against low-cost, high-skill operators. He points out that achieving industry-wide pricing fairness would require a collective action, which is often thwarted by the individualistic nature of designers.

Chris draws comparisons between the design and art worlds, noting how artists successfully license their work while designers typically do not. He argues that for such licensing practices to take hold in design, there must be unity and collective agreement within the profession.

Keywords

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Social Media Algorithms
• Instagram Growth
• AI-Generated Art
• Design Pricing
• Licensing Design Work
• Delegation in Teams

FAQs

Q: How does Chris Do view the future of AI in design?

A: Chris Do believes AI and machine learning will be incredibly disruptive, changing how design is approached. He sees AI as a valuable tool that can be leveraged to improve efficiency and creativity in design.

Q: What social media platforms does Chris Do suggest are important for designers?

A: Chris emphasizes that the best platform depends on where your audience is. Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord are all viable, depending on the type of content and community engagement required.

Q: How does Chris Do manage his team at The Futur?

A: Chris delegates operational tasks to his COO, Ben Burns, allowing him to focus on content creation and strategic planning. This division of roles ensures a productive and efficient workflow.

Q: What are Chris Do’s thoughts on pricing and licensing design work?

A: Chris acknowledges the complexities and challenges in pricing design work fairly. He argues that for licensing practices similar to those in the art and photography worlds to take hold in design, there must be collective agreement and action within the design community.