Course Preview
Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally altering the landscape of visual communication. Rather than replacing the designer, AI tools are expanding the canvas, enabling new forms of generative ideation, rapid prototyping, and complex visual storytelling.
In this masterclass, we explore the creative potential of AI in graphic design. From mastering prompt engineering and fine-tuning diffusion models to generating editorial layouts and AI-assisted branding, you will learn how to integrate generative AI into your professional workflow. Crucially, we will also tackle the ethical implications and the role of human curation in algorithmic art.
What You Will Learn:
- Prompt Engineering & Diffusion Models: Mastering tools like Midjourney and DALL-E to generate precise visual assets.
- AI-Assisted Workflow Integration: Incorporating AI into Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma workflows.
- The Ethics of Algorithmic Art: Navigating copyright, bias, and the definition of authorship in the age of AI.
Module 1: Foundations of Generative AI
We begin by demystifying how diffusion models work. Understanding the underlying technology—latent space, noise generation, and denoising algorithms—is essential for moving beyond basic prompts to deliberate art direction. [Video Embed Would Go Here]
Resources
- An Introduction to Diffusion Models (PDF)
- Cheat Sheet: Common Diffusion Architectures
Module 2: Advanced Prompt Engineering for Designers
Crafting effective prompts is a new language of design. We explore the syntax and parameters of Midjourney, focusing on lighting, camera angles, aspect ratios, and stylization weights. We will practice "reverse-prompting" to dissect existing images.
Module 3: AI in Branding & Identity
How can AI be used to brainstorm brand concepts rapidly? We will build a complete brand identity—generating mood boards, color palettes, and typographic inspiration—using iterative AI workflows, then refine them in traditional vector software.
Module 4: Editorial Layout & Image Generation
This module focuses on the integration of AI-generated assets into editorial design. We'll use AI tools built into Adobe Creative Cloud (like Generative Fill) to extend images, remove distractions, and composite complex scenes for magazine spreads.
Module 5: Ethics, Copyright & Curation
The final module tackles the hard questions: Who owns an AI-generated image? How do we address the biases inherent in training data? We'll discuss the role of the designer as a "curator" and the ethical responsibilities we hold when deploying generative content.
Capstone Project
Develop a comprehensive visual campaign for a fictional brand using a hybrid AI and traditional workflow. Submit your process documentation and final assets via the student portal.
Download Capstone Prompt
About the Instructor
Sara Bensalem bridges the physical and digital realms as an architectural designer and creative technologist. Her practice explores the intersection of human experience and algorithmic generation. Drawing from her background directing Créart'lab and consulting on digital strategy, she teaches generative design not just as a toolset, but as a critical new medium for visual communication.