Whenever Adobe introduces new tools into their programs, two questions inevitably arise: How does it function? And will it genuinely simplify my tasks? Given the prevalent skepticism surrounding AI, many were hesitant when Adobe unveiled the beta version of AI tools in Photoshop. Having tested them firsthand, I can confidently attest that they significantly enhance the workflow for artists, photographers, designers, and other creative professionals.
Recently, Adobe rolled out the beta version of AI tools in Illustrator. In Illustrator, there are two AI-powered tools: the Recolor tool and, similar to Photoshop, they’ve introduced the Generate tool. After reading about the functionality of the Recolor tool, it failed to impress me. However, I found myself intrigued by the potential of the AI vector generator, especially after witnessing the capabilities of the AI powered image generator in Photoshop. Of course, one cannot pass judgement on a new tool without thorough experimentation.
The AI-Powered Vectorization Tool
In my previous blog, I discussed the frustration of searching for the ideal stock photo. This same frustration often arises when seeking the perfect illustration or illustrated scene for your design or project. Resorting to creating the illustration yourself is an option but can be incredibly time consuming. However, this AI tool could potentially provide the solution we’ve been longing for, offering a welcome relief from this ongoing frustration.
This tool functions similar to the Generative AI tool found in Photoshop. Begin by inserting any shape into your Illustrator document. As in Photoshop, the AI toolbar will emerge on the screen, guiding you through various actions, including utilizing the Generator tool.
Instruct the program to generate anything that crosses your mind- whether it’s a monkey, flowers, a toy race car, or anything else. Similar to Photoshop, if you’re dissatisfied with the outcomes, you can modify the prompt or click the generate button again without altering the prompt.
Are these examples flawless and ready to be placed into a design? Not quite, but with just a few minutes of adjustments, they can be perfected, ultimately saving you time in the long term.
AI-Powered Vectorized Scene Creation
Certainly, crafting a single creature or illustration is impressive, but you can elevate your design further. With the Generate tool, you can prompt it to create entire scenes. Simply input a prompt such as “dolphin swimming in the ocean with other fish using cool colors” in the prompt box. Before pressing enter, ensure to switch the vector type drop-down menu to “scene” instead of “subject”, then proceed. Like any AI endeavor, it may require a few attempts to achieve the desired outcome, but once you discover the right combination of words, you can obtain impressive results, as illustrated below.
Once again, are they flawless? Not quite, but this is the quickest I’ve ever had an illustrated scene created that closely matched what I was seeking. With just a few swift adjustments, it can be perfected.
Pro Tip: Use the settings button to control how much detail you want in your illustration.
AI-Enhanced Pattern Creation
During my research for this blog, I stumbled upon an article discussing the utilization of the new AI tools in Illustrator for crafting patterns. Initially, I was under the impression that there was an additional AI tool I had overlooked upon downloading the latest version of Illustrator. However, it turns out that another capability of the Generator tool is generating patterns. When prompting the program to create an illustration, you can input something like “large pink flower pattern”. Before clicking generate, ensure to select “Pattern” from the vector type drop-down menu, then continue. Once you’ve chosen a pattern that makes your satisfaction, it is automatically added to your Swatches panel.
AI Generated Color Palettes
After creating a stunning vectorized image using the new Generator tool, you might find the colors don’t quite match the vibe you’re aiming for. Of course, you could manually select and adjust the colors until they’re perfect. Alternatively, you could utilize the new AI-generated Recolor tool. Like I mentioned earlier, initially, when I learned about this feature, I doubted its usefulness. I wondered; wouldn’t it be simpler to handle color adjustments manually especially if I am already working with a specific color palate? Little did I realize; this tool offers a multitude of features that are exceptionally beneficial.
Apart from directing the tool to match a specific style or genre, you also have the flexibility to integrate particular colors, such as those selected for your design project. Once the colors have been added to your Swatches panel, you can easily choose them within the Recolor panel and apply them while recoloring your illustration. Alternatively, you can utilize the color wheel to select a range of colors on a sliding scale.
Once you’ve chosen your illustration, access the toolbar and locate the “Recolor” button. When the new tool panel appears, experiment with its various options. Navigate to the tab labeled “Generative Recolor” at the top of the panel and experiment with directing it to stylize your illustration in themes like retro 70s, purple sunset, emerald beauty, or any other concept you can imagine. Adjust the circles on the color wheel to observe their impact on your illustration. Explore the diverse color libraries available within the program to further refine your choices.
The examples provided above offer a glimpse into the experiments I conducted with the Recolor tool. I can envision the vast array of possibilities this tool holds for swiftly recoloring an entire design.
There were moments when I input a prompt into the Generator tool, pressed enter, and then found myself staring at my computer screen in awe of the results. At other times, I encountered frustration. Such experiences are typical when learning new tools, particularly those driven by AI. After experimenting with both the AI tools in Photoshop and the AI tools in Illustrator, I foresee these tools becoming standard for designers, creators, artists, and everyone in between in the very near future. It’s time to embrace this change.
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