So here’s the deal — AI isn’t here to replace your creativity. It’s more like an extra hand (or third one) that never gets tired.
If you’re an artist, painter, or just someone who loves to doodle on napkins, using AI tools can actually level up your art, not dilute it.
I used to think AI was cheating. Like, what’s the point of making something if a machine does it for you?
But then I tried a few tools — and to my surprise, it felt less like giving up control and more like teaming up with a weird, genius friend who doesn’t sleep.
Let’s break it down — not in tech lingo, but in plain old artist speak. Here’s how you can start practically using AI as a tool, not a crutch or magic wand.
Also Check: Is Ai Art Tool Truly an Evil?
1. Use it for Generating Ideas (When Your Brain is Blank)
Every artist gets into the creative block. You know the feeling when you stare at a blank canvas, and nothing comes. It’s like your brain went on vacation without telling you.
That’s where AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or DALL·E step in. You can throw in prompts like:
“Give me 10 weird combinations for fantasy landscapes.”
Or…
“What would a coffee-drinking cactus look like in a surrealist painting?”
Boom, you get instant weird, funny, inspiring ideas. You still have to paint, sketch, or make your own. But AI helped you shake up your brain when it became lazy.
Try this: If you create comics, use ChatGPT to brainstorm character ideas, storylines, or even strange titles for your next series.
2. Do Mood boarding Without the Chaos
If you’ve ever made a mood board, you know the situation: Pinterest tabs, messy screenshots, losing track of what you saved. But AI can do this way quicker.
Tools like:
- Visual Electric: Just type in your vibe, like “neo-noir city at night” or “vintage robot ballet,” and get tons of visuals in that theme.
- Canva’s AI image generator: It’s great for quick sketches or layout references.
It’s not about copying what AI shows you — it’s more like flipping through a lightning-fast sketchbook that gets your aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Most beginner artists using AI ignore prompt chaining — but it's how you get truly original results.
3. Take help in Composition & Layout (Especially for the Overthinkers)
Ever spent an hour just placing elements on a canvas before even touching your paint? Me too.
AI tools like Adobe Firefly or even Runway can show you alternate compositions or tweak layouts based on your input.
You upload a rough version, and AI gives you options(a hell lot). Think of it like a digital assistant who’s really good at visual balance.
But remember: It’s giving you options, not answers. You get the final say.
4. Color Palettes That Just Fit
Selecting the right set of colors can make or break your artwork. When I feel stuck, I use tools like:
- Coolors.co (with AI suggestions)
- Khroma: It learns your style and generates custom color palettes
- Adobe Color Wheel with AI harmony rules
Sometimes, you’ll find combos you’d never think of — like coral with navy and mustard — and somehow, it works.
5. Use AI for Sketching & Concept Art (aka Speed Boost Mode)
If you want to speed up your sketching process, AI-generated base sketches can help. Not to copy — but to build on.
Say you have a character in mind but can’t get the pose right. You can use a tool like PoseMy.Art or Artbreeder to create a pose or face, then sketch over it.
This is super helpful when you’re working on:
- Comic panels
- Game art
- Illustrations with lots of characters
It’s like tracing but smarter — and you still add your personal touch.
6. Animate Your Art (Without Going Crazy)
Got static art and want to make it move?
AI tools like Kaiber, Runway, or Pika let you animate artwork with just a few clicks. You upload your art, select the movement style, and watch it come alive.
I tried animating a dreamy forest scene I painted last year. It turned into a misty, moving animation with fireflies — and it felt like a whole new piece. Super satisfying.
7. Use Voice & Sound for Visual Stories
Okay, this one’s a bit extra, but hear me out: If you make comics, animations, or illustrated videos, AI can also add voiceovers, music, or sound design.
- ElevenLabs for AI voices
- Soundraw or AIVA for background music
- Descript for syncing everything like a pro
No studio? No problem. You can literally tell a whole story with your art, and AI will do the background work.
8. Sell Your Art with the Help of AI
Let’s talk money for a sec.
If you sell your art online, AI can help with product mockups, writing product descriptions, SEO keywords, and even ad copy.
I use ChatGPT to write captions for my prints and Canva AI to place my artwork on mockups (like mugs, shirts, and phone cases).
You can also try tools like:
- Copy.ai or Jasper for writing product copy
- Remove.bg for cleaning up your product shots
- Looka or Brandmark to design a logo for your art brand
No need to hire a whole marketing team — just team up with AI.
9. Practice & Learn Faster
Here’s a cool idea: Use AI like your personal art coach.
You can ask ChatGPT:
“Teach me 3 quick exercises to improve shading in pencil portraits.”
Or…
“What are common mistakes in acrylic painting beginners make?”
You can even upload your art and ask AI image tools to give feedback (not perfect, but still helpful).
It’s like having a mentor who never gets tired of your questions.
10. Create Just for Fun Again
Sometimes, we take art too seriously. We overthink. We compare. We burn out.
But when I started using AI, I felt like a kid again. I made stuff just to see what would happen. I mixed styles. Tried ugly color combos. Made weird mashups like “Van Gogh meets Cyberpunk Pizza Night” or “Multicolor African Elephant.”
Not everything was a masterpiece — but I was having fun again.
And isn’t that why we started in the first place?
Final Thoughts (from One Artist to Another)
Using AI doesn’t make you less of an artist. It just makes you a smarter one.
You don’t need to use all the tools. Start with one. Maybe use it to brainstorm ideas. Or help with marketing. Or speed up something that always slows you down.
Remember — you’re still the creator. AI is just one of your brushes.
And hey, if your next piece turns out amazing because you and a robot brainstormed it together… that’s pretty cool, right?
So — what will you make next using AI? Please comment below.
We will wait for your response!