One of the most accessible aspects of the AI revolution has been the ability to create complex, high-quality images in a short space of time.
AI-generated art offers several benefits for small businesses – and some drawbacks – so deciding when to use it can be tricky.
This article discusses how you should use AI web design tools to create images for your website and when it is best to stick to traditional methods.
What is AI-generated Art?
AI-generated art is artwork or imagery that has been created by using machine learning and artificial intelligence web design tools. Styles and patterns are created by these applications based on existing pieces of art to generate something new and unique.
Can You Use AI-generated Images in Web Design?
The use of AI-generated art is increasingly commonplace and, in many cases, does not cause any issues with copyright or usage laws.
However, it is a good idea to always check the terms of use to ensure that any restrictions that are in place are followed.
AI is best used for generic purposes, so you may want to avoid using it when recreating a specific style or a brand logo, for example.
When Should You Use AI Art on Your Website?
Most companies that utilise AI art tend to find that it is more appropriate for general use, which is comparable in many ways to using a stock photo image.
For example, you could use AI art for your:
- Homepage: For generic images related to services your business provides.
- Blogs: A general header that reflects the written content in the post.
- News page: An accent image for company updates or industry-related articles.
When Should You Not Use AI Art for Your Website?
Whilst AI art certainly has its benefits, it isn’t for every business and there are some instances where it may be best to avoid using it.
This is generally true for specific images related to things such as:
- Physical products that are available for purchase.
- Showcasing your portfolio of work or case studies.
- Sharing content directly related to your business.
The images you use for the above will come into direct contact with potential customers and play a pivotal role in influencing their final decision.
If you are selling physical products, presenting high quality photos or even screenshots will go a long way to building trust with new visitors.
Using AI image generators can be an acquired skill and if you need to upload images quickly, whilst using AI may seem like a time-efficient solution, often you will find that sourcing the right image will produce better long-term results, even if it takes a little more time to complete.
What Are the Alternatives to Using AI Images for Web Design?
If you are struggling to produce the right AI imagery for your website, other low costs options you could use include:
- Stock Images: Whilst there are some premium sites that can be quite costly, in recent years a number of reputable providers of free images under the Creative Commons licence have appeared to provide a cheaper alternative.
- Graphic Elements: Using a professional web designer to create small, repeatable images can quickly add visual interest and improve user engagement. You can also add background imagery, section breaks or additional flourishes to emphasise certain elements.
- DIY Product Photography: Some small businesses find it just as effective to manage their own product photography. If you use a neutral background, good natural lighting and a good quality camera, it can be enough to help you produce high-res images you can use on your website.
- Type Treatments: Experimenting with bolder or larger text or adding symbols can add a little more visual variety to a web page. It can be helpful for conveying an idea into something visually powerful but also turn simple words into a meaningful statement.
Summary
Using AI-generated art in some aspects of the web design process can help to save valuable time and money, especially when you are working to a tight deadline. However, when promoting real products or showcasing your work, it is probably more beneficial to stick to traditional methods. At Webshape, our team uses a combination of AI-generated art images and artwork created by professionals, which allows our projects to benefit from either approach when most appropriate
