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In the ever-evolving world of fashion, innovation knows no bounds. When it comes to design, the latest buzz is all about artificial intelligence (AI). As a devoted shoe lover and designer, I’ve been traversing this uncharted territory, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on the intriguing interplay between AI and the art of design.
First, it’s time to debunk the myth- AI programs are not here to snatch your job. Instead, they’re a powerful tool that can supercharge your creative process. I believe that AI is purely inspirational, a better funnel for new ideas that haven’t been explored before.
Midjourney is an example of generative AI that can convert natural language prompts into images. It allows you to have fun and go as far as generating futuristic astronaut shoes made of banana skins and covered in glitter, or simply design an elegant pointy toe teal mule- like I did. I was able to make my prompt more accurate with every try and get the design closer to what I had in mind. The result is far from perfect- the shoes generated are not identical, and some details are not realistic to manufacture, but you get the idea. A pair inspired by these is definitely going to be featured in my upcoming spring- summer collection.So, AI is a great tool, but it has its limitations. Imagine an army of little aliens attempting to draw shoes. They might be fantastic at it, but they lack the earthly wisdom of what a shoe truly entails. AI-based applications, like Chat GPT and Midjourney, are still in their infancy and don’t quite grasp the intricate details of shoe construction.
While AI may not be ready to take over the design process entirely, it can help you out in many ways. Prototyping, for example, becomes a thrilling playground with AI. Simulations and virtual experimentation cut through the traditional trial-and-error process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Also, AI can be a lifesaver when facing a creative block, by generating dozens of design variations in the blink of an eye. This can help overflow you with inspiration, as well as meet those tight schedules and impress your clients.
Nevertheless, one aspect to consider when using AI-generated designs is the legal implications. It’s crucial to determine whether your company can legally release these designs into the public domain. Ignoring this could land you in legal trouble, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
So, dear shoe designers, don’t be afraid of AI; embrace it as your creative ally. The future of shoe design is exciting, with AI as your trusty sidekick, not a menacing threat. It’s time to let your creativity soar to new heights with the power of artificial intelligence!
