People often ask how I approach new projects with AI tools. The truth? My process is messier than my Instagram suggests.

Morning Mind Mapping

Everything starts with coffee and a blank Moleskine. I still sketch concepts by hand before touching any digital tools. There's something about the tactile experience that AI can't replace—pen scratching paper helps me think.

Reference Gathering

Next comes a chaotic collection phase. I pull from everywhere: vintage design books, nature walks, architecture photos, fashion editorials. My Pinterest boards are organizational nightmares but creative goldmines.

Prompt Experimentation

This is where the magic happens. I start with broad prompts, usually terrible ones. My first 15-20 attempts almost always miss the mark. But that's the point—I'm learning the language of the image I want to create.

I keep a "prompt journal" documenting what works and what fails spectacularly. Those failures often lead to unexpected discoveries I incorporate later.

Refinement Loop

Once I have something promising, I enter the refinement phase—tweaking parameters, adjusting weight values, and incorporating feedback from trusted creative friends. I'm ruthless here, often scrapping hours of work if something doesn't feel right.

Hybrid Finishing

The AI output is rarely the final product. I bring promising generations into traditional design tools, adding elements that AI struggles with: precise typography, brand elements, or specific compositional adjustments.

The most important part? Knowing when to stop. I set timers now after once spending 16 hours on a single image (my roommate eventually staged an intervention).

What's your creative process like? Is it structured or chaotic like mine? I'd love to hear how you work!