AI Slop Pandemic

Is there a petition we can create to stop people from using AI to generate flyers?I’ve seen people refer to it as a pandemic, and honestly, it really feels that way.

I get it, though. You, a non-designer, now have the power to create a full-on flyer with tap of your keyboard. Amazing! Progressive! Fun!

But let’s be real.

Not only do they all look the same, but they also don’t really look that great. And there are telltale signs.

We know your flyer was made by AI becauuuse:

• the brush-stroke text box

• the heart

• the gradients

• the terrible glossy AI-generated images

• the fonts

• the dividers

• the icons

• the layout

• the wording

Just when I thought we were finally moving away from purely AI-generated copy, now we have the “graphics” to replace it.

I know I sound like a grumpy old fart, and to be honest, I’m starting to feel like one. I’m not anti-AI. I use it. It’s incredibly helpful in many ways. But there’s a limit. And it's not having the impact you want, actually it’s often the opposite.

At this point, I’d be more impressed by a photo of a piece of paper with words written in Sharpie advertising your practice, business, menu, or event than another AI-generated flyer.

In fact, I’m prepared to start paying people to let me redesign their flyers.

Enough with the AI slop. Please make it stop. We've got to do something!

End rant.

P.(t)S.(d) I can never use another em dash, no matter how appropriate it is.