How Generative AI Is Reshaping Ad Design – And Why That’s a Good Thing for Associations

How Generative AI Is Transforming Ad Design: Insights from Big Red M’s Ad Designer Hannah Strong

Generative AI is making a major impact across creative industries, and ad design is no exception.

At Big Red M, we’ve embraced this technology to speed up our design process, improve visual quality, and meet the growing needs of our association clients.

To better understand how AI fits into our creative workflow, we sat down with Hannah Strong, Big Red M’s lead designer. Hannah shared how she uses generative AI to elevate our complimentary ad design services and deliver faster, smarter results for clients.

How has generative AI changed the way you approach ad design?

What excites me most about ad design is solving the creative puzzle. I love taking a brand’s personality and turning it into something visual that communicates clearly and effectively.

Generative AI has completely transformed how I approach that process. Design often involves a lot of quick revisions from clients, like resizing an image or shifting elements slightly. AI tools help me make those adjustments in seconds. That gives me more time to focus on strategy and creativity instead of spending hours on repetitive edits.

How do you use generative AI to enhance or expand images?

Photoshop’s Generative AI is a huge part of my workflow now. When I need to expand an image or fill in blank space, I can just highlight the area and click “Generate.” The tool fills it in seamlessly based on the existing content.

There’s also a prompt box, which lets me guide the tool with specific instructions. I can add elements, brighten certain areas, or remove distractions. The key is giving clear direction. The more specific the prompt, the better the result. That’s where design skill still matters—knowing how to use the tool without losing the brand’s identity.

What benefits does AI-enhanced design offer Big Red M clients?

Speed is the biggest advantage. At Big Red M, we include ad design as part of our services, so fast turnaround times are critical. With generative AI, I can complete complex edits that used to take hours in just a few minutes.

Clients also get more polished and professional visuals, even when they have minimal assets. AI helps me make the most of what I have and create something that still looks high quality and on brand.

Can you share a specific example of AI helping you meet a client’s request?

Absolutely. We were working on an ad for the West Virginia Forestry Association’s annual directory. One advertiser asked us to remove an image from their layout but didn’t provide a replacement. That left an empty space in the design.

To solve it, I used Photoshop’s Generative AI to expand another image already in the ad. The initial expansion looked a little sparse, so I used the prompt tool to generate more logs and forestry elements that matched the rest of the photo. It ended up looking completely natural and kept the ad consistent with the client’s industry.

What’s your favorite AI tool or feature right now?

Photoshop’s Generative AI is hands down my favorite. I use it every day. It’s built into the software I already work in, which makes it easy and efficient. Whether I’m expanding images, cleaning up backgrounds, or filling in missing pieces, it helps me work faster without compromising quality.

How do you make sure AI supports your creativity rather than replaces it?

I use AI to handle the technical and repetitive parts of design. Things like expanding an image or removing an object are perfect for AI. But when it comes to layout, branding, and big-picture creative direction, that’s all human.

My goal is always to let the brand’s personality shine through, and that requires real creative thinking. AI is a great tool, but I stay in control of the design process from start to finish.

What would you say to clients who feel hesitant about using AI in design?

I’d say AI helps us work smarter, not faster just for the sake of speed. It lets us move quickly while still focusing on thoughtful design.

If anything, AI allows me to spend more time crafting something meaningful instead of getting bogged down in edits. The end result is better work and faster delivery, which is a win for everyone.

Want to see how our design team can elevate your next campaign?
Contact Big Red M to learn how our creative team supports your brand with smart, fast, and strategic design services.