AI images are, for our money, the most exciting development in generative AI to date, with capabilities going from ‘not’ to ‘hot’ in just a couple of years. AI generated visuals are now becoming a popular tool for creative teams and are ubiquitous on social media – but are they usable in commercial imagery? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before you send an AI file to print.
Should I Use AI Images For My Event Or Gym?
AI images are a new technology and many businesses still have reservations about using them. So, should you? The honest answer is that there is no reason you shouldn’t use AI images. Businesses have used stock photos and images for decades, and have been using computer aided design programs since at least the turn of the century. AI images are a continuation of this digital design trend and are no different in principle. They can help you explore ideas quickly, test concepts, and create artwork that might be difficult or costly to produce by hand – saving you time and money even if you choose to create your final draft by other means. There are, however, several important differences to be aware of when using AI images compared with other digital systems.
Check The Resolution And Sharpness
AI tools produce impressive visuals, but the output is not always ready for print. This means that when an image is scaled to the size of wall graphic or banner, missing details may become obvious at scale that weren’t noticeable in your draft. Before committing to a design, zoom in and check the edges of objects, gradients, and skin textures. Don’t assume that AI images will automatically behave like vectors. Small flaws on a screen become larger on print. If you plan to use the image for a hero wall, for example, or branded artwork behind the reception desk, aim for the highest resolution that the tool can offer. If you need to expand the file, up scalers or enhancement tools can help, but the results will still need a close manual review.
Make Sure The Style Fits The Space
AI visuals often have strong stylistic choices, which can work really well if you want to create a themed environment for an event or a feature wall in the gym. However, think about the tone of the space and choose your AI prompts carefully. Subtle, natural imagery often suits wellness areas, while energetic artwork works in fitness zones, and precise architectural styles complement modern hospitality interiors.
Check The Image Details Carefully
AI imagery is still at an early stage of development, so check carefully for ‘unusual’ elements in your images that can go unnoticed at first glance. Perspective and relative size is often slightly ‘off’ in AI images, and many applications struggle to produce realistic reflections and background objects accurately. AI images are also notorious for including the wrong number of fingers on hands and getting other important details wrong. These details are so glaringly obvious to us that they often slip through editorial checks. Accustomed to working with photos and manually produced artwork, we just assume these details are going to be right. It is worth continually reminding ourselves that software programs know nothing of the context of the images we use, nor of human anatomy, meaning that AI images often require a more intensive editorial process to avoid errors ending up in your final artwork.
Consider Your Print Substrate
AI artwork can behave differently depending on the surface you print it on. Deep shadows and saturated colours look rich on smooth vinyls, for example, while textured walls soften the image slightly, and fabric prints create a more natural matte finish. Planning the material first will help you shape the image so it looks intentional in its final setting. If your design relies on fine details, large format photo printing will help hold the clarity.
Next Steps
If you are exploring AI images for your event or gym, the team at MTA Digital can help you prepare, enhance, and print your artwork so that it performs well at scale. Click here to enquire about our large format digital printing service.
Image source: Canva
