Using AI tools in the agency

Behind the scenes with AI tools

As a creative agency, it's natural that we are experimenting with all of the various AI tools available. Since most of our client text is in Chinese, the usage is limited to client communications (fixing up text) and some generative image creation - creating images or manipulating images with AI. We think the advances are amazing!


Images

We create content everyday, and a fair amount of it. That means not only photo and video shoots, but more realistically, a lot of stock photography. AI can replace some of the usual images, and also help us with storyboards and other work that would take a designer hours and hours.


Here is a typical stock photo.

stock photo

Here are some attempts with Midjourney.

AI photo

Seems a bit serious. Here's another attempt. We can specify the lens as well (35mm, 80mm etc.) and other effects.

AI photo 2

Not bad - some  interesting options. What if we ask it to it as a 3D or rendered manga style?

AI photo 3

Now we are getting pretty wild! What's that AI thinking!? I mentioned Chinese woman in the prompt, so AI decided that they would accentuate that by putting a terracotta warrior on the table. I love it, so kitsch. For an actual client, one that has a giant teddy bear...we experimented with some ideas around "trust" - think trust fall. The AI came up with some pretty awesome first attempts.

AI photo 4

It's all pretty mind-bending, even when everyone is talking about it.
A Few Best Practices at Brandigo
  1. Understand Your AI Tools: Before implementation, it's crucial to understand how these AI tools work, their strengths, limitations, and suitable applications. Training your team on these aspects will help you leverage these tools effectively. We've been using ChatGPT 4 (for text) as well we Midjourney (for images).
  2. Data Privacy and Security: With great power comes great responsibility. Ensure that you use AI in compliance with all data protection laws and industry standards. Transparency about AI use and data handling can build trust with your clients. At the moment any human photos we are very careful about and will PS a different image onto it.
  3. Gradual Implementation: Instead of a sweeping change, introduce AI gradually to your operations. Start with pilot projects, learn from them, and scale up over time.
  4. Collaboration, Not Replacement: AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. For instance, use ChatGPT to manage routine queries and let your human team handle complex, nuanced interactions.
  5.  Continual Learning and Improvement: AI, like any technology, evolves. Regularly update your knowledge and your AI systems to stay relevant and effective.New Paragraph

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By Steven Proud • September 7, 2026
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