A few weeks ago, I experimented with AI to create seamless patterns. My prompt was specific and in line with my style: “seamless pattern, no shadow, roses and leaves, flower buds, closed flowers, vintage; dusty pink, cream, red, sage green, solid background.”
There are people out there telling you how easy it is to develop beautiful digital products with the help of AI—even if you’re not a designer. Sounds good, right?
But what followed were hours of frustration: low-resolution outputs, awkward artifacts, and designs that lacked the flow and soul I strive for. The patterns didn’t feel cohesive, and worse—they didn’t feel like me. In the end, I had a small collection of five floral designs with a vintage touch… that I couldn’t connect with at all.
The frustration was real. Time saved? Zero. Joy? None. I even considered giving up—something that rarely happens to me. And when it came to uploading them to my Spoonflower shop, I hesitated. How could I stand behind designs that didn’t reflect my vision or my style?
Here’s my takeaway: I tried AI for pattern design, and it didn’t work for me. Maybe it’s a tool for others, but for now, I’ll stick to creating my patterns the way I always have—by hand, with intention, and with a connection to my artistic voice. AI might be the future for some, but it’s not my future for pattern design.
Let me know what you think: Do they work for you, or do you, like me, miss the personal touch? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!