I test the AI tools, design trends, and brand moves marketers are talking about, then tell you what holds up and what doesn’t. Written by the author of the bestselling The Visual Marketer, after 20+ years leading brand, creative, and digital experience marketing teams.
Firefly is Expanding Beyond Photoshop
Thank you to all of the new readers who have signed up for this newsletter! My goal is to arm you with information that prepares you and your career as AI continues to infiltrate every industry. If this was forwarded to you, please subscribe to receive each new issue. News at the Intersection of AI and DesignAnother week and another slew of AI/Design announcements. One of the most significant announcements is the expansion of Adobe Firefly into Adobe Illustrator. This leads me to believe that we’re going to see Firefly integrated into more applications and at deeper levels. This is just the beginning. Adobe Illustrator gets its first Firefly AI toolFirefly’s capabilities come to Adobe Illustrator to help designers rapidly experiment with colors.
AI-generated QR codes are pretty incredibleAI-generated QR codes can be used to create unique and visually appealing designs that can be used for a variety of purposes.
IKEA Uses Artificial Intelligence to Transform Call Center Employees into Interior Design AdvisorsIKEA is using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform its call center employees into interior design advisors. The AI system, called “Home Advisor,” helps employees answer customer questions about products and design solutions.
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This week also saw the launch of AfterDesign.me! It’s exciting to get this out into the world. I wrote a few blog posts that might interest you.
I’m still working on a few things to help you be better prepared. If there is something specific you’d like me to do or include, please let me know by replying or leaving a comment. I know there are way too many newsletters out there and I appreciate you signing up for this one. I want to make sure you get as much value as possible.
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Marketing by Design – Design thinking that makes marketing work
I test the AI tools, design trends, and brand moves marketers are talking about, then tell you what holds up and what doesn’t. Written by the author of the bestselling The Visual Marketer, after 20+ years leading brand, creative, and digital experience marketing teams.
09 November 2026 | Issue #139 In this issue: Marketing is your starting pitcher MPB2B Design quote of the week Marketing is Your Starting Pitcher In baseball, the starting pitcher is the star. Fans pick the night they buy tickets around who is on the mound, and an ace can make a game must-see and nearly guarantee a win. Teams pay for it. In 2026, a pitcher was the highest-paid player on 12 of 30 MLB teams, and Zack Wheeler leads the way at $42M. Middle relievers carry the game to the closer,...
26 October 2026 | Issue #138 In this issue: Creativity is less important than consistency Amazing real-world video effects Design quote of the week Why Consistency Beats Creativity in B2B Branding Your audience isn’t nearly as familiar with your brand as you are. And that’s a problem when you’re constantly changing it. Years ago, I worked with a CMO who had a habit of explaining our solution story to the marketing team. Over and over again. He’d stand at a whiteboard or one of the glass walls...
11 October 2026 | Issue #137 In this issue: Avoid these AI design tropes Don't use Muse if you like privacy Design quote of the week I Know You Used AI for Your Design You already know the em dash is a dead giveaway of AI writing (sorry, Ann Handley). Design has its own tells, and there are a lot of them. None of them is wrong on its own. A good writer can use an em dash on purpose, and a good designer can use any pattern below on purpose. They become a tell when they show up because nobody...