Mini Workshop: Creating New Year Posters Using AI
Wiki Article
As the School's Graphic Design Teacher at a Vocational High School, I am constantly faced with the question of how to keep the learning process relevant, especially in an industry that is evolving at such a rapid pace. While graphic design programs such as Adobe Photoshop are essential, students must also be well aware of the impact AI technologies will have on reshaping the future of graphic design. After our New Year's poster making workshop I realized this was an opportunity for us to bring AI technology into the learning process of our students.
The students I teach come with various levels of knowledge, from students who have experience working with basic Photoshop tools to students who are still struggling to understand how layers work in Photoshop. The traditional process for creating a poster creates many challenges including the amount of time required to sketch and obtain approval for concepts, sourcing images, manipulating these images with photography, creating a strong typography design, and completing revisions based on teacher feedback. When teaching a class of 35 such diverse learners, it is a logistical nightmare.
Limited resources are also a challenge as our school's computer lab currently only has 20 computers (workstations) available for student use and students work in shifts using the labs. Moreover, we cannot afford all of the types of subscriptions required to provide each student with access to the same level of software. Additionally, purchasing excellent quality stock images is a significant financial burden on students. Consequently, many students are not completing assignments not due to lack of creativity but because they do not have the ability to use the software due to technical limitations placed on them.
Industry relevance is my biggest concern. I don't want my graduates leaving with skills that are already outdated. They need to understand how AI tools are actually being used in the real-world creative industry, not just master traditional techniques that are becoming increasingly less relevant.
Workshop Structure with VISBOOM
I have created a mini workshop consisting of three sessions (two hours each for a total of six hours) that allows students to participate in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to implement what they are learning as they progress through this series of classes. I chose to base the workshop around the VISBOOM platform because it is an AI-powered photo editor that can be used online, requires no software downloads, has a working free account for educational purposes.
Session 1 (2 hours): "Background Swap" will be introduced. I will perform a live demonstration of how to use the background swap capability of Visboom to change a plain background into a New Year's celebration theme by uploading a student photo and simply selecting a luxury party setting or firework display as the background and within seconds, your photo will be completely changed. The students are amazed at how the AI adjusts the shadows and lighting automatically without the awkward look of a green screen. The final result looks natural as if the photo was taken on the actual scene, and I will show the students five or six different backgrounds created from one photo; a level of efficiency not possible using traditional methods.
Session 2 (2 hours): Practicing Background Swap and Model Swap. Students break into groups of 3-4 to create posters for fictional New Year events. Here they explore both of Visboom's key features. Background swap is used to create settings, elegant ballrooms, outdoor parties with city lights, or intimate gatherings with festive decorations. Model swap allows them to replace models in photos with more diverse representations, different ethnicities, body types, and ages, for inclusive posters without needing to re-shoot with different models. One base photo generates 10-15 different variations in just 30 minutes.
Session 3 (2 hours): Combining Background Swap and Model Swap for Maximum Impact. Students finalize their posters by combining both features. Here's a real example: a New Year gala dinner invitation poster. They start with a model in a standing pose shot in our simple studio. Use background swap to transport the model into a grand ballroom with luxurious chandeliers. Then use model swap to create diversity, versions with male models, female models, various ages for different target audiences. One poster concept produces 6-8 final variations in 45 minutes. Compare that to traditional methods requiring re-shoots with different models at different locations, completely impossible within our school's time frame and budget. Students also learn when to use background swap (to change settings) versus model swap (for diverse representation) versus combining both for maximum impact.
Measurable Learning Outcomes
I was blown away by the results of my Workshop! Every single student completed their poster (a 100% completion rate). Typically, using Traditional methods, 30%-40% do not complete projects because of technological challenges, conflicting commitments, etc.
The students' confidence skyrocketed after the Workshop. 85% of the respondents to the post-Workshop surveys felt more confident about their future career opportunities within the Creative Design Industry. The students now view AI no longer as a competitor, but as an additional resource that enhances their creative abilities/skills.
The students now have a thorough understanding of how to use Background Swap and Model Swap features. They know how (and when) to strategically apply these features. For example, Background Swap can help create consistency throughout an entire poster series, while Model Swap allows for A/B Testing to determine which of the multiple variations is most attractive to particular target audiences. The students learned that A.I. is not simply a "Magic Button", where you just hit it and bam! you are done. Rather, AI must be understood and applied to specific circumstances.
Because of these two examples of AI in action, the quality of poster production has improved tremendously. The finished posters produced by the students reflect the same production values of the posters produced by Professional Agencies. Using the Background Swap feature, the students were able to use backgrounds that would likely be impossible for them to physically access, (Luxury Venues, Exotic Locations and Elaborate Decorations). The diversity of models made available to them through Model Swap allowed the students to demonstrate their knowledge of Inclusive Design and therefore, their portfolios are now competitive for internship and freelance opportunities.
Visboom in this workshop proves that AI education doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. What matters is giving students access to real tools used in the industry, guiding them to understand when and how to use these tools effectively. This New Year poster workshop isn't just about creating nice visuals, it's about preparing graduates who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and ready for a creative industry that's constantly evolving.