Create a working prompt library for me as a graphic designer. My context is [DESIGN PRACTICE AND CLIENT TYPES], my usual deliverables are [COMMON DELIVERABLES], and my current tools and constraints are [TOOLS, ACCESSIBILITY, AND PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS]. I most need help with [PRIORITY WORKFLOW PROBLEMS]. Produce 10 copy-paste prompts, each 90 to 140 words, for these daily tasks: discovery brief, audience and competitor synthesis, concept territories, naming a visual direction, typographic system rationale, art-direction shot list, client presentation narrative, structured critique, revision response, and production handoff. Each prompt must: - Be written as a designer speaking to an AI assistant. - Include 2 to 4 square-bracket inputs tailored to that task. - Specify a concrete output format, such as a table, annotated checklist, three concepts, or slide outline. - Preserve constraints: no fabricated research, testimonials, claims, client approvals, licenses, accessibility compliance, or print specifications. - Include a task-specific quality check. For example, concept territories must be meaningfully distinct; a handoff checklist must separate supplied assets from missing assets. For every prompt, add one sentence explaining when to use it and one sentence naming a common failure mode to watch for. Include a final “human judgment remains” note covering brand fit, originality, copyright, legibility, and technical production review. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing. Before answering, check that the 10 prompts are not duplicate templates with different labels and that each output request is usable without hidden context.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [DESIGN PRACTICE AND CLIENT TYPES] | Describe your role, specialties, and typical client sectors. | Freelance brand and editorial designer working mainly with regional nonprofits and small B2B software firms |
| [COMMON DELIVERABLES] | List the design deliverables you create most often. | Brand identities, annual reports, campaign toolkits, social templates, and event signage |
| [TOOLS, ACCESSIBILITY, AND PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS] | State your software, technical requirements, and recurring constraints. | Figma, Illustrator, InDesign; WCAG-aware digital work; CMYK print files with vendor templates |
| [PRIORITY WORKFLOW PROBLEMS] | Describe the design tasks where you want the most help. | Turning vague client notes into usable briefs, explaining concepts, and catching handoff gaps |
How to use
- Replace the practice context with the client, project stage, and deliverable you are working on.
- Use the brief and synthesis prompts before generating concepts so the work stays tied to actual evidence.
- Check concept language against the visual work; do not let polished rationale hide a weak or derivative direction.
- Follow up with: “Rewrite prompt 7 for a five-slide presentation to a non-design executive team.”
Variations
Client brief
Use at the start of a new design engagement.
Turn these client notes, [CLIENT NOTES], into a design brief for [DELIVERABLE]. Produce sections for objective, audience, message hierarchy, mandatory content, brand constraints, competitive context, stakeholders, timeline, approval path, and open questions. Mark every inference separately from stated facts. End with the five questions that would most reduce design risk. Do not create business claims, audience research, or approvals that are not in the notes. Ask up to 3 questions only if required.
Concept critique
Use before showing directions to a client.
Critique these [NUMBER] design concepts for [PROJECT]: [CONCEPT DESCRIPTIONS OR RATIONALES]. Evaluate each against [OBJECTIVE], [AUDIENCE], [BRAND CONSTRAINTS], hierarchy, distinctiveness, accessibility, and likely production risks. Return a comparison table, the strongest evidence-based direction, and targeted changes that preserve the core idea. Do not judge visual files you cannot see or claim trademark clearance. Ask up to 3 questions only if essential.
Print handoff
Use before packaging files for a printer or fabricator.
Create a production handoff checklist for [PRINT OR FABRICATION ITEM] using [VENDOR SPECIFICATION] and [PROJECT ASSETS]. Separate confirmed specifications from items needing vendor confirmation. Cover dimensions, bleed, safe area, color profile, image resolution, overprint, dielines, fonts, linked files, proofs, finishing, quantity, shipping, and approvals. Do not assume a printer’s standards or mark a file production-ready without a preflight. Ask up to 3 questions only if required.
Tips
- Ask AI to expose missing decisions in a brief, not to fill them with invented strategy.
- Keep concept territories separate by organizing principle, not simply color palette or mood-board vocabulary.
- Use an AI critique as a checklist for your own review; visual hierarchy, optical balance, and originality still need designer judgment.
- For production work, make the vendor specification the source of truth and ask the model to label any unresolved spec.
FAQ
Can AI replace a designer’s concept development?
It can generate language, options, and structured questions, but it cannot reliably judge originality, cultural context, or visual craft without your direction and review.
Can I paste client material into an AI prompt?
Follow your client agreement and your organization’s privacy rules. Remove confidential information when needed and do not upload licensed assets unless permitted.
How do I avoid generic design output?
Give the model evidence about the audience, message hierarchy, medium, constraints, and what competing work already looks like. Require distinct concepts with a stated organizing idea.