Substack Re-Stack ? Nov 15-22

Another week of Substack articles. Here are the summaries and takeaways.

Wait... How'd You Do That? Exploring Midjourney Retexture.

This article explains how to use Midjourney V.6.1's "Retexture" feature within its external image editor. In this Substack, I discovered how to transform a beige Apple III into a translucent G4 masterpiece using Midjourney V6.1's Retexture feature. By leveraging AI image descriptions and some creative experimentation, I unlocked a way to blend retro hardware with modern aesthetics.

• Midjourney's Retexture lets you map one image's style onto another's structure
• Smart use of image descriptions helps nail the exact aesthetic you're after

Want to learn how to turn your own Apple III into a frosted Poptart or give it a weathered limestone finish? Check out my full guide to mastering Midjourney's Retexture feature.

What Would You Do With a Total Disaster Situation... in Design? THAT is the Human Element.

I discovered something profound in Keith Jarrett's legendary K?ln Concert - a masterpiece born from total disaster. With a broken piano, exhausted performer, and a 17-year-old promoter against impossible odds, it became the best-selling piano album in jazz history. Here's why that matters for creatives working with AI today.

• True innovation emerges when we embrace constraints rather than fight them
• Our humanity shines brightest in how we respond to imperfect conditions

Want to learn how to tap into your own creative potential with AI by embracing the "broken piano" moments? Read my full exploration of turning constraints into opportunities.

Ar. June Chow reviews my Midjourney book

Seasoned architect June Chow just reviewed my Midjourney book, and her take surprised me. "It isn't just for beginners," she says, revealing how even expert prompters can discover new techniques - from layering multiple style references to creative chaos parameter applications. She transformed her architectural visualizations using these methods.

• Advanced techniques help refine architectural visualization details
• Unexpected parameter combinations create breakthrough design concepts

Curious how a "beginner's guide" could challenge a veteran architect? Read June's full review of my Midjourney book.

Barcode Expansion - with AI?

When someone said "AI won't generate creative barcode designs," I took it as a personal challenge. Using a mix of AI tools and creative prompting, I set out to prove that artificial intelligence could help reimagine those boring black lines into delightful brand moments - from candy cane forests to dripping peanut butter.

• AI can spark creative concepts when properly guided
• LLMs help brainstorm ideas before moving to visual tools

Want to see how I turned "it can't be done" into "watch this"? Check out my full exploration of AI-assisted barcode design.

Barcode Expansion - with AI :: Part 2

I took on the candy cane barcode challenge using a creative AI workflow. By combining Midjourney's External Image Editor with specific line-art prompts and Adobe Express, I transformed a basic UPC code into a whimsical winter scene with elves decorating candy canes – then built it into a complete package design.

• Strategic prompting creates clean, scannable barcode art
• Combining AI tools produces professional package designs

Want to see how I turned mundane barcodes into magical brand moments? Check out my step-by-step process using Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe tools.

Barcode Expand - with AI :: Part 3

Taking the barcode challenge to Adobe Illustrator, I tested its vector generation capabilities to transform Jiffy's corn muffin mix barcode into waving grain stalks. While AI didn't nail the corn stalks perfectly, it showed how vector-based tools can create clean, scalable barcode art with some human refinement.

• Adobe Illustrator's AI can generate vector-based barcode expansions
• Strategic editing turns AI suggestions into polished designs

Curious how to blend AI vectors with package design? Check out my step-by-step process using Adobe Illustrator's generative tools.

Exploring 'Spin Selling' with Active Reading & AI.

I’ll admit, Spin Selling isn’t exactly a page-turner—it’s more like eating Saltines without water. But what if you could squeeze real value out of this dry sales classic without slogging through it? By combining the Active Reading method with AI, I’ve found a way to RAMP up learning from even the toughest reads.

? Discover how the SQ3R method transforms passive skimming into actionable insights.

? Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can amplify your takeaways and make them practical.

Curious how I did it with Spin Selling? Dive into my step-by-step breakdown and see for yourself!

PLAY.AI ::: Creating an AI 'Playnote' from Various Documents

Curious about PLAY.AI’s potential to reshape how we synthesize information? I gave it a spin, combining diverse assets into an AI-generated PlayNote. The results were… mixed, but the journey revealed some surprising capabilities and frustrating limitations.

? Explore six synthesis styles, from podcasts to parodies, and how they fit (or don’t).

? See why AI tools like PLAY.AI still need a human touch to hit the mark.

Ready to see if PLAY.AI is the right tool for your creative workflow? Check out my hands-on experience and tips for making the most of it.

Prompt Mastery

Ever wondered how to master prompting for AI-generated visuals? My LinkedIn LIVE session broke it down step by step. Think of it as learning to ‘see’ with words—crafting prompts that turn vague ideas into visual masterpieces.

? Explore the 12 Essential Prompt Elements for precision and creativity.

? Learn to combine frameworks like Rory Flynn ’s and Drew Brucker ’s for storytelling impact.

Ready to elevate your AI visual game? Dive into the slide deck and start crafting prompts like a pro!