How I Use (and Don’t Use) AI in My Work — and Why It Matters for You

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of almost every creative field — from marketing and design to content writing and admin systems. It’s changing how we work, how we communicate, and even how clients evaluate what they’re paying for.

If you’ve wondered whether AI plays a role in my process (or in the work of other designers and strategists you hire), that’s a fair question. So I want to be clear about where I use it, where I don’t, and why that matters. Because this isn’t just a conversation about tools—it’s a conversation about trust.

My Philosophy: Human First, Always

I see AI as a tool, not a replacement for creativity, empathy, or strategy.

For me, it’s most useful for getting organized, exploring new directions, or getting unstuck when I’m staring at a blank page. In that way, I treat it like a junior creative partner: it can help brainstorm or structure ideas, but the direction, refinement, and final decisions always come from me.

AI can make the process more efficient, but it doesn’t replace the human insight that comes from really understanding your values, your voice, and the people you serve.

How I Use AI in My Work

Here’s what AI actually helps with in my day-to-day work:

• Brainstorming and Organization: I use tools like ChatGPT to outline ideas, summarize long notes, or explore new ways to phrase something you’ve already written. It’s a starting point, not the final product.

• Finding Patterns: When clients complete their intake questionnaire, I may use AI to look for patterns or insights I might have missed — things that connect how you talk about your work, your clients, and your goals.

• Helping You Get Unstuck: Many clients feel overwhelmed by writing their own copy. AI can help us turn your thoughts into something tangible. Sometimes I’ll use it to generate prompts, help you shape your own wording, or create a rough draft from the ideas you’ve already shared, so you’re not starting from scratch.

• Internal Efficiency: I use AI behind the scenes to organize ideas, draft project outlines, summarize notes, or prepare checklists. This gives you more of my time on the strategic and creative parts of the project, not the admin-heavy parts.

• Simple tools for your ongoing marketing: Occasionally, I’ll set up custom GPTs for clients who want help maintaining their marketing between larger projects. This is never a replacement for thoughtful strategy, but it can make things feel less overwhelming and is a way to keep things moving without adding extra pressure to your workload or budget.

In every case, AI supports the process. It never replaces the human strategy, design decisions, or clarity work.

And while anyone can open a tool like ChatGPT, knowing how to use it well is a skill in itself. Crafting strong prompts, interpreting what comes back, and refining it into something strategic and on-brand takes experience and judgment. That’s part of what you’re hiring me for—to use these tools thoughtfully, efficiently, and in a way that elevates the final result.

What you’re paying for isn’t the tool. It’s the expertise, discernment, and creative direction that makes the tool useful.

What I Don’t Use AI For

Just as important as what I do use it for is what I don’t:

• I don’t use AI to write final website copy or core brand messaging

• I don’t use it for custom design work or visual identity development

• I don’t use it to make strategic decisions that require context, nuance, and judgment

Those pieces require human judgment, empathy, and intuition — qualities no AI tool can replicate.

Data Privacy and Guardrails

I take privacy seriously. I don’t enter sensitive client information into public tools, and I’ve opted out of allowing my prompts or data to be used for AI model training. But I do use business names and questionnaire responses (non-medical, non-HIPAA content) when needed for project work.

Everything I share with AI tools is done carefully, with discernment, and only in the ways needed to support the project. If you ever want to know more about how a specific tool is being used in your project, just ask.

Transparency in My Contract

I believe in being upfront about how technology fits into my work, which is why I include this statement in all client contracts:

“AI for Content Generation: Designer may utilize AI-powered tools to assist in content generation tasks, such as initial drafts of website copy or image creation. Client acknowledges that while Designer will review and edit AI-generated content, it is the Client's responsibility to ensure final content accuracy and alignment with their brand voice.”

In other words, AI may help us get started, but you always have the final say in what your brand sounds like and how your work is represented.

Why I Talk About This

I work primarily with health and wellness professionals — people who deeply value trust, integrity, and consent.

Those same values guide how I use (and don’t use) AI. My goal is never to hide behind technology, but to use it thoughtfully so we can focus our time and energy on what truly matters: creating a brand and website that reflect your care, clarity, and professionalism.

AI helps me work more efficiently. It doesn’t replace the human touch that makes your brand feel trustworthy, relatable, and real.

A Quick Note About Writing with AI

Like many of you, I’m a team of one. Blog posts like this one often start with an outline I’ve drafted and then refined with the help of tools like ChatGPT. The ideas and perspective are mine, but I use tools like ChatGPT to help me structure blog posts and move from a rough outline to a finished draft. It’s what helps me stay consistent and share ideas even when time is limited; otherwise, my drafts might sit in a Google folder forever waiting for me to do something with them.

The same may be true for you. If writing blog posts or newsletters feels overwhelming, AI can make it easier to start. You can use it to brainstorm topics, outline ideas, or refine your drafts while still keeping your own voice at the center.

Used this way, AI becomes less about shortcuts and more about support, helping you show up consistently without overthinking every word.

Final Thought

AI can make the creative process smoother, but it will never replace the collaboration, empathy, and intentionality that define my work. Everything we create together is guided by strategy, shaped by experience, and refined by human hands.