On the latest episode of Creative Space, we chat with Michael McDonald, co-founder and lead creative at Xhilarate, a Philadelphia-based design agency. With a career that spans over two decades, Michael has seen firsthand how technology has evolved, particularly in the design world. In this episode, he shares his journey as an artist and designer, discusses the challenges of the industry, and delves into the transformative potential of AI in creativity.
Michael’s creative journey began in the streets of Southwest Philadelphia, where his love for visual arts was first sparked by painting and graffiti. His early experiences with spray paint and the thrill of creating large-scale street art shaped his design aesthetic, which leans heavily toward geometric and angular styles. These influences are still evident in his work today, whether he’s painting, designing, or experimenting with generative AI.
A graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Michael initially found inspiration not from specific artists but from his urban environment—the “concrete jungle” that surrounded him. Broken glass, angular buildings, and the raw, gritty atmosphere of the city all contributed to his unique design sensibilities. This unconventional approach to inspiration is something he continues to explore, especially with the advent of AI.
One of the most exciting aspects of this conversation is Michael’s enthusiastic embrace of AI as a creative tool. Unlike many in the creative industry who may fear that AI could replace human ingenuity, Michael sees AI as a powerful ally that can expand the boundaries of what’s possible. He explains how AI enables him to generate ideas at warp speed, exploring concepts and visuals that might take days or weeks to develop traditionally.
For instance, Michael shares a project where Xhilarate rebranded a craft brewery in New Jersey. The team used AI to design a series of beer labels, incorporating elements of South Jersey’s culture and identity. By using AI tools like MidJourney and ChatGPT, they were able to create and refine 24 different labels in just two weeks—a process that would have taken months using traditional methods. This example highlights AI’s potential to not only streamline creative processes but also to introduce fresh, innovative ideas that might not have been conceived otherwise.
However, Michael also touches on the ethical concerns surrounding AI, particularly regarding originality and copyright. He believes that while AI can democratize creativity by making advanced tools accessible to more people, it’s crucial to maintain transparency with clients and respect the intellectual property of others. He advocates for using AI as a supplement to human creativity rather than a replacement, ensuring that the artist’s hand remains evident in the final product.
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that AI is not just a tool for Michael—it’s a way to reimagine the creative process itself. He sees a future where AI will continue to shape art and design, offering new possibilities and challenges alike. For Michael, the key is to adapt, evolve, and embrace these changes rather than resist them.
Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is transforming the creative landscape. Michael McDonald’s perspective is both refreshing and thought-provoking, reminding us that the future of creativity is not just about what we can create—but how we choose to create it.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00—Introduction
1:13—Michael McDonald’s Background
4:08—Inspirations and Design Aesthetics
7:50—First Steps into Advertising and Design
9:19—Founding Exhilarate
13:39—Challenges in the Design Industry
22:52—Embracing AI in Creativity
28:11—AI and the Creative Soul
29:28—AI in Practice: Rebranding a Craft Brewery
34:55—The Role of Artists in the Age of AI
37:15—Ethical Concerns with AI
45:24—The Future of AI and Art Education
50:39—Exciting Possibilities for the Future
52:26—Conclusion and Takeaways