Why I Still Reach for Illustrator (Even with Amazing AI Tools)

I've been experimenting with a lot of AI fashion tools in the last few months, Reader, and I'll be honest, they're impressive.

I can generate sophisticated flats, technical drawings, even design variations. The quality is genuinely good.

But here's what I've noticed after a few months of testing:

When I know exactly what I want, Illustrator is often faster.

Let me give you a real example:

Say you needed to adjust the angle of a sleeve on a jacket flat a few degrees and the pocket ~1/4 inch to the left.

With AI:

• Describe the change in a prompt
• Wait for generation
• It's close but not quite right
• Refine the prompt
• Wait again
• Still not exactly what I wanted
• Try a third time (burning credits)
• Finally get something workable (but still not exactly right)

With Illustrator:

• Click, drag, done. 30 seconds.

Here's what I'm learning about AI vs. Illustrator:

AI excels when:

• You're exploring concepts and need inspiration
• You want to see multiple variations quickly
• You're starting from scratch

Illustrator wins when:

• You know exactly what you want
• You need precise, consistent results every time
• You're iterating on existing designs
• You want complete creative control
• You're working within established brand standards

The reality? Most professional design work involves precise iteration.

You're rarely creating flats from nothing. You're usually refining, adjusting, and perfecting based on feedback, fit sessions, an existing block and production requirements.

And for that kind of work, having direct control beats prompt engineering every time.

Plus, there's something to be said for creative ownership. When you build something yourself, you understand every line, every curve, every decision. That knowledge makes you a better designer.

Digital artisans don't choose between tools: they use the right tool for the right moment.

Sometimes that's AI for rapid exploration.

Sometimes that's Illustrator for precise execution.

Often, it's both.

But the foundation of technical skill? That's what gives you the freedom to choose.

If you still need that technical foundation, check out my Illustrator for Fashion Sketching online course.

And if you're in the NYC Metro area, join me in class IN PERSON next Saturday, July 16th for Illustrator for Fashion Design Sketching: Level 1.​

P.S. Someone commented on a recent post calling Illustrator "antiquated" and asked "Hasn't AI mastered this yet?"

AI hasn't mastered anything. AI is a tool that requires HUMAN EXPERTISE to guide it. And "antiquated" tools that work reliably often outlast flashy new ones.

The best designers I know aren't waiting for AI to solve their problems; they're building skills that make them valuable regardless of what technology comes next.