Graphic designers are stepping up to rescue small businesses from the monotonous, mediocre AI-generated flyers that have invaded our streets and social media feeds. Despite the supposed creativity of AI, most of these flyers look mediocre, if not outright traumatic, especially when showcasing food or menus.

The backlash is visible on Instagram and YouTube, where designers are showcasing their unique, eye-catching alternatives. Businesses are also waking up to the fact that handcrafted flyers can still stand out, with some even declaring they'll go back to using pen and paper to avoid the ‘mid’ look.

Some designers are using this challenge as a real-world brief to practice their skills, while others are educating businesses on how to create better flyers without relying on AI. The argument from AI proponents is that bad users, not AI, are to blame for generic-looking flyers. However, even with detailed prompts, AI tends to revert to a statistical average, lacking the personal touch of human creativity.

The trend towards handcrafted work might just be here to stay, as businesses realise that authenticity and personality can still make a difference. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this trend evolves and how businesses balance the need for efficiency with the desire for unique and engaging visual identities.