AI-Generated Images Are the New Selfies — But Should Marketers Panic or Play Along?
No robots were harmed in the making of this strategy.
2/15/20253 min read
Let’s be real — if you haven’t seen someone turn themselves into a Studio Ghibli character, an AI action figure, or a moody Renaissance queen, have you even opened Instagram lately?
AI-generated images are everywhere, and marketers? Well, we’re over here juggling a hundred questions:
Do I need to jump on this trend? Is this just a phase? Can I legally use an image that looks like Pikachu riding a unicorn while holding my brand logo?
Breathe. Let’s break it down.
AI Just Gave Every Marketer a Magic Wand (That Sometimes Backfires)
AI image generators — like the new beefed-up GPT-4o or Midjourney — let you type in a few words and boom, you’ve got a photo-realistic image of a cat wearing Prada or your CEO as a space cowboy. (And yes, I’ve done both.)
What used to take a creative team, three revisions, and a $300 stock image budget now happens while you sip your oat milk latte.
And brands are eating it up. Personalized memes, custom avatars, quirky campaign assets — all created faster than you can say “brand engagement.”
But here’s the catch...
Just Because You Can Create It, Doesn’t Mean You Should
(Unless you want Miyazaki calling your campaign “an insult to life itself.”)
Yup, that actually happened.
Artists — understandably — are raising red flags about copyright infringement and the ethics of feeding their work into AI engines without permission. Even some of the most iconic looks (hello, Ghibli eyes and Pixar-ish pastels) come with a side of controversy.
So, if you’re using AI to make your brand look cool? Great.
But if you’re using it to rip off someone else’s art style? That’s a branding nightmare waiting to happen.
The Action Figure Craze: Barbie Called — She Wants Her Box Back
This one? It’s hilarious and genius in equal parts.
People are creating their own “AI Action Figures,” boxed up with accessories based on their careers and personalities — think: “Marketing Maven Barbie” with a laptop, a chai latte, and five tabs open on Google Ads.
I even saw a recruiter turn job candidates into collectible figures with clever captions like “Ready to scale teams” and “Comes with five years of experience and zero red flags.”
It’s fun. It’s human. It’s weirdly nostalgic.
And best of all? It’s viral without feeling corporate. That’s your sweet spot.
What’s the ROI of All This AI-Generated Magic?
Let me answer that like a marketer: It depends.
Is your goal engagement? Then yes, these trends can help your brand feel fresh, current, and relatable — especially if you give it a humorous or emotional twist.
Is your goal conversions? AI images can support campaigns, but they’re not miracle workers. The strategy still matters. A Ghibli-style image won’t sell your product if your offer’s weak.
Is your brand in a sensitive space (nonprofit, legal, medical)? Tread lightly. Nothing kills trust faster than a "funny" AI post that feels tone-deaf.
Okay, So What Should We Actually Do?
Here’s my marketer-to-marketer cheat sheet:
Experiment — but label clearly. Don’t let people think it’s a real photo if it’s AI. Be transparent. Trust matters.
Don’t be lazy with prompts. Great output comes from great input. “Cat in a hat” is boring. Try “Sassy tabby in a fedora reviewing your Q2 slide deck.”
Stay inspired, not infringing. Use AI to brainstorm, mock up ideas, or test concepts. But always double-check originality before publishing.
Make it on-brand. Use your tone, your values, your inside jokes. Don’t just follow the trend — own your version of it.
Use AI like seasoning, not the main dish. Blend it with real photos, user content, and your voice. Authenticity wins.
Bottom Line: AI Can’t Replace You — But It Can Amplify You
You’ve still got to bring the creativity, the values, the vision. AI is just your assistant — one with unlimited energy and no need for PTO.
This isn’t the end of marketing. It’s the beginning of a new era where you get to play more, create faster, and connect deeper — if you’re intentional.
Now go ahead, make that action figure of yourself holding a spreadsheet, a latte, and a “Don’t Panic, It’s Just AI” sign.
Tag me when you do.
