Overview
More Possibilities for Independent Work in the AI Era
Participating in several AI projects over the past year made me realize how much individuals, not just companies, could now do. I wondered whether the skills I had developed as a product designer could be useful beyond building digital products, and began experimenting with a range of ideas.
ai.doodle.design
Applying My Design Strengths to Social Content
After several weeks of research, I decided to deliberately build and grow my first Instagram account around four principles:
- Reach 10,000 followers by the summer.
- Make use of my strengths.
- Find a format that differed from established influencers.
- Invest time without compromising my main job.
I treated the account as a small product. After studying content and different examples, I chose the category of "AI graphic designer" because I could test and develop a distinctive visual style quickly, without spending too long on each piece of content.
The Early Struggle: 50 to 300 Followers
Whatever my strategy, it was still only a hypothesis. As with any product, attracting and satisfying real users was difficult. I created content in English with a global audience in mind, but initially gained followers mainly through people I knew. The algorithm therefore focused on Korean users, with little new traffic coming in.
After various experiments, I focused more closely on the value I could offer. One idea was to make personalized phone wallpapers for followers.
Content Quality and Efficiency
Friends responded enthusiastically when I casually asked about the wallpaper idea. As I expanded the content and gained confidence from the response, I moved into poster design to improve the visual quality. Along the way, I explored tools I did not normally use, including CapCut, Midjourney, and Photoshop, developing my visual design and content production skills.
To avoid burning out on a slow publishing process, I optimized the workflow for producing Reels with Midjourney, Figma, and Photoshop. I reduced production time to approximately one to two hours per piece.
Artwork Based on Different Requests
Artworks with Schemas
Applying Design, Aesthetics, and Workflow Skills
- Watching an appealing artwork take shape naturally makes people want one of their own.
- I connected Manychat and designed a keyword-based flow: a simple "Doodle" prompt triggers an automated reply and detailed entry instructions.
- These individual interactions help people remember the account, bring them into the content, and build rapport.
- To keep the work manageable, I selected recipients through a draw. Regular updates, relatable stories, and a variety of categories were important, so I created and published content at least three times a week to give existing followers something to look forward to.
Insights
Understanding Threads, Instagram Reels, and Posts
Unexpectedly, the first breakthrough came on Threads, not Instagram. The success of text-based content had little to do with my original flow. Still, the references and experiments accumulated along the way helped me sharpen the focus of each post. I paid particular attention to engaging someone in the one to three seconds they might spend passing by a piece of content.
Strategy Matters, but So Does Continuing to Experiment
All four major traffic spikes came from unexpected places. When the traffic arrived, the efficiency and automation loops I had prepared worked as intended. Those new visitors then discovered and engaged with the content I had already built up.
Value First, Tech Later
Offering high-quality, personalized posters through a draw worked better than I expected. Direct-message conversations showed that even people who did not win valued receiving a personal opportunity and guidance from the creator.
Tools such as Manychat, Midjourney, and Figma made the content cycle possible, but most users were not interested in the tools themselves. Being transparent about the creative process offered a way to build trust and engagement.
Results
Small but Meaningful Outcomes
In the first three months, I published around 100 pieces of content and saw the planned cycle working in real time:
- Accounts reached · 300,000+
- Followers · 4,200+
- Most video plays · 140,000+
- Entries · 3,000+
- Most likes · 4,400+
- Brand and commission inquiries · 20+
