How AI, Design, and Creativity Landed Me 2 Weeks of ClusterTruck Lunches
Some contests are worth more than the prize, and this was one of them. Indy Design Week recently hosted a poster competition to help ClusterTruck revamp their promotional flyers for Dine to Donate events. The prize? Two weeks of free ClusterTruck lunches. The challenge? Taking a bland Illustrator template and transforming it into a design with bite. Spoiler alert: I snagged an honorary runner-up spot—and the lunches. Let me take you behind the scenes of my creative process and why this contest wasn’t just about design—it was about community.
Indy Design Week: Elevating Design, Supporting Businesses
If you’re unfamiliar with Indy Design Week (IDW), it’s more than a yearly event; it’s a movement. IDW connects designers across disciplines—graphic, UX, product, interior, and beyond—while building bridges between creative professionals and local businesses.
This poster contest with ClusterTruck was a perfect example of that mission in action. ClusterTruck, a local favorite, needed help elevating their design game, and Indy Design Week mobilized the creative community to deliver. It wasn’t just about getting great designs; it was about giving small businesses access to top-tier creative talent. That’s the kind of collaboration that keeps Indy’s creative and business scenes thriving.
For me, participating in this contest wasn’t just about winning free food (though let’s be honest, ClusterTruck’s menu is no joke). It was about contributing to a larger ecosystem where designers and businesses support each other to grow.
From Basic Template to Pattern Playground
Design contests can feel like cooking with a pre-set recipe—you’re handed a template and told to “make it pop.” But for this project, I treated an Illustrator template as a jumping-off point, not a constraint. Templates don’t define design; they set the table for experimentation.
I started with the basics: choosing a clean layout and adjusting typography to make the messaging stand out. The twist? I introduced an unexpected design element: AI-generated patterns.
Harnessing AI for Design: A Tool, Not a Shortcut
AI is having its moment, and I’m not just talking about ChatGPT outlining this blog (hey, no shame in getting help). For this project, I experimented with a cutting-edge AI pattern generator that allowed me to create intricate, visually dynamic textures in minutes. The tool generated a range of abstract patterns inspired by urban street vibes—a perfect complement to ClusterTruck’s modern, bold branding.
Here’s the secret sauce: the AI didn’t do everything. I customized the generated pattern in Illustrator, tweaking colors and layouts to sync with the Dine to Donate messaging. ClusterTruck is known for being bold, so I kept the pattern striking—just enough to guide the viewer’s eye without overwhelming the text.
Adding the Human Touch
Design isn’t about letting AI take the wheel. It’s about steering it. I refined every detail:
- Using contrast to highlight ClusterTruck’s branding and the call-to-action text.
- Layering in small graphic accents to give the poster a cohesive, polished look.
- I played with adjusting transparency levels so the pattern felt like part of the background instead of competing with the copy. And scrapped it. Maybe at the cost of the grand prize.
The result? A poster that felt fresh, modern, and uniquely crafted—something a template alone could never achieve.
Why the Process Matters More than the Prize
Winning an honorary runner-up might sound like a consolation prize, but it’s not about the title (or even the free lunches, though I’m thoroughly enjoying them). This contest reminded me that design is about elevating the ordinary. It’s about seeing the potential in a blank slate—or a pre-made template—and turning it into something that grabs attention.
Plus, experimenting with AI tools opened up new creative possibilities. It’s like having a sous chef in the kitchen: you can delegate some tasks, but the final dish is still your vision.
Lessons Learned
- Templates are tools, not crutches. Don’t let them limit your creativity.
- AI is here to stay. Embrace it, but always add your personal touch.
- Design is storytelling. Even in a poster for a food truck event, there’s room to tell a visual story that connects with your audience.
The fusion of AI and creativity isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for innovation. Through this project, I learned how to combine Illustrator’s tried-and-true templates with AI-generated patterns to create something truly unique. Winning two weeks of free lunches from ClusterTruck wasn’t just about the prize—it was about showcasing how design and technology can come together to solve real-world challenges.
Indy Design Week’s support for local designers and small businesses highlights the importance of collaboration within our creative community. It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the connections we build and the stories we tell along the way.
So, whether you’re a designer looking to try new tools or a small business looking to stand out, don’t shy away from experimenting. Creativity and AI are here to elevate what’s possible—who knows, maybe your next design will land you a win, too.
Ready to dive into the world of AI-powered design? Explore Indy Design Week and bring your creativity to the next level!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a ClusterTruck lunch calling my name.
Work with awesome people.
Check out our current openings for your chance to build things that matter with creative, curious people. Explore SEP Careers »You Might Also Like
