No it can't replace graphical designers except in low stakes projects. Companies won't risk their projects on cheap AI with other larger costs on the line.

>Companies won't risk their projects on cheap AI with other larger costs on the line.

Coca Cola's christmas ad had AI slop in it last year. That doesn't seem very cheap or low stakes.

Did the cost reduction have more value than the change in ad outcomes?

Yeah and it tanked pretty hard, IIRC

Instead of replace, think reduce. A graphical designer/lead might have farmed out some work to a contractor, with AI they now just do it themselves. It doesn't look like 'cheap AI' because they used the tools to augment their skills - not replace.

I don't know what it is about AI that makes people think in absolutes.

Already happening, for a solid couple of years now. AI slop on billboards, busses, newspapers, etc. is a daily occurrence now.

Obviously companies like Apple isn’t going to cut corners straight away, but small and medium sized companies? Already doing it.

> it can't replace graphical designers except in low stakes projects

You're right except you're missing the point

Do you think entry-level workers are handling high stakes projects? no, they're handling low stakes projects. Or they're generating a bunch of options, 90% of which are throwaway, which a higher skilled worker is evaluating/editing/giving input on, and then coming up with something for the higher stakes project.

Except that now, the higher skilled worker doesn't need the junior worker to generate the options or implement their edits, they can have an AI do it. And for low stakes projects, they can use the AI and call it a day.

As a graphic designer, no, AI is not even close to making the profession obsolete. Unless you are talking about the folks who create social media cards and stuff, even that is a stretch.