Navigating AI Development: Focus on Core Technologies

In this episode of the Midjourney Fast Hours podcast, Drew Brucker and Rory Flynn sit down with Philip Maggs, Director of Generative AI at Superside, who has quietly revolutionized how enterprise teams adopt AI. Leading a transformation that trained over 500 designers in 18 months, Phil shares the unfiltered truth about scaling AI operations - from running shadow projects and credit card purchases to building elite "pirate teams" that push the boundaries of what's possible.

The conversation reveals Superside's blueprint for training/operationalizing teams at scale, including their peer-to-peer coaching program and how they measure success across 3,000+ AI-powered projects.

Phil breaks down their innovative Discord-based workflow that processed thousands of images, their approach to client communication, and why they completely banned Photoshop for certain projects to force innovation.

Diving deep into Midjourney's latest features, the trio discusses the reality of enterprise AI adoption, the balance between regulation and innovation, and why following the money in AI investment matters more than chasing the latest tools.

Phil caps the episode with candid advice for agencies looking to adopt AI, emphasizing why over-regulation kills innovation and how to create the psychological safety teams need to experiment and grow.

This isn't just another AI discussion - it's a masterclass in scaling creative operations from someone who's done it at the highest level. Whether you're leading a creative team or building an AI-first workflow, this episode delivers the practical insights and battle-tested strategies you need to succeed.

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⏱️ Midjourney Fast Hour

[00:00] Superside Story [09:00] Scaling Creative Teams [14:15] AI Client Projects [21:30] Building Frameworks [31:00] Discord Pipeline [42:15] Midjourney Editor Update [49:45] Automation Strategy [56:30] Real Results Using AI [01:02:00] New Tools [01:04:45] Future Vision

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Takeaways

• Generative AI is transforming creative services at SuperSide.
• The integration of AI requires a culture of experimentation.
• Client engagement is crucial for successful AI implementation.
• Building a diverse team enhances innovation in AI projects.
• Fear can drive motivation and action in adopting new technologies.
• AI tools are evolving rapidly, necessitating continuous learning.
• Scaling AI requires structured training and support for teams.
• Theoretical knowledge must be tested in real-world scenarios.
• Constraints can foster creativity and problem-solving.
• AI is not replacing jobs but creating new opportunities. Visibility over what's going on is crucial.
• Aggregation of prompts can reveal global trends.
• Using permutations can yield a higher quantity of quality images.
• Curation is essential but can lead to perfectionism.
• MidJourney is more akin to a photo shoot than stock imagery.
• Post-production is necessary for finalizing images.
• The creative process requires a balance between speed and quality.
• Photoshop remains a vital tool for detailed editing.
• API integration could enhance the functionality of MidJourney.
• The future of image generation tools is evolving rapidly. AI can bridge the gap between corporate and creative worlds.
• The goal is to reduce project timelines from days to minutes.
• Understanding AI's strengths is crucial for effective design.
• Clients expect faster turnaround times than ever before.
• Measuring the impact of AI on creative work is essential.
• Agencies should avoid overregulating AI adoption.
• Emerging tools like Flux and Comfy UI are game changers.
• Following investment trends can guide technology adoption.
• Creating a culture of experimentation is vital for success.
• AI should enhance, not replace, the human element in design.