I didn’t plan to start an AI stock photography brand. I was a designer searching for images that actually felt alive — and what I found changed how I see creativity forever.

Designers don’t need more stock photos—they need visuals that carry the mood and leave space for words. In this week’s Friday Field Notes, I share the creative process behind every Brand Shot drop—crafted to be cinematic, editorial, and human—and give you a sneak peek at Monday’s upcoming release, “Big Mood, Little Town.”

Your audience doesn’t browse—they filter. With scroll-happy, picky users, your design has milliseconds to earn attention. Here’s how to build visuals that stop the swipe: bold hierarchy, snackable layouts, and moments that feel real enough to remember.