No, AI Isn't Actually Coming for Your Design Job

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Episode 29 | Season 2: The Design Tools We're All Kind of Overusing Right NowAre designers relying too much on their tools—or are the tools simply evolving the way we work?Recorded live at a Kenyan Design Konversations (KDK) meetup at Zetech University, this episode features Vanessa Kalondu in an open, audience-driven conversation with designers, developers, founders, and creatives about the tools shaping today's design workflows.From Canva, Figma, Gemini, Claude, and Claude Code to AI-powered design agents and productivity tools, we explore what professionals are using, what's genuinely improving their workflow, and where dependency on tools can start replacing critical thinking.The discussion also covers practical topics every creative professional faces—from landing your first paid design job and pricing your work to handling client feedback, writing contracts, and dealing with clients who disappear after project delivery. Along the way, the audience shares lesser-known plugins, design resources, and workflow tips that make this conversation both practical and insightful.Whether you're a graphic designer, UI/UX designer, product designer, developer, student, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode offers an honest look at how Kenya's creative community is adapting to the rapid evolution of design technology.Tools change. Design principles don't.The design tools creatives are relying on mostCanva vs. Figma: finding the right tool for the jobHow AI fits into a modern design workflowFigma's Education Plan and new AI featuresBuilding practical workflows with Gemini, Claude, and other AI toolsMaking your first income as a designerDoes AI replace designers—or amplify them?Design contracts and protecting your freelance businessManaging difficult client feedback and project revisionsLesser-known plugins and resources worth exploringWhy mastering design fundamentals will always matterConnect with Vanessa KalonduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-kalondu-otieno/Connect with Kenyan Design KonversationsWebsite: https://kdk.co.ke/Campus Tour: https://campustour.kdk.co.ke/YouTube: Kenyan Design KonversationsSpotify: Kenyan Design KonversationsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_design_konversations/X: https://x.com/254designkonvosTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenyandesignkonversationJoin the KDK community and be part of the conversations shaping the future of design, technology, business, and creativity across Kenya and beyond.Episode Highlights