Can AI Outshoot Me? Testing AI-Generated Brand Photography for Converse
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technology, and with the rise of AI-generated imagery, I started wondering—could AI produce better brand photography than me? To put it to the test, I chose Converse as my subject. An iconic American brand since 1908, Converse is best known for the classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars. These sneakers have transcended trends, becoming a symbol of self-expression—whether through hand-drawn Sharpie doodles, added charms, or scuffed-up, lived-in wear.
Recently, Converse introduced the Chuck Taylor All Star Move Platform, a modern twist on the classic silhouette. With its lightweight platform and Ortholite insole, this shoe delivers comfort without sacrificing style. Like the original Chucks, the All Star Move is endlessly versatile and customizable, making it the perfect model for my experiment.
For my own shoot, I leaned into gothic-inspired styling, proving that comfort can still be bold, expressive, and grunge. I swapped out the standard laces for an eclectic mix: a thin red velvet ribbon for a striking pop of color and silver chainmail for an edgier touch. Adding charms reinforced Converse’s spirit of self-expression—showing that the possibilities for personalization are limitless. The goal was to create a photo set that would resonate with both first-time Converse shoppers and longtime fans who hadn’t yet explored this new comfort-driven style.
But then came the AI challenge. Generative AI tools are reshaping creative storytelling, allowing brands to visualize campaigns in ways that go beyond traditional photography. Since Converse has always been about innovation, whether in design, styling, or self-expression, I wanted to see how AI could push that boundary.
I wanted to create AI-generated images inspired by the surreal campaigns of Jacquemus and other high-end brands—where products are blown up to massive scales and placed in everyday environments. This approach reimagines brand storytelling by transforming familiar objects into something extraordinary, making them feel larger than life. Inspired by this aesthetic, I experimented with AI to depict the Chuck Taylor All Star Move towering over cityscapes, blending seamlessly into neon-lit streets, and even sitting stylishly in a modern office space.
The results were striking, but they weren’t perfect. Through trial and error, I found that CoPilot produced the most realistic renders of the shoe. However, even the best AI struggled with the finer details—particularly the iconic Converse emblem on the inner panel, which it failed to replicate accurately. This revealed one of AI’s major limitations: it can generate visually compelling concepts, but it often lacks precision in brand details.
What I Learned
At the end of this experiment, I realized something unexpected—I preferred my own images. While AI certainly streamlined the creative process and provided interesting conceptual visuals, it lacked the hands-on satisfaction of bringing an idea to life. Troubleshooting lighting, styling, and composition myself gave me a deeper sense of accomplishment. The challenge of figuring out how to execute my vision using my own skills was far more rewarding than watching an algorithm generate a result in seconds.
That’s not to say AI doesn’t have its place. It’s an incredible tool for brainstorming and accelerating workflows. But when it comes to crafting brand imagery that truly connects with an audience, there’s something irreplaceable about human creativity. So, for now, I’ll keep embracing the mess, the experimentation, and the personal touch that goes into every shot. Because at the end of the day, whether digital or physical, Converse is all about self-expression—and no AI can replicate that better than we can.
Your Chucks, your canvas. Make them your own.
