How can I compete with the cute, new, easy girl in the office?

How can an experienced web designer compete with AI tools in 2026?

I recently decided to befriend the AI tools that have been lingering around my stomping ground instead of telling them to meet me in the yard. I took that a little too far but I tend to lean hard into metaphors. And everything for that matter.

I started by asking the question above to an AI generator and received this clunky, robotic – yet somewhat valuable answer.

– Emphasize unique creativity and human touch. – Offer personalized services tailored to client needs. – Focus on niche markets or specialized design areas. – Stay updated with design trends and technologies. – Build strong client relationships and communication. – Enhance skills in areas where AI lacks, such as emotional design. – Offer additional services like branding and strategy. – Use AI as a tool to improve efficiency, not as a competitor.

It felt a little choppy, so I asked her to polish it up and make it more conversational.

Side note: Do I find it ironic that she started with “emphasizing human touch”? Yes, yes I do. And the fact that bullet points aren’t in list format makes me want to throw my laptop across the room, but I left them that way to piss you off too.

I digress.

The result was this AI answer with some polish: Navigating the competitive landscape of campus life, particularly when faced with new individuals who may appear effortlessly charming, requires a strategic approach. Focus on cultivating your unique strengths and demonstrating confidence in your abilities. Engage with others authentically to build meaningful connections, showcasing your distinct qualities that set you apart. Ultimately, prioritizing personal growth and authenticity will enable you to thrive amidst competition.

I don’t hate this and I immediately want to go back to college for some campus life. Ok, that is not true. But it was a simpler time.

The answer is exactly what I was anticipating

Be a human. We love humans.

I go to the Kroger down the street as often as I can to grab Diet Dr. Pepper and a week’s worth of salad. And ice cream … whatever. Mostly salad. The point is that Kevin and I go on dates to the grocery store almost daily, while we have every no-contact delivery service at our disposal 24/7.

Why?

Vanessa

She and I lock eyes & grin when we walk in. And we giggle on the way out. I think she checks Kevin out each time too. He’s just so cute.

I honestly don’t price check competitors or go to the most convenient location.

It’s Vanessa.

And perfect Kroger groceries. Perfect might be an exaggeration, but we get exactly what we need at great prices. And I trust if we ever need something or have a problem – Vanessa. If not her, people that hired her or work with her on Tuesdays. Community and a company made of humans.

It’s what I hope for my industry as the world changes and we keep getting smarter. I hope that we can let the robots jump in to help when it serves the greater good, rather than plot a rebellion against well trained ones and zeros. I hope that beautifully crafted programming language can continue to support and change what we’re capable of. And mostly, I hope that there is always someone crafting what comes of technology and holding it’s hand along the way.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on what AI just can’t seem to replace for you.