The first step in making custom paper frames is getting art from the you, the customer. Most people send us their logo with some extra text they want on their frame. Sometimes they design the whole piece, with branded graphics and all.
But the past few years has brought something new: AI-generated images. People are using tools like ChatGPT to create artwork, and let’s just say the results are interesting.
Does AI-generated art work for printing? It can, but we’re noticing some regular issues with that kind of art (as of late 2026, that is). Let’s dig into these issues.
Issues with the size of AI art
We have all of our templates on our website for our custom printed photo folders, frames, and cards. We also have the product sizes listed.
Here’s what we’re seeing: the LLMs seem to take the measurements you give them, throw them out and say, “we have better measurements.” The size of the file that’s generated is questionable at best. For example, check out this lovely image:
We instructed ChatGPT (the free version) to create a USA-themed 5″ x 7″ greeting card design with an 1/8″ bleed on all sides. We asked it to add a flock of bald eagles and the words, “yay USA” (why not?).
As for the design, ChatGPT nailed it. It’s ridiculous, but it nailed it.
The size, however, was a problem.
When we print your design, we need art that is 300dpi (dots per inch) so everything prints nice and clear. Once you get lower dpi numbers, everything starts looking pixelated. Our patriotic image came out at 4.997″ x 3.497″ at 300dpi. Could we make that work? Absolutely, albeit with some slight pixelation.
BUT the size of the image brings us to another problem: proportions.
Issues with the proportions of AI art
We told AI to create a specific size, and it just… didn’t.
To recap what we asked of AI:
Create a 5″ x 7″ image. That dashed pink border is 5″ x 7″. We’re already off to a bad start!
Add 1/8″ bleed. To be fair, we weren’t sure if AI would understand that. For clarification: anytime we print a photo folder, frame, or card, we need what’s called “bleed.” This bleed has a little design overhang, if you will, just in case there’s a little shift. We’re accurate, but we feel better having that extra bit of design, and 1/8″ on all sides is all we need.
In this example, AI didn’t include enough bleed; the eagle’s wing is right up against the edge, and the “yay USA” would be cut off. Add some bleed—some extra sky and clouds—would let the design have the space it deserves. And
The bright green in the above image is what we added to show how much design is missing to be considered safe to print.
Issues with editing the art
We lay out all of our guidelines on our art page. This page gives you tips on how to send us a design that we can print with no issues.
While we aren’t a design firm, we’re dedicated to creating the best possible product for you, and sometimes that involves editing your art a little (with your permission!).
But we can only edit that art if it’s actually editable. Meaning: images (like above) are either layered Photoshop files, or were created in Adobe Illustrator. Yes, there are some other design programs that we can work with, but these two are the easiest and produce the best outcome.
Why we can’t edit AI-generated art: it’s a flattened image that often has a lot of design elements (fireworks! eagles! clouds!) that are difficult to work with.
“So… I can’t send you my AI-generated art for printing?”
Despite everything we just said, yes, you can send us AI-generated art! But we can’t promise it will work. As of late 2026, most AI designs we receive have to be entirely redone. The LLMs just aren’t getting it.
It’s possible things will get better, and that AI will better understand basic print standards. But we’re not there yet.
Are we against AI?
Everyone on our team has their own personal opinions on using AI. But ultimately, what we understand is that small business owners, organizations with limited funds, or someone who doesn’t know design, they all want to make something cool, something memorable. And we are absolutely here for that.
Our advice for you if you’re thinking about using AI for designing on our products:
- Check out our themed designs first. If you see a design that’s close to what you’re looking for, talk to us; we might be able to make it work for you!
- Look on stock photo websites for inspiration or elements (just be sure to check the image license). One popular website is Unsplash, which has both photos and vector designs.
- Still prefer to use AI? To make the overall piece easier for us to work with, try “designing” separate elements using different prompts. For example, one prompt for the background image, another prompt for a highlighted design element or text. Sending us the separate elements makes it easier for us to work with.
- To reiterate: we’re not a design firm, but if you want to send us a “mood board” or list of ideas, we can help steer you in the right direction.
It’s possible that—with time—AI-generated art will be easier to work with. But right now? Like a questionable relationship status, it’s tricky.
Hi! We’re Studio Style, and we’ve been making photo folders, paper frames, and photo cards for photographers, event planners, and party pros since 1994. We’ve made frames for weddings, grand openings, pictures with Santa, tourist destinations, school events, holiday parties, conventions, and so many more!
If you’re looking for an easy way to help party people get their event pictures home safe and sound, let’s talk.
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