In this episode of How I F*cked Up,* this designer, artist, AI tinkerer, and trusted Copacino Fujikado Advertising partner shares his early career pivots, the creative upside of AI failure, and why mastering many tools—not just one—is the way forward.
Gardner uses AI tools like Midjourney not for perfection, but for what he calls productive chaos. Unexpected, even absurd outputs often lead to stronger creative directions.
“I had one where a guy’s head popped off and turned into a bird. It was totally broken—and also kind of amazing.”
He leans into the unpredictable: “Let me just try to prove it first. I want to see what happens.”
Gardner compares AI to a calculator: it only helps if you already understand the problem. The same applies to creativity.
“AI amplifies your abilities. If you don’t have taste or skills, it just gives you garbage faster.”
His advice to young creatives: learn everything: motion design, CAD, photography, 3D. Then let AI boost what you’ve already built.
Gardner still experiments nightly, often creating pitch ideas before the pitch is even scheduled.
“The reason you don’t like [a new tool] is because you’re not good at it yet. Get past the frustration, that’s where it gets fun.”
And when new tech drops? He’s the first to try it, often finding solutions to creative problems within days of a breakthrough.
You can check out the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
Andrew Gall co-leads Copacino Fujikado Advertising's creative department with a focus on emotional resonance and business results. From Mariners to Huggies, his work blends clarity, wit, and heart. A published author and podcast host, Andrew is a creative mentor who builds trust to unlock brave ideas.
