How I Solved My Image & Infographic Headache with ChatGPT

The Real Story: The Problem

So here’s the scene. I’m on my phone, mid-idea. I speak into the ChatGPT app, and together we’re sketching out a new strategy, article, or campaign. Then comes the kicker — this idea needs an infographic or image.

Sure, ChatGPT can generate it right then and there. But there’s a problem:

• I don’t want to download images on my phone (wrong storage location, messy workflow).
• If the chat session ends, the image link disappears.
• The only way to get it back? Ask ChatGPT to regenerate the image. Again. Every time.

It was frustrating. It felt like double-handling content that should have been smooth.

The Breakthrough

The solution came in under five minutes. ChatGPT and I built a system we now call the Imagery Backlog. Instead of downloading or regenerating things on the spot, I can simply say:

“Image backlog: infographic showing X, Y, Z”

That’s it. No downloads. No lost links. No wasted time.

How the Image Backlog Works

Here’s the workflow in plain English:

1. I add an idea
   • I’m in the flow of brainstorming or strategy work.
   • I say: “Add to Imagery Backlog: [description].”
2. ChatGPT logs it
   • Each item gets an ID number (#1, #2, #3).
   • It’s stored in a neat Imagery Backlog Index with:
     • Title/Description
     • Linked to Idea # (if relevant)
     • Status (Pending / Completed)
     • Date Added
     • Date Completed
3. I keep working
   • I don’t break my creative flow to generate images.
   • I just know they’re safely queued.
4. Later on desktop
   • I review the backlog.
   • I say: “Generate backlog item #3.”
   • ChatGPT generates the image, infographic, or asset — properly stored where I want it.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

• Zero double handling — I don’t waste time downloading on the phone.
• No lost links — assets aren’t tied to expiring session links.
• Organised list — everything has a number, title, and status.
• Stays in the flow — I keep brainstorming, knowing visuals are queued.
• Audit trail — backlog shows when items were added and completed.

The Structure of the Backlog

Here’s what the Imagery Backlog Index looks like:

Rules we built in:

• Everything is numbered automatically.
• Completed items stay visible with date stamps.
• If I want, I can archive old ones into a clean section

The Human Side: Why I Love It

This system has taken away one of my biggest creative headaches.
Now, when I’m out walking, cooking, or brainstorming via speech on the app, I can confidently say:

“Image backlog: carousel for this idea.”

…and get straight back to the strategy conversation.
Later, on desktop, everything is ready to be generated, no fuss.

It’s like having a personal design assistant keeping track of my “to-make” list.

Why This Matters for SMEs, Councils & Enterprise

If you’re creating strategies, workshops, or campaigns, visuals matter. But they’re often the first thing to get messy in a workflow. The Imagery Backlog fixes that by:

• Making image requests structured.
• Avoiding duplication and wasted time.
• Keeping creative momentum alive.

For SMEs, councils, or enterprise teams — this is the kind of micro-system that saves hours of friction every week.

Final Thought

Brainstorming isn’t just about ideas — it’s about turning them into outputs. With the Imagery Backlog, I’ve removed the friction. I can speak my ideas on the fly, let ChatGPT log the visuals I’ll need, and generate them later in one clean session.

Want to see how this could work for your team’s workflows? Book a Readiness Assessment and let’s explore it together.