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:
- I add an idea
- I’m in the flow of brainstorming or strategy work.
- I say: “Add to Imagery Backlog: [description].”
- 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
- I keep working
- I don’t break my creative flow to generate images.
- I just know they’re safely queued.
- 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:
Item # | Title / Description | Linked to Idea # | Status | Date Added | Date Completed |
1 | Infographic – Brainstorming Workflow (Linear Flow) | General Process | ✅ Done | 28 Aug 2025 | 29 Aug 2025 |
2 | Story Infographic – Lawn Example | Blog Article | ✅ Done | 29 Aug 2025 | 29 Aug 2025 |
3 | Social Media Carousel – Capture Ideas in 3 Steps | Blog/SoMe Post | Pending | 29 Aug 2025 | — |
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.
Have a
I used to generate infographics on my phone during brainstorming sessions—but I didn’t want to download them, and the links often expired when the chat closed. It required me to regenerate images every time, which meant double handling and wasted time.
With the Image Backlog system, I simply say, “Image backlog: [description of graphic]”. ChatGPT logs it with an ID, title, and timestamp. Later, I can generate it on my desktop whenever I’m ready—no downloads, no lost links.
Just verbalise or type directly in ChatGPT (even via speech on mobile):
ChatGPT then assigns a backlog ID and tracks it in the index until you ask to generate it.
Each request in the backlog includes:
A unique ID (e.g. Item #5)
Title/Description of the visual
Linked Idea (if relevant)
Status (Pending / Done)
Date Added and Date Completed
This keeps visuals organised and easily retrievable.
When you’re back at your desktop, just prompt ChatGPT with:
ChatGPT creates the image for you, marks it as Completed, and provides it ready-for-use—no more lost or expired links.
Keeps your creative flow uninterrupted on mobile
Avoids downloads in the wrong place
Eliminates link expiry frustrations
Ensures visuals are all organised and retrievable when needed
Reduces administrative friction, especially when working remotely or on multiple devices
