Carly Quellman, aka Carly Que, is a multimedia strategist and storyteller at the intersection of technology and the humanities, investigating how perspective can enhance, rather than overstimulate, the world. She can be found online and near the closest south-facing window in Los Angeles.
Like many people, I'm easily influenced by design. I log off websites that don't have a smooth user experience, I choose products depending on their brand identity and I pride myself on being an advocate for companies that are just as efficient as they are beautiful.
I was researching the design studios behind creative AI brands when I found Flora, a platform that integrates artificial intelligence models into an interactive canvas, and Pentagram, a design agency that collaborated with the platform to refine its user experience and interface design.
Flora was launched by Weber Wong, who also serves as the company's CEO, in early 2025 as an "intelligence canvas," as coined by the company. It enables people to generate, refine, implement and refine their creative output.
The platform offers free and paid models (ranging from $16-$48/month) to support its main functionality -- eliminating the need to switch between different AI chatbots, image generators and video applications and supporting a more cohesive creative process.
Since the platform aims to cater to both experienced and beginner AI enthusiasts, I wanted to explore Flora beyond its, while beautiful, literal surface-level design, and understand more about the node-based system built to save time and energy.
How to use Flora to support your creative process
Flora has a lot of capabilities. Here's an overview of how to navigate most of its functions.
Some prompt examples I used (inspired by AI-native fashion styling app, Doji) include:
You can also connect nodes to various functions, such as an image-to-video generator, animating an image or adding prompt text as video subtitles. I found these other functionalities exciting:
Of course, use the platform's tools to tweak and refine generated content until it fits your vision. While I'd argue this platform needs less attempts with AI-powered generation, repetition will help guide you to your final outcome.
Once satisfied, save your project in a desired format. (Standard text, image and video formats are all included. Plus, Flora offers a native file format for future editing on the platform.)
For inspiration before starting, head over to the community tab. This features dedicated libraries of techniques and workflows created by the Flora team, made for concepting, design, marketing, experimental and the moving image. Wong also created a recording as part of Flora's video library where he shares the backstory about the company and tips for using its features.
Who should use Flora AI?
While many existing -- and successful -- AI creative tools in the market are built by non-creatives for non-creatives, Flora was designed specifically for creative professionals. For writers, I would compare it to Sudowrite.
It aims to be a creative partner, which I'd offer is AI's sweet spot across industries. Flora offers true control (read: creative freedom) through its structured workflows and flexible capabilities.
Plus, its node-based system is great for playing with layers and pushing boundaries with the help of artificial intelligence, whether to create something new or solely get concepts and ideas out onto something.
Flora's UX definitely has creatives and technologists in mind, so while many types of people can benefit from its functions, its layout may not serve everyone -- it was literally inspired by non-linear creative, and sometimes chaotic, thinking.
I see Flora as a better fit for professionals than hobbyists -- especially designers and artists in graphic design, animation, fashion and multimedia storytelling. It's ideal for those who want a true blank canvas to ideate and experiment.
