Building your first custom GPT

Let’s dive into our first module: Building Your First Assistant with the Create Method.

Phase 1: Accessing the GPT Builder

Before we start "programming" our assistant, we need to get to the right workshop.

1. Explore GPTs: In the top left corner of your ChatGPT interface, click on Explore GPTs.

2. The Create Button: In the top right corner of the next screen, click the + Create button.

3. The Two-Pane Interface: You will see a split screen.

   • Left Side (The Builder): This is where you talk to the "GPT Builder" to set up your tool.

   • Right Side (The Preview): This is your playground where you test the assistant as you build it.

Phase 2: The "Create" Tab (The Beginner-Friendly Way)

You'll notice two tabs: Create and Configure. For this first build, we are staying on the Create tab. This method is a natural conversation where the AI acts as your personal developer.

Step 1: Define the Purpose

The builder will ask, "What do you want to make?" Let's say I want create a "Mandala Design Maker" GPT

Coordinator Pro Tip: Be as descriptive as possible! Don't just say "Mandala maker." Say: "Create an assistant that helps me design beautiful, professional, and minimalist mandala designs."

Step 2: Naming & Branding

The builder will suggest a name (e.g., "Mandala Studio" but I preferred "Mandala Design Maker") and then use DALL-E to generate a profile picture. If you don't like them, just tell the builder to try again or change the style! And you can connect it to Canva to create designs. 

Phase 3: Refinement Through Testing

Once the basics are set, it’s time to see if "Sticker Studio" actually works.

1. Run a Test Prompt: In the Preview pane (right side), type: "Create a Mandala for Calmness."

2. Evaluate the Result: Is the background messy? Is the style too complex?

3. Iterate on the Left: If you want a cleaner look, go back to the Create tab and say: "The background should always be one solid color and consistent, without extra details."

4. Watch the Update: You’ll see a small notification dot saying "Updating GPT." The builder is now rewriting its internal "brain" (the instructions) based on your feedback.

Important: The Relationship Between Tabs

Even though we are using the Create tab, everything you say is being translated into technical instructions in the Configure tab.

• The Create Tab is for brainstorming and chatting.

• The Configure Tab is where those instructions are stored. You can go in there manually to delete or add specific rules if the builder gets a bit "wordy."

Example: If you want your assistant to always end a response with a specific word (like "Hey"), you can tell the builder on the Create tab, and it will automatically add that rule to the Configure tab for you.

What’s Next?

Congratulations! You've just built a functioning AI agent. You’ve learned how to describe a role, refine an image, and iterate on behavior using natural language. Want to learn more. Connect with me.