Choose an Art Style
The art style sets the look and feel of your artwork. It guides the AI on textures, colors, and composition. Without a clear style, the output may not match your expectations.
Different styles have unique characteristics. A realistic portrait focuses on lifelike details, while a watercolor painting has soft, blended edges. If you choose "Manga," the AI emphasizes bold colors and exaggerated features. Selecting the right style ensures the artwork aligns with your vision.
If your style isn’t available, select "Other" and describe it in your own words.
- Be specific. Instead of "cartoon," say "hand-drawn 90s cartoon with thick outlines and flat colors."
- Consider the emotion behind the style. Dark, grainy styles create mystery, while bright and colorful styles feel energetic.
- Look at existing examples of the style you want. If possible, reference well-known artists or artworks.
Define the Main Subject
The main subject is the focus of your artwork. It tells the AI what to prioritize.
A good subject description answers who or what is in the image. Instead of just saying "a knight," provide details like "a battle-worn knight in silver armor standing on a snowy battlefield." This extra information helps the AI add meaningful details.
Context also matters. Describing "a cat" is too broad, but saying "a fluffy orange cat lounging in a sunbeam on a wooden windowsill" makes it more vivid. Think about size, color, pose, and expression. If your subject is a character, you can also mention emotions, such as "a joyful young girl spinning in a field of wildflowers."
- Use descriptive nouns. "Towering skyscrapers" is more impactful than just "buildings."
- Add emotion and movement if relevant. "A dancer mid-spin" is better than "a dancer."
- If unsure how much detail to add, think about what would be essential in a drawing.
Add Key Characteristics and Details
Once the main subject is defined, describe its unique characteristics. These details make the artwork richer. Without them, the AI might create something generic or inaccurate.
Details enhance the scene and ensure the AI includes important elements. Think about textures, materials, and environmental conditions. A knight in "shining silver armor with deep battle scars" tells a different story than just "a knight." If your scene involves nature, mention whether it's misty, sunlit, or stormy.
- Use strong adjectives but keep them relevant. "An old wooden bridge covered in moss" is better than just "a bridge."
- If possible, add interactions. Instead of "a dog," try "a golden retriever playfully chasing a butterfly in a grassy meadow."
- Keep descriptions focused so the AI doesn’t get confused.
Describe the Setting or Background
The background adds depth and context to your artwork. It helps define where and when the scene takes place. A good background description supports the main subject without overpowering it.
If your subject is a wizard casting a spell, the background could be:
- "A dimly lit ancient library with floating candles and dusty spellbooks."
- "A moonlit forest with glowing magical runes carved into the trees."
Avoid vague descriptions like "a cool background." Instead, provide enough detail to set the scene without making it too complex. A setting like "a small village market at sunset, filled with colorful stalls and lanterns" is much clearer than just "a market."
- Think about the mood. A dark alley feels mysterious, while a bright beach feels relaxing.
- Mention key elements that should be included, like "a starry sky" or "mountains in the distance."
- If you want a simple background, say so. Use phrases like "minimalist backdrop with soft, blurred colors."
Choose a Color Palette
Colors set the tone and emotion of your artwork. Specifying a color palette helps the AI create a more cohesive image. If you want a dreamy and calming scene, pastel shades might work best. If you want something intense and futuristic, neon colors could be the way to go.
Instead of saying "bright colors," be specific:
- "Neon blues and purples with glowing pink highlights."
- "Earthy greens and browns for a natural, forest-like feel."
- "Soft pastels with warm golden light for a cozy atmosphere."
You can also describe contrasts. "A dark cityscape with glowing red signs" gives a different feel than "a golden sunset over rolling hills." If you want a monochrome or black-and-white look, mention that too.
Specify What to Avoid
Telling the AI what not to include is as important as describing what you want. This helps prevent unwanted elements from appearing in your artwork.
For example, if you prefer sharp details, you might say:
- "No blurry or low-resolution details."
- "Avoid overexposed lighting effects."
If you don’t want certain colors, mention it. "No red tones" ensures the AI sticks to your preferred palette. If you've had bad results with AI before, think about past mistakes and list what you don’t want to happen again.
Select the Image Model
Different AI models create different results. Some are better for realistic art, while others excel at fantasy or abstract designs. Choosing the right model ensures the best outcome.
If you're using Midjourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion, check which model suits your needs. If unsure, select "Any" to let the AI decide. If you need highly detailed artwork, some models may be better than others. Research their strengths before making a choice.
Generate the Image
Once your prompt is ready, submit it and let the AI generate the artwork. If the result isn’t what you expected, tweak your prompt. Sometimes, adding more details or rewording a phrase can improve the outcome. Experiment with different descriptions and styles to refine your results.
