Visual Creativity Unleashed: AI Prompts for Image Generation
Master AI image generation with 20 battle-tested prompts. From photorealistic photography to vector art—create stunning visuals with Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion.
I spent three hours trying to generate a product photo last week. Three hours. Forty-seven failed attempts. The lighting was wrong, the background was messy, and the product looked like it was melting.
Then I tried a structured prompt template. Eight tries later, I had a perfect image. The difference? Knowing how to describe what I actually wanted.
I’ve been testing AI image generation tools (Midjourney, DALL-E 3, Stable Diffusion) for two years. Some prompts create stunning art on the first try. Others produce garbage. The difference is specificity, structure, and understanding how these models actually work.
In this guide, I’m sharing 20 prompts I actually use for professional image generation. These aren’t generic “make it pretty” prompts—they’re sophisticated tools for achieving specific visual outcomes.
Fair warning: AI image generators have limitations. But when you know how to prompt effectively, you can create assets that would cost hundreds or thousands in traditional production. If you’re looking for free options, check out our guide to the best free AI image generators that actually deliver usable results. For video content, see our companion guide on AI prompts for video production.
What Makes an Effective Image Generation Prompt? (The Framework)
Think of AI image generators as incredibly talented artists who can’t read your mind but will draw exactly what you describe. Here’s the 5-component framework I use:
- Subject: What you want to depict (person, object, scene)
- Style: Art style, aesthetic, or reference (photography, painting, 3D render)
- Environment: Setting, background, atmosphere (studio, outdoor, abstract)
- Technical: Lighting, composition, quality parameters (4K, cinematic, rule of thirds)
- Negative: What to avoid (blurry, distorted, specific elements)
For a deeper dive into how these models work technically, OpenAI’s DALL-E documentation explains the underlying architecture and capabilities.
Here’s the difference:
| Vague Prompt | Structured Prompt |
|---|---|
| ”A beautiful woman" | "Portrait of a 30-year-old woman with auburn hair, natural makeup, wearing a cream linen shirt, soft natural window lighting, shallow depth of field, shot on 85mm f/1.4, Kodak Portra 400 aesthetic —ar 3:4 —no watermark” |
See the pattern? Now, here’s what you need to know about when not to rely on AI:
- Text generation: AI struggles with readable text in images
- Specific brand logos: You’ll get approximations, not exact replicas
- Real people: Ethical concerns and legal issues; photorealistic faces can be problematic
- Complex compositions: Too many elements reduce quality
Hot take: AI image generation isn’t about replacing artists—it’s about democratizing visual creation. The prompt engineer is the new art director.
For those seeking hyper-realistic, professional-quality results, our collection of 120 Nano Banana image prompts offers battle-tested templates optimized for photorealism across Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion.
Note for designers: Check out our AI prompts for UX/UI designers
Note for marketers: Check out our other marketing resources for AI-powered visual content creation.
Ready? Let’s build your image generation toolkit.
Photography Prompts (Prompts #1-5)
#1: Portrait Photography
Photographers and designers can enhance their workflow with AI tools. Our guide on AI for graphic designers covers how professionals integrate these tools into creative work.
The Prompt:
Act as a professional portrait photographer. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in [STYLE] portrait photography.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [PERSON DESCRIPTION - AGE, GENDER, FEATURES]
- Expression/mood: [SERIOUS, CANDID, JOYFUL, CONTEMPLATIVE]
- Lighting setup: [NATURAL, STUDIO, RIM, REMBRANDT]
- Camera/lens: [35MM, 85MM, 50MM, PORTRAIT LENS]
- Film stock or aesthetic: [KODAK PORTRA, FUJI PRO, B&W, VINTAGE]
- Aspect ratio: [1:1, 3:4, 16:9]
TASK:
Create a detailed image prompt including:
1. Subject description (appearance, pose, clothing)
2. Lighting quality and direction
3. Camera settings simulation
4. Composition guidelines
5. Mood and atmosphere
6. Technical modifiers for the AI tool
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Full prompt string for Midjourney/DALL-E
- Parameter suggestions (--ar, --v, --s)
- Style references and artist influences
- Negative prompt suggestionsUse case: When you need professional-quality portraits for marketing or personal branding Best with: Midjourney for photorealistic results Pro tip: Include ethnicity, hair color, and distinctive features for consistent results
For professional lighting setups, Digital Photography School’s lighting guides cover studio techniques that translate well to AI generation.
#2: Product Photography
The Prompt:
Act as a commercial product photographer. Generate a prompt for [PRODUCT TYPE] in [STYLE] product photography.
CONTEXT:
- Product: [DESCRIPTION OF ITEM]
- Product category: [TECH, FOOD, FASHION, LIFESTYLE]
- Desired mood: [MINIMAL, LUXURY, PLAYFUL, NATURAL]
- Background: [WHITE, NATURAL, LIFESTYLE, GRADIENT]
- Camera setup: [MACRO, ECOMMERCE, HERO SHOT]
- Brand aesthetic: [DESCRIPTION]
TASK:
Create a commercial product photography prompt including:
1. Product description and positioning
2. Lighting setup (key, fill, back, accent)
3. Shadow and reflection control
4. Background treatment
5. Scale and context hints
6. Commercial quality modifiers
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Optimized prompt for product shots
- Lighting diagram description
- Composition notes
- Common mistakes to avoidUse case: When creating product images for e-commerce or advertising Best with: DALL-E 3 for commercial consistency Pro tip: Include “product on white background” or “studio lighting” for consistent results
#3: Food Photography
The Prompt:
Act as a food photographer and stylist. Generate a prompt for [DISH/FOOD ITEM] in [STYLE] food photography.
CONTEXT:
- Food item: [DESCRIPTION OF DISH]
- Cuisine style: [ITALIAN, JAPANESE, FUSION, COMFORT]
- Styling approach: [MINIMALIST, RUSTIC, LUXURY, HOMEY]
- Plate/setting: [HANDHELD, RESTAURANT STYLE, CASUAL]
- Temperature/timeliness: [HOT, FROZEN, STEAMING]
- Lighting: [NATURAL, DRAMATIC, BRIGHT APPETITE]
TASK:
Create a food photography prompt including:
1. Food description and plating
2. Texture and steam/sizzle cues
3. Props and context suggestions
4. Color palette guidance
5. Appetite-appealing modifiers
6. Angle and composition
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Full prompt with styling notes
- Lighting setup description
- Color harmony guidance
- Common food photography mistakesUse case: When creating food content for menus, blogs, or social media Best with: Midjourney for artistic food styling Pro tip: Include steam, droplets, or action cues (“dripping honey”) for appetite appeal
#4: Architectural Photography
The Prompt:
Act as an architectural photographer. Generate a prompt for [BUILDING/INTERIOR] in [STYLE] architectural photography.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [BUILDING TYPE, ARCHITECTURAL STYLE]
- Perspective: [EXTERIOR, INTERIOR, DETAIL, WIDE]
- Time of day: [GOLDEN HOUR, BLUE HOUR, MIDDAY, NIGHT]
- Weather/atmosphere: [CLEAR, FOGGY, RAINY, MYSTERIOUS]
- Camera movement: [TILT-SHIFT, LONG EXPOSURE, HDR]
- Mood: [DRAMATIC, PEACEFUL, GRAND, INTIMATE]
TASK:
Create an architectural photography prompt including:
1. Building description and key features
2. Camera perspective and lens choice
3. Lighting direction and quality
4. Environmental elements
5. Human elements (optional)
6. Technical quality modifiers
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Detailed prompt with composition notes
- Time of day and lighting guidance
- Camera settings simulation
- Atmospheric modifiersUse case: When creating architectural visualizations or marketing materials Best with: Midjourney for dramatic architectural renders Pro tip: Include “tilt-shift” or specific lens references for perspective control
#5: Fashion/Lookbook Photography
The Prompt:
Act as a fashion photographer and stylist. Generate a prompt for [CLOTHING/LOOK] in [STYLE] fashion photography.
CONTEXT:
- Garment/look: [DESCRIPTION OF OUTFIT]
- Fashion style: [HIGH FASHION, STREETWEAR, VINTAGE, SPORTSWEAR]
- Model type: [GENDER, AGE, BODY TYPE, DIVERSITY]
- Setting: [STUDIO, STREET, NATURAL, EDITORIAL]
- Era inspiration: [90S, Y2K, TIMELESS, FUTURISTIC]
- Brand aesthetic: [LUXURY, MINIMAL, BOLD, FEMININE]
TASK:
Create a fashion photography prompt including:
1. Garment details and styling
2. Model pose and expression guidance
3. Lighting setup
4. Background and environment
5. Editorial vs. commercial style
6. Post-processing aesthetic
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete fashion prompt
- Styling breakdown
- Lighting and mood notes
- Editorial reference pointsUse case: When creating lookbook images, e-commerce fashion, or brand content Best with: Midjourney for high-fashion aesthetic Pro tip: Include fabric textures and specific garment details for accuracy
Digital Art Prompts (Prompts #6-10)
#6: Vector Art and Flat Design
The Prompt:
Act as a Graphic Designer and Vector Illustrator. Create a prompt for [SUBJECT] in flat vector art style.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [WHAT TO ILLUSTRATE]
- Style: [FLAT, DUOTONE, GRADIENT, MINIMAL]
- Color palette: [MONOCHROME, VIBRANT, PASTEL, BRAND COLORS]
- Complexity: [MINIMAL, DETAILED, ICON SET]
- Purpose: [UI, WEB, PRINT, LOGO, ILLUSTRATION]
- Vibe: [PLAYFUL, CORPORATE, RETRO, MODERN]
TASK:
Create a vector art prompt including:
1. Subject description with clean shapes
2. Color approach and palette
3. Line weight and style
4. Composition guidelines
5. Scalability considerations
6. Output optimization hints
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Optimized vector-style prompt
- Color scheme description
- Shape language notes
- Style variation optionsUse case: When creating icons, illustrations, or UI graphics Best with: DALL-E 3 for clean vector-style outputs Pro tip: Include “no gradients, no textures, scalable” for cleaner results
#7: Digital Painting Style
The Prompt:
Act as a Concept Artist and Digital Painter. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in [ARTIST/STYLE] digital painting style.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [CHARACTER, SCENE, OBJECT]
- Art style: [CONCEPT ART, FANTASY PAINTING, SURREALISM, IMPRESSIONISM]
- Artist references: [SPECIFIC ARTISTS OR STUDIOS]
- Era: [CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY, SPECIFIC DECADE]
- Emotional tone: [MYSTERIOUS, EPIC, INTIMATE, DARK]
- Quality level: [SKETCH, STUDY, FINISHED PAINTING]
TASK:
Create a digital painting prompt including:
1. Detailed subject description
2. Painterly style elements
3. Brushwork and texture hints
4. Color theory approach
5. Lighting and atmosphere
6. Artistic technique references
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Art style prompt with references
- Technique breakdown
- Color and lighting notes
- Artist influence contextUse case: When creating concept art, book illustrations, or artistic assets Best with: Midjourney for painterly aesthetics Pro tip: Reference specific artists or art movements for consistent style
#8: Watercolor and Traditional Media
The Prompt:
Act as a Watercolor Artist and Traditional Media Specialist. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in watercolor painting style.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [FLORAL, LANDSCAPE, PORTRAIT, ILLUSTRATION]
- Watercolor characteristics: [BLEED, WASH, GOUACHE-LIKE]
- Paper texture: [COLD PRESS, HOT PRESS, VINTAGE]
- Color intensity: [TRANSPARENT, BOLD, MUTED]
- Style: [BOTANICAL, LOOSE, DETAILED, CHILDREN'S BOOK]
- Background: [WHITE, WASHED, TEXTURED]
TASK:
Create a watercolor art prompt including:
1. Subject rendered in watercolor style
2. Water effects and bleeding guidance
3. Paper texture cues
4. Color transparency and layering
5. Loose vs. controlled brushwork
6. Traditional media authenticity
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Watercolor-specific prompt
- Texture and technique notes
- Color palette guidance
- Style variation optionsUse case: When creating artistic illustrations, botanical art, or children’s book imagery Best with: Midjourney for authentic media effects Pro tip: Include “wet-on-wet” or specific technique references for control
#9: 3D Render Style
The Prompt:
Act as a 3D Artist and Render Specialist. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in [RENDER ENGINE] 3D style.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [OBJECT, CHARACTER, ARCHITECTURE]
- Render engine: [CINEMA 4D, BLENDER, OCTANE, VRAY]
- Material style: [GLOSSY, MATTE, METALLIC, GLASS]
- Lighting setup: [THREE-POINT, HDRI, CINEMATIC]
- Camera: [WIDE ANGLE, MACRO, PRODUCT SHOT]
- Quality: [STUDIO QUALITY, CARTOONISH, PHOTOREALISTIC]
TASK:
Create a 3D render prompt including:
1. Subject with 3D rendering cues
2. Material and surface descriptions
3. Lighting setup and quality
4. Camera perspective and depth of field
5. Render engine references
6. Post-processing suggestions
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- 3D render prompt with technical terms
- Material breakdown
- Lighting setup description
- Camera and composition notesUse case: When creating product visualizations, tech marketing, or stylized 3D art Best with: Midjourney’s latest version for realistic 3D renders Pro tip: Include render engine names or “octane render” for specific aesthetics
#10: Cyberpunk and Futurism
The Prompt:
Act as a Cyberpunk Concept Artist. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in cyberpunk/futuristic style.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [CITYSCAPE, CHARACTER, VEHICLE, INTERIOR]
- Time period: [NEAR FUTURE, DYSTOPIAN, SPACE AGE, RETRO-FUTURE]
- Key elements: [NEON, HOLOGRAPHIC, INDUSTRIAL, CLEAN TECH]
- Mood: [GRITTY, GLAMOROUS, DANGEROUS, UTOPIAN]
- Color scheme: [CYBER PINK/GREEN, MONOCHROME, NEON]
- Tech level: [LOW TECH, HIGH TECH, BIOMECHANICAL]
TASK:
Create a cyberpunk/futuristic prompt including:
1. Futuristic subject description
2. Technology and interface elements
3. Neon/lighting cues
4. Architectural style
5. Social/cultural hints
6. Atmosphere and mood
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete cyberpunk prompt
- Style element breakdown
- Color palette notes
- Reference touchpointsUse case: When creating concept art, game assets, or sci-fi marketing materials Best with: Midjourney for neon-soaked cyberpunk aesthetics Pro tip: Include specific neighborhood types (Chiba Town, The Sprawl) for style coherence
Advanced Techniques (Prompts #11-15)
#11: Multi-Prompt Weighing
The Prompt:
Act as an Image Generation Strategist. Create a multi-prompt structure for [SUBJECT] combining [ELEMENTS].
CONTEXT:
- Primary subject: [MAIN ELEMENT]
- Secondary elements: [ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS]
- Style priority: [WHICH ELEMENT SHOULD DOMINATE]
- Cohesion challenge: [DIFFICULTY IN COMBINING]
- Purpose: [HOW WILL THIS BE USED]
TASK:
Design a weighted multi-prompt strategy including:
1. Prompt weighting structure (::1, ::2, etc.)
2. Element priority hierarchy
3. Balancing conflicting styles
4. Negative prompt strategy
5. Parameter optimization
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Weighted prompt with :: syntax
- Weight explanation
- Alternative weighting options
- Result predictionUse case: When combining multiple concepts or styles that might conflict Best with: Midjourney’s multi-prompt syntax Pro tip: Higher weights on subjects, lower on styles for best results
#12: Aspect Ratio and Composition
The Prompt:
Act as a Visual Designer and Composition Specialist. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in [ASPECT RATIO] composition.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [WHAT TO COMPOSE]
- Aspect ratio: [1:1, 4:3, 16:9, 9:16, 2:3, CUSTOM]
- Composition style: [RULE OF THIRDS, GOLDEN RATIO, CENTERED, DIAGONAL]
- Focal point: [WHERE SHOULD EYES GO]
- Balance: [SYMMETRIC, ASYMMETRIC, DYNAMIC]
- Empty space: [MINIMAL, MODERATE, ABUNDANT]
TASK:
Create a composition-focused prompt including:
1. Subject positioning within frame
2. Leading lines and visual flow
3. Depth layering suggestions
4. Negative space treatment
5. Aspect ratio parameters
6. Framing and cropping notes
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete prompt with composition focus
- Visual flow diagram description
- Aspect ratio parameter (--ar)
- Focal point guidanceUse case: When specific composition is crucial for the intended use Best with: All tools—composition is universal Pro tip: Use “rule of thirds” or “golden ratio” explicitly for guided composition
#13: Stylize and Chaos Control
The Prompt:
Act as an Image Generation Engineer. Create a prompt for [SUBJECT] with controlled stylization.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [MAIN SUBJECT]
- Style reference: [AESTHETIC OR STRENGTH]
- Chaos level desired: [LOW (PRECISE), MEDIUM (BALANCED), HIGH (CREATIVE)]
- Quality tier: [REGULAR, DETAILED, HIGHLY DETAILED]
- Version constraints: [Midjourney current, DALL-E latest, SDXL]
- Personal style: [YOUR AESTHETIC PREFERENCES]
TASK:
Design a stylization strategy including:
1. Base prompt with subject
2. Stylize parameter (--s)
3. Chaos parameter (--c) if applicable
4. Quality parameter (--q)
5. Version-specific optimization
6. Personal style integration
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Optimized prompt with all parameters
- Parameter explanation
- Expected output characteristics
- Iteration guidanceUse case: When you need consistent, controllable results across generations Best with: Midjourney’s parameter system Pro tip: Lower stylize values for photorealism, higher for artistic interpretation
Understanding prompt engineering principles helps with all AI generation. Learn more about chain-of-thought prompting techniques that improve results across AI tools.
#14: Object Removal and Replacement
The Prompt:
Act as a Photo Retoucher and Digital Compositor. Create a prompt for [BASE IMAGE] with [MODIFICATION].
CONTEXT:
- Base image concept: [WHAT YOU'RE STARTING WITH]
- Modification needed: [ADD, REMOVE, CHANGE]
- Context: [WHERE/WHEN THIS EXISTS]
- Style preservation: [HOW TO MATCH ORIGINAL]
- Quality requirements: [PROFESSIONAL, SOCIAL, QUICK]
- Tool being used: [DALL-E EDIT, PHOTOSHOP GENERATIVE FILL, MIDJOURNEY]
TASK:
Create a replacement/insertion prompt including:
1. Precise description of what's being added/removed
2. Context preservation cues
3. Lighting match requirements
4. Style consistency guidelines
5. Edges and blending treatment
6. Quality preservation
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Edit/replace prompt
- Context preservation notes
- Blend mode suggestions
- Quality check pointsUse case: When you need to modify existing images rather than generate from scratch Best with: DALL-E 3’s inpainting or Photoshop Generative Fill Pro tip: Be extremely specific about what to change and what to preserve
#15: Outpainting and Unzoom
The Prompt:
Act as a Digital Artist and Image Expander. Create an outpainting prompt for [BASE IMAGE].
CONTEXT:
- Base image: [WHAT YOU'RE EXPANDING]
- Direction of expansion: [LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN, ALL SIDES]
- New content to add: [WHAT SHOULD APPEAR IN EXPANDED AREAS]
- Style matching: [HOW TO MATCH ORIGINAL]
- Continuity requirements: [WHAT MUST BE PRESERVED]
- Aspect ratio goal: [FINAL RATIO]
TASK:
Create an outpainting prompt including:
1. Description of original image for context
2. New scene elements in expanded areas
3. Lighting and atmosphere continuity
4. Edge blending approach
5. Narrative/continuity preservation
6. Technical parameters
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete outpainting prompt
- Scene expansion description
- Continuity checklist
- Edge matching guidanceUse case: When expanding images beyond their original boundaries Best with: DALL-E 3’s outpainting or Midjourney’s pan feature Pro tip: Keep original context in mind—the new elements must feel like they were always there
Specialized Styles (Prompts #16-20)
#16: Logo Concept Generator
The Prompt:
Act as a Brand Identity Designer. Generate prompts for [BRAND NAME] logo concepts.
CONTEXT:
- Brand name: [NAME TO DESIGN FOR]
- Industry: [BUSINESS CATEGORY]
- Brand values: [MODERN, TRUSTWORTHY, PLAYFUL, LUXURY]
- Color preferences: [PRIMARY, SECONDARY, ACCENT]
- Style direction: [MINIMAL, ICONIC, TYPOGRAPHY, ABSTRACT]
- Usage context: [DIGITAL, PRINT, LARGE, SMALL]
TASK:
Create multiple logo concept prompts including:
1. Wordmark concept
2. Icon/symbol concept
3. Combination mark concept
4. Abstract/conceptual concept
5. Style variation for each
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- 4-6 distinct concept prompts
- Style breakdown per concept
- Color guidance
- Scalability considerationsUse case: When developing brand identity concepts or exploring logo directions Best with: DALL-E 3 for clean, concept-focused results Pro tip: Generate multiple variations and combine the best elements in design software
#17: Website Hero Background
The Prompt:
Act as a Web Designer and UI Visualizer. Generate a prompt for a website hero background featuring [THEME].
CONTEXT:
- Theme/concept: [WHAT THE SITE IS ABOUT]
- Brand colors: [PRIMARY, SECONDARY]
- Vibe: [PROFESSIONAL, CREATIVE, MINIMAL, BOLD]
- Hero element: [OVERLAY, SPLIT SCREEN, FULL BACKGROUND]
- Text legibility: [HIGH, MEDIUM, MINIMAL TEXT OVERLAY]
- Tech stack: [DARK MODE, LIGHT MODE, ADAPTIVE]
TASK:
Create a website hero background prompt including:
1. Background visual description
2. Overlay requirements for text
3. Color scheme integration
4. Mood and atmosphere
5. Resolution and quality requirements
6. Browser-safe considerations
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Hero background prompt
- Color and mood notes
- Overlay compatibility guidance
- Technical specsUse case: When creating website hero sections or large visual backgrounds Best with: Midjourney for high-resolution, atmospheric results Pro tip: Request “subtle texture” or “gradient” to help with text overlay
#18: Sticker Sheet Generator
The Prompt:
Act as a Sticker Designer and Illustration Specialist. Generate prompts for a [THEME] sticker sheet.
CONTEXT:
- Theme: [WHAT STICKERS ABOUT]
- Number of stickers: [X ITEMS]
- Style: [CUTE, MINIMAL, DETAILED, ILLUSTRATED]
- Shape variety: [ROUND, SQUIRCLES, DIE-CUT, IRREGULAR]
- Color palette: [BRAND OR THEME-BASED]
- Use case: [BRAND MERCH, SOCIAL, PACKAGING]
TASK:
Create sticker sheet prompts including:
1. Individual sticker descriptions
2. Consistent art style across all
3. Outline and backing requirements
4. Size and shape variety
5. Color and line weight consistency
6. White border requirements
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete sticker sheet prompt
- Individual item breakdown
- Style guide for consistency
- Production notesUse case: When creating branded stickers, social media assets, or merch designs Best with: Midjourney for illustrated, colorful results Pro tip: Request “die-cut edge” or “white border” explicitly for production readiness
#19: Isometric and 3D Illustration
The Prompt:
Act as an Isometric Illustrator and 3D Designer. Generate a prompt for [SUBJECT] in isometric view.
CONTEXT:
- Subject: [OBJECT, SCENE, BUILDING]
- Isometric angle: [30 DEGREES, TRUE ISOMETRIC]
- Style: [FLAT ISOMETRIC, 3D WITH SHADING, DETAILED]
- Color approach: [GRADIENT, SOLID, duotone]
- Complexity: [SINGLE OBJECT, SCENE, COMPLEX COMPOSITION]
- Background: [TRANSPARENT, COLOR, PATTERN]
TASK:
Create an isometric illustration prompt including:
1. Subject described in isometric terms
2. Angle and projection clarity
3. Color and shading approach
4. Detail level guidance
5. Shadow and depth treatment
6. Export considerations
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Isometric-specific prompt
- Angle and projection notes
- Color/shading breakdown
- Technical guidanceUse case: When creating icons, explainer graphics, or game assets in isometric view Best with: Midjourney for artistic isometric, Blender for precise Pro tip: Include “orthographic projection” or “isometric projection” for accuracy
#20: Interior Design Visualization
The Prompt:
Act as an Interior Designer and Architectural Visualizer. Generate a prompt for [ROOM TYPE] interior design.
CONTEXT:
- Room type: [LIVING ROOM, BEDROOM, OFFICE, RESTAURANT]
- Design style: [SCANDINAVIAN, INDUSTRIAL, BOHO, MINIMAL]
- Key furniture: [LIST OR DESCRIBE]
- Color palette: [PRIMARY, SECONDARY, ACCENT]
- Lighting: [NATURAL, WARM, COOL, DRAMATIC]
- Mood: [COZY, AIRY, SOPHISTICATED, ECLECTIC]
TASK:
Create an interior design visualization prompt including:
1. Room layout and key elements
2. Furniture descriptions and placement
3. Color scheme application
4. Lighting setup and atmosphere
5. Textures and materials
6. Decorative accents
OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Complete interior visualization prompt
- Style element breakdown
- Color palette guidance
- Lighting notesUse case: When visualizing design concepts for clients or mood boards Best with: Midjourney for atmospheric interior renders Pro tip: Include specific furniture styles and layout cues for accuracy
Quick Reference: Image Generation Prompts
| # | Prompt | Use Case | Best With |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portrait Photography | Professional portraits | Midjourney |
| 2 | Product Photography | E-commerce and commercial | DALL-E 3 |
| 3 | Food Photography | Menu and food content | Midjourney |
| 4 | Architectural Photography | Building visualizations | Midjourney |
| 5 | Fashion/Lookbook | Fashion marketing | Midjourney |
| 6 | Vector Art and Flat Design | UI and illustrations | DALL-E 3 |
| 7 | Digital Painting Style | Concept art and illustration | Midjourney |
| 8 | Watercolor and Traditional Media | Artistic illustrations | Midjourney |
| 9 | 3D Render Style | Product and tech visuals | Midjourney latest |
| 10 | Cyberpunk and Futurism | Sci-fi concept art | Midjourney |
| 11 | Multi-Prompt Weighing | Combining concepts | Midjourney |
| 12 | Aspect Ratio and Composition | Specific layouts | All tools |
| 13 | Stylize and Chaos Control | Consistent results | Midjourney |
| 14 | Object Removal/Replacement | Editing existing images | DALL-E 3 |
| 15 | Outpainting and Unzoom | Expanding images | DALL-E 3 |
| 16 | Logo Concept Generator | Brand identity concepts | DALL-E 3 |
| 17 | Website Hero Background | Web design visuals | Midjourney |
| 18 | Sticker Sheet Generator | Branded stickers | Midjourney |
| 19 | Isometric Illustration | 3D icons and assets | Midjourney |
| 20 | Interior Design Visualization | Room concepts | Midjourney |
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
I’ve generated thousands of failed images. Here are the most common mistakes:
Mistake #1: Too Many Conflicting Elements
What it looks like:
"A beautiful woman wearing a red dress standing in a field of lavender under a starry sky with a golden retriever puppy playing in the foreground while mountains loom in the distance during sunset with a small cottage and a river"The fix:
Break into separate images. Or pick ONE focal point and make it the priority with weighted prompts.Why it fails: Too many elements dilute focus. AI does best with clear, singular subjects.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Aspect Ratio
What it looks like:
[Using square prompts for banner images]The fix:
Always specify --ar for your intended use case. 16:9 for video thumbnails, 9:16 for social, 1:1 for Instagram.Why it fails: Wrong aspect ratios require cropping, which ruins composition.
Mistake #3: Forgetting Negative Prompts
What it looks like:
[Getting extra hands, distorted faces, or unwanted text in every generation]The fix:
Use negative prompts: --no extra limbs, text, watermark, distorted, low qualityWhy it fails: AI struggles with certain elements. Negative prompts prevent common failures.
Mistake #4: Inconsistent Characters
What it looks like:
[Character looks different in each image of a series]The fix:
Use consistent seed, reference images, and detailed appearance descriptions including ethnicity, hair style, and distinctive features.Why it fails: AI doesn’t inherently maintain character consistency. You must prompt for it.
The bottom line: AI image generation is a dialogue, not a command. Iterate, refine, and treat each generation as a starting point.
For creators looking to build a comprehensive toolkit, our roundup of the best vibe coding tools covers essential creative applications for modern workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which AI image tool is best in 2026?
It depends on your needs. Midjourney’s latest version excels at photorealism and artistic style. DALL-E’s current version is better for text integration and commercial consistency. Stable Diffusion offers the most customization but requires more skill. I use Midjourney for creative work and DALL-E for commercial assets.
Q: Can I use AI-generated images commercially?
Generally yes, but check each platform’s terms. Midjourney and DALL-E both allow commercial use of generated images. Avoid generating images of real people, trademarks, or copyrighted characters without permission.
Q: How do I get consistent character faces?
Include detailed descriptions (skin tone, eye color, hair style, face shape), use consistent seeds, and consider using reference images or character sheets. Some tools (like Midjourney) are improving at character consistency.
Q: Why does my text look wrong?
AI struggles with text. For best results, keep text minimal, use clear sans-serif style references, and generate text separately in design software. DALL-E 3 is better at text than Midjourney.
Q: How do I improve image quality?
Use quality modifiers (“4k, ultra-detailed, photorealistic”), appropriate aspect ratios, and iterate with refined prompts. Higher resolution settings help, but upscaling in post-processing is often necessary for print.
Conclusion
We covered 20 battle-tested prompts for AI image generation:
- Photography prompts (#1-5) create professional-quality images
- Digital art prompts (#6-10) produce artistic and illustrative work
- Advanced techniques (#11-15) give you fine-grained control
- Specialized styles (#16-20) cover specific use cases
The reality check: AI image generation is 10x faster and 100x cheaper than traditional photography for many use cases. But it requires skill to direct effectively.
Key takeaways:
- Be specific and structured in your prompts
- Use aspect ratio and quality parameters
- Iterate—first results are rarely final
- Understand each tool’s strengths and weaknesses
My final advice: Pick ONE tool and master it before branching out. Midjourney is the most versatile starting point for most users.
Stay current by following tool updates—capabilities change monthly. And remember: the best image generator is the one that helps you achieve your vision.
For staying updated on AI tools, TechCrunch’s AI coverage provides reliable reporting on new releases and industry developments.
Want to build more AI skills? Explore the essential AI skills to learn in 2026 for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving space.
Hot take one more time: The future of visual content isn’t AI vs. human—it’s AI-amplified human creativity producing results neither could achieve alone.
Ready to level up? Set up your creative toolkit with our vibe coding starter kit