How to Write the Perfect Image Prompt (So You Get Exactly What You Want)

bySDawson0001

5.8K followers

4 months ago

Have you ever tried using an AI art tool and ended up with something… *a little off*?

Maybe you wanted a cozy tea party and got something that looked like a zombie picnic. 😅

That’s where a **well-structured image prompt** comes in. It’s the secret sauce to getting consistent, beautiful results—especially when you're using tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, or even ChatGPT with image generation.

Let’s break down the **ideal structure** for crafting the *perfect* image prompt:

The Best Structure for an Image Prompt

Here’s what to include in every prompt to get results that wow you (and your audience):

1. SUBJECT – What’s the star of your image?

Be specific!

Examples:

- “A young woman sipping tea in a garden”

- “Two cats having a tea party on a picnic blanket”

- “A vintage typewriter on a rustic wooden desk”

2. STYLE OR MEDIUM – What art style should it look like?

This changes the entire feel.

Examples:

- “Watercolor”

- “Oil painting in impressionist style”

- “Vector art”

- “Photo-realistic”

3. MOOD OR ATMOSPHERE – What’s the emotional vibe?

Think: dreamy, eerie, joyful, cozy, romantic...

Examples:

- “Serene and dreamy with warm lighting”

- “Energetic and playful”

- “Vintage and nostalgic”

4. SETTING OR BACKGROUND – Where is this happening?

Add a sense of place.

Examples:

- “In a blooming English garden”

- “Inside a Victorian tea parlor”

- “On a forest path at sunrise”

5. COLOR PALETTE (Optional but Helpful) – What colors dominate?

This helps the AI stay on-brand or aesthetic.

Examples:

- “Soft pastels: lavender, mint green, pale yellow”

- “Bold reds and golds”

- “Monochrome grayscale with a pop of teal”

6. LIGHTING – What kind of lighting should it have?

Light changes everything.

Examples:

- “Golden hour light with soft shadows”

- “Bright, high-contrast sunlight”

- “Candlelit interior glow”

7. COMPOSITION OR ORIENTATION – Format and layout?

Especially useful for printables, blog graphics, and Fine Art America.

Examples:

- “Portrait, centered subject, 11x14 inches, 300 dpi”

- “Landscape, 545 px wide by 200 px high, 72 dpi”

8. DETAILS OR ENHANCEMENTS – Little things that make it *you.*

The secret to personality.

Examples:

- “The teacup has a blue rose pattern”

- “A black schnauzer sleeps under the table”

- “A butterfly rests on the saucer”

Pro Tip: Use This Template

“[Subject], in [style or medium], [mood], [setting], with [colors], [lighting], [composition], and [unique details].”

Example Prompt

“A young woman with curly auburn hair sipping tea at a lace-covered table in a blooming English garden, watercolor style, dreamy and serene mood, golden hour lighting, soft pastels, surrounded by roses and butterflies, with a Royal Albert teacup and matching teapot. Portrait orientation, 11x14 inches, 300 dpi.”

Why This Matters for WA Members

Whether you're creating:

- Blog headers

- Pinterest pins

- Product mockups

- Social posts

- Printable freebies

- Art for your shop...

A great prompt = less frustration and better branding.

-Shirley