How to Write the Perfect Image Prompt (So You Get Exactly What You Want)
Published on July 31, 2025
Published on Wealthy Affiliate — a platform for building real online businesses with modern training and AI.
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.
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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
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