In the age of AI-assisted art and digital creativity, knowing how to write a clear, detailed prompt can be just as important as the design skills themselves. Whether you’re commissioning a human illustrator or using an AI tool like Midjourney, DALL·E, or Leonardo AI, the way you describe your vision directly affects the final result.
1. Understand the purpose of your illustration
Before writing anything, clarify why you need the illustration. Is it for a children’s book, a marketing campaign, a concept art portfolio, or an editorial article? The purpose will guide your choice of style, colors, and composition.
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Example: “A friendly, whimsical illustration for a children’s book cover” vs. “A high-contrast, minimalist editorial illustration for a magazine.”
2. Be specific with subject and action
Instead of writing vague prompts like “a cat illustration”, describe the subject in detail and what it’s doing.
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Poor prompt: “A cat in a park”
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Better prompt: “A fluffy orange tabby cat wearing a red scarf, sitting on a park bench surrounded by autumn leaves.”
3. Specify style and medium
Art style drastically changes the outcome. Mention whether you want watercolor, pencil sketch, digital painting, pixel art, or something else.
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Example: “Digital painting in Studio Ghibli style” or “Black-and-white ink sketch.”
4. Add mood and atmosphere
Emotions and lighting cues make prompts richer. Words like serene, dramatic, cozy, mysterious can change the feel instantly.
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Example: “A serene seaside village at sunset, soft warm lighting.”
5. Mention composition and perspective
If needed, describe the framing: close-up, wide shot, aerial view, portrait orientation, etc.
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Example: “Overhead view of a medieval market scene, bustling with people.”
6. Include colors and textures
If color is important, specify a palette. Also describe textures if they add to the concept.
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Example: “Muted earth tones with a rough, hand-painted texture.”
7. Use reference comparisons
Comparisons to known art styles or artists help both humans and AI understand the vision faster.
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Example: “In the style of Hayao Miyazaki” or “Inspired by Art Nouveau posters.”
Quick template for your prompt
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"A young woman sitting by a rain-streaked café window, reading a book, in a warm, cozy color palette, digital painting in the style of Loish, soft ambient lighting, portrait orientation."
Mastering prompt writing is like learning a new design language. The more you practice and refine your descriptions, the more your illustrations will match your vision—whether created by a human hand or an AI engine.
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