{"id":39482,"date":"2025-02-05T12:29:09","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T12:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/blog\/?p=39482"},"modified":"2026-03-22T16:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T16:01:01","slug":"ai-art-and-image-prompts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/blog\/ai-art-and-image-prompts\/","title":{"rendered":"Text prompts: how to use generative AI effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Master AI prompts with Artlist\u2019s AI image and video generators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In case you\u2019ve just returned from 24 months in the wilderness with no phone connection or contact with the outside world\u2026 generative AI<\/a> is a big thing nowadays. In fact, even as you sit reading this sentence, it\u2019s busy revolutionizing the creative process and the world of art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Artlist\u2019s AI image generator<\/a> and video generator<\/a>, you can now bring your creative visions to life with text prompts, creating images and videos that match your imagination in minutes. Whether you\u2019re looking to craft a cinematic shot, a futuristic cityscape, or a dreamy hand-drawn illustration, this powerful tool gives you the flexibility to turn simple ideas into visual masterpieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Luckily, you don\u2019t have to be a prompt engineering expert to get the best prompts, thanks to Artlist’s prompt-enhancing feature. After you enter your prompt, just hit the Enhance button on Artlist\u2019s AI Image & Video tool to automatically suggest improvements, helping you generate more detailed results with just one click. You can also edit the enhanced prompt \u2014 in any language \u2014 at any time to fine-tune your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through the importance of crafting effective AI prompts, how to write them for the best results, and how Artlist\u2019s tool can help streamline the creative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an AI art prompt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, let\u2019s take a moment to understand what AI image prompts actually are. Generative AI models need input from you in order to generate the art. So, at its basic level, an AI art prompt is a short description or a set of instructions that tells an AI art generator what kind of image you\u2019d like to create. It can include details about the subject, style, colors, mood, or setting, which all guide the AI in producing the desired artwork. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a prompt might be: \u201cA colossal, brilliantly hued balloon majestically floats above an expansive, barren desert expanse. Its immense size commands the composition, with vibrant colors sharply contrasting against the tranquil, sun-drenched sandy terrain. This cinematic perspective emphasizes the balloon\u2019s grandeur as it casts a dramatic, oversized shadow that stretches across the desolate landscape. The interplay of natural light and soft environmental textures creates a striking visual harmony that captivates the viewer\u2019s attention.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By giving the AI specific details about the subject, atmosphere, and style, you guide it in creating the exact scene you have in mind. This image was generated in Artlist’s image & video generator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The success of your AI creations depends on crafting the right prompt. A clear, detailed prompt reduces guesswork, saving time and effort by getting closer to your desired result in fewer iterations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The anatomy of a good prompt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to generating AI art there are a few key rules and guidelines to follow so your prompts get the results you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subject<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think about the subject. What\u2019s the central focus or main element of the image? You should clearly state what you want to see \u2014 things like \u201ca serene mountain,\u201d \u201ca futuristic city,\u201d or \u201ca whimsical forest creature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should provide some descriptive adjectives that help refine the subject. These add specificity, like \u201csnow-capped\u201d for a mountain or \u201cneon-lit\u201d for a city, helping the AI understand how the subject should appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Selecting and specifying a style plays a huge role in how the final image looks. You should research and understand various artistic mediums and aesthetics, such as \u201coil painting,\u201d \u201cwatercolor,\u201d or \u201cdigital realism.\u201d This ensures the generative AI model renders your image exactly how you envision it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Context<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The setting, atmosphere, and mood can all add depth and emotion, so think about the context of the image. Some examples include \u201cat sunrise,\u201d \u201cin a storm,\u201d or \u201cwith a mystical aura.\u201d When you swap each of these contexts and settings out, the image changes drastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pro tip<\/strong>: Think of writing a prompt as giving clear directions to a friend or co-worker. The more specific and focused your instructions, the better the AI can execute your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By combining all of these components, a good prompt might look something like: \u201cA snow-capped mountain at sunrise, with mist rolling through the valley, painted in a soft watercolor style.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take some time to play around and experiment with different generative AI styles to see how changing your text prompts alters the image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common prompt-writing mistakes and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with any craft, there are common mistakes that often crop up when it comes to writing AI image prompts. Here are a few to avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vagueness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re too vague, it means you\u2019re writing overly broad or unclear prompts like \u201ca landscape\u201d or \u201ca person.\u201d Because the AI has too little direction, it can lead to very generic or random outputs that don\u2019t match your vision. So, always be very specific about what you want. Instead of \u201ca landscape,\u201d try \u201ca tranquil meadow with wildflowers and a distant mountain under a clear blue sky.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overloading with too many ideas at once<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, you want to be careful that you\u2019re not including too many conflicting or unrelated elements. For example, \u201ca futuristic city, a medieval castle, and a spaceship in a stormy jungle.\u201d If you add too much, the AI struggles to mix these ideas well, resulting in a messy image. It\u2019s better to stick to one idea or theme. If necessary, split big ideas into separate prompts, such as \u201ca futuristic city at night\u201d and \u201ca medieval castle in the jungle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ignoring style for generic outputs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you leave out any mention of artistic style, medium, or mood, don\u2019t be surprised if you end up with bland, unclear results. Without style guidance, the AI will likely default to a generic look that doesn\u2019t fit your vision. You always want to specify a style, such as \u201cdigital realism,\u201d \u201cimpressionist oil painting,\u201d or \u201cvibrant cartoon style,\u201d to give the artwork a distinct character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the above in mind, a bad prompt may read like this: \u201cCreate a landscape with a city on a hill, and a medieval castle opposite, across a raging river, which leads to a big stormy sea<\/em>. \u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A storm in a glass of water with an ocean storm in the background<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Medieval castle in ruins in a dense jungle<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Overuse of negative prompts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A negative prompt tells the AI what not<\/em> to include in the image. It helps remove unwanted elements that might distract from your vision. For example, \u201cno people\u201d or \u201cavoid bright colors\u201d can focus the AI on the key features you do want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, be cautious when using negative prompts<\/a>. If overused, they can cause the AI to generate unnatural results. Sometimes, it can even confuse the AI to start including the unwanted objects. So pro tip: only use them when necessary for the best results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for effective prompts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prompting like a director <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a video creator, you have an advantage. AI-generated videos and images respond well to prompts that mimic the language of filmmakers and photographers. Use terms like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n