- Rachel Bistricer
- Aug 14
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 22
AI-generated art is changing the way we create, giving designers—whether you're a pro or just starting out—new ways to bring ideas to life. By 2025, AI-generated art is projected to represent 5% of the contemporary art market. But here’s the thing: great AI art doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with clear, creative prompts. Think of prompts as the foundation of the work you’re trying to build—they guide the AI, shaping the outcome into something truly unique.
This article will help you master that process. We’ll break down how to write prompts that work, share tips to boost your creativity and show you how to avoid common missteps. Whether you’re experimenting with an AI image generator, like Wixel, for the first time or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies to level up your results.
Learn more about how to make realistic AI photos.
TL;DR: Mastering AI art prompts
AI-generated art is revolutionizing creativity, but great results depend on well-crafted prompts. This guide explains how to structure effective prompts, offers tips for better results and highlights ethical considerations. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these insights will help you create stunning AI art.
What is an AI art prompt?
An AI art prompt is a short text-based instruction provided to an AI model to generate visual art. Think of it as a creative recipe. The words you use will guide the AI in determining the style, features and mood of your desired artwork. These prompts can range from simple directions like "a cat in an astronaut suit" to highly intricate descriptions that describe environments, textures, and emotional tones.
At its core, the quality of the input directly influences the quality of the output. A vague or poorly structured prompt could lead to less defined or unintended results, while a thoughtful and precise prompt can yield breathtaking visuals.
According to Ido Kosover, head of Media at Wix:
"AI acts like a boost, almost like steroids, helping us speed up tasks that we thought would take much longer. In general, I believe we’re now in a phase where AI is becoming more practical and less about flashy, experimental uses. In the areas I’m focused on, particularly visual design, it started out as very 'new-agey'—creating fun, imaginative things like superheroes doing crazy stuff or other wild and creative visuals. That was entertaining and mind-opening, but now I believe we’re moving to a stage where AI is truly practical. It’s about achieving real, objective results that I actually want to accomplish."
How do AI art generators work?
AI art generators use machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks to create their artwork. These algorithms are trained on large datasets of images, allowing the AI to learn patterns and styles that it can then apply to new images.
Before generating an image, the algorithm will analyze the given prompt and break it down into different components, such as colors, shapes, textures and lighting. It will then combine these elements with its learned patterns to create a unique image that matches the style of the prompt.
Some AI art generators also allow users to adjust various parameters, such as color palette or brush type, to further customize their creations. This level of control can lead to even more personalized and diverse artworks.
How to structure AI art prompts
A strong AI art prompt combines creativity with clarity, serving as a bridge between your vision and the AI's output. To achieve this balance effectively, it’s essential to understand the main components:
Subject: What or who should be the focal point of the artwork? For example, "a medieval knight" or "an abstract flower arrangement."
Action or Pose (if applicable): Include specific motions or behaviors of the subject, like "a fox running through a forest" or "a dancer mid-pirouette."
Setting: Where is the subject? Descriptions such as "inside a dimly lit library" or "floating in outer space" set the stage.
Style: Specify artistic preferences, such as "in the style of Impressionism," "digital illustration," or "steampunk aesthetic."
Mood or Atmosphere: Add emotional tones or lighting effects, like "moody and somber" or "bright and whimsical."
Tips for better AI art prompts
Start with clear, concise descriptions
For an effective prompt, clarity is non-negotiable. Aim to be specific, without overloading the AI with too much information in one sentence. For example, instead of writing "a creature," try "a mythical griffin with gold-tipped wings perched on a rocky cliff." This level of detail leaves less to interpretation, reducing unexpected outcomes.
Use specific adjectives and nouns
Precise language can drastically elevate the quality of an AI's output. For instance, instead of "a beautiful building," describe it as "a grand gothic cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and towering spires." The more vivid your descriptions, the more life the AI can breathe into them.
Experiment with different art styles and mediums
AI tools are capable of mimicking eclectic artistic styles. Try specifying mediums like "watercolor," "acrylic painting," or "3D rendering." You could also reference art styles such as "cubism," "art deco," or "futuristic concept art" to give the AI a stronger direction.
Incorporate color palettes and lighting effects
Mentioning colors or lighting conditions can make outputs more visually compelling. For instance, add "fiery red orange tones resembling a sunset" or "cool blue hues under moonlit shadows" to your prompts to enhance the aesthetic.
Balance detail with room for AI creativity
While detail is critical, micromanaging every aspect of your prompt could limit the AI’s creative potential. A strong prompt should act as a guiding framework, while leaving some aspects open for interpretation, allowing the AI to surprise you with its unique flair.
Avoid redundancy
Avoid using redundant adjectives or phrases. Phrases like "a gorgeous beautiful sunflower" clutter the instruction and can confuse the AI. Opt for more streamlined phrases, such as "a vibrant sunflower in full bloom."
Utilize artist references
Mention specific artists or graphic design influences to guide the AI in reproducing specific styles. For example, including "Van Gogh-inspired" or "reminiscent of Studio Ghibli" can produce distinctive stylistic effects that align with your vision.
Iterate and refine
Don't hesitate to run multiple versions of similar prompts. Keep refining your descriptions by tweaking small details or testing combinations to achieve the perfect result.
Examples of bad vs. good AI art prompts
01. Ballroom
What to do (right image): A dazzling 1920s art deco ballroom alive with the swirl of elegantly dressed dancers, golden chandeliers casting shimmering light across ornate patterns.
What not to do (left image): A ballroom full of people dancing.
02. Forest
What to do (right image): A dreamlike forest, every tree and leaf washed in soft pastel colors, as if painted by a gentle watercolor brush, exuding pure serenity.
What not to do (left image): A colorful forest with trees.
03. Inventor
What to do (right image): A whimsical inventor tinkering in a workshop alive with personality, surrounded by quirky, clanking robotic animals in a vibrant, steampunk world.
What not to do (left image): An inventor working in a workshop with robots.
Ethical considerations in AI art creation
When working with AI-generated art, it’s crucial to think about ethical implications. Be mindful not to replicate copyrighted works or closely mimic living artists’ styles without credit. Also, consider transparency; when sharing AI-generated digital designs, clarify the role AI played in creating it to maintain integrity and trust.
AI art prompts ideas to ignite your creativity
Fantasy/surreal prompts
A castle floating on a cloud, surrounded by flying whales and glowing stars.
A mystical forest where trees are made of crystals and paths glow faintly at night.
A dragon made entirely of water, gliding gracefully in the sky during a storm.
A magical market where vendors sell dreams and time, under a sky with three moons.
A giant clock tower in a desert, with gears sticking out and melting like wax under the sun.
Landscapes prompts
A lush valley filled with golden flowers, with a river that changes colors under the sunlight.
A volcanic island surrounded by glowing lava streams and mysterious, smoky skies.
A frozen tundra under a vibrant aurora borealis, reflective ice crystals covering the land.
A dense jungle with towering ancient ruins covered in ivy and hidden waterfalls.
A serene countryside with rolling hills, dotted with windmills and a brilliant sunrise.
Human portraits prompts
A futuristic cyborg with intricate circuitry on their face blending seamlessly with human skin.
A regal queen with glowing eyes and hair that resembles flowing stardust.
A weathered explorer wearing gear made from salvaged materials, with a determined gaze.
A ballet dancer mid-performance, with their dress dissolving into petals or light.
A child staring at a glowing orb, their features illuminated with curiosity and wonder.
Action shots prompts
A knight leaping off a cliff to strike a fire-breathing dragon mid-flight.
A parkour runner jumping between towering neon-lit skyscrapers in a futuristic city.
A futuristic soldier dodging bullets in slow motion, with explosions behind them.
A surfer riding an enormous glowing wave under a stormy sky filled with lightning.
A superhero breaking through a wall of ice, their cape billowing dramatically in the wind.
AI art prompts FAQ
What is AI art?
AI art is created through Artificial Intelligence. It involves training algorithms, machine learning and deep learning techniques to produce original or altered images, videos, music and other forms of art.
How does AI create art?
AI algorithms are trained on large amounts of data, such as images, music or text, to learn patterns and generate new content based on those patterns. Humans can then refine these creations to achieve a desired result.
Is AI-generated art considered unique?
Yes, since the algorithm used in creating AI-generated art is dynamic and constantly evolving with each input of data, the resulting artwork can be considered unique.
Can AI replace human artists?
While AI can create impressive works of art, it cannot replace human artists entirely. Machines cannot yet replicate the intuitive and emotional aspects of creating art. Despite this, AI can still serve as a tool for human artists to enhance their creative process and push boundaries.
How can AI art prompts be used in marketing strategies?
AI art prompts can be a powerful tool in marketing strategies by generating visually striking and customized content that captures audience attention. Businesses can use AI to create unique visuals, tailor advertisements, or develop branding elements that stand out. This innovative approach allows marketers to experiment with different styles and ideas efficiently, while maintaining a consistent brand identity.