It's All About the Details

"Thinking in Color" by Christine Graves via NightCafe Studio

I've been creating AI images for several years now. I remember when it was still a novelty thing and you'd get some freaky images. It's so much more sophisticated now. I've tried several AI image platforms, and NightCafe Studios and Leonardo AI are my favorites.

When I first started out, I had no idea how to form an AI image prompt. Now, that being said, I've been doing writing prompts for more than 20 years. I didn't see much difference as I managed to come up with some pretty cool images. It took me some time to figure out that there was more to putting a prompt together than just throwing out a few words. (I still do this, but will do a post on that later).

Over the past three years, I've learned several things. It is possible to get some semblance of the image in your mind if you use enough details. That being said, it is possible to add too many details. It comes down to finding that perfect balance. The problem is that the perfect balance changes from session to session.

First, have a clear grasp of what you want your subject to be. Then, decide on details. This includes colors, surrounding visuals, and secondary objects. But here's where it gets tricky: Think about ALL the details.

I have to admit, I got this information from an AI chatbot, Gemini. Here are a few more things you need to consider. Type of lighting, background theme, time of day/night, era, styles, genre, and artistic mediums. The list goes on and on. 

Let's do a little experiment. All of the following images will be made using NightCafe Studio. I will be using different models, but won't be using any preset style. I'll create my own. Also, I won't be posting the first thing that comes up. I will go through a few models and see which one I like best.

A strange image popped into my head as I was writing this, so we're going with a neon purple Volkswagen Bug. No, I don't know why; it was just the first thing that hit me.

The Prompt: Neon Purple Volkswagen

"Purple Bug" by Christine Graves via NightCafe Studio
Model: Flux--Preset: None

Though this is a very cool image, we can jazz it up a bit. Let's add some details. 

Let's add a background: a cosmic vision with distant stars and barely visible celestial images.

The Prompt: neon purple Volkswagen Beetle, a cosmic vision with distant stars and barely visible celestial images in the background

"Twilight Bug" by Christine Graves via NightCafe Studio
Model: Ideagram 2a Turbo--Preset: None

This isn't exactly what I had in my head, but I think I like it better. It reminds me of an old 1970s magazine ad. And I really love that shade of purple. This is why I enjoy doing this so much.

Let's add another detail. Now, I won't lie. I've already played with a few details that did NOT work out. I wasn't happy with anything I tried. However, when I threw in the term "vintage illustration", I was blown away.

The Prompt: neon purple Volkswagen Beetle, a cosmic vision with distant stars and barely visible celestial images in the background, vintage illustration

"Volkswagen Illustration" by Christine Graves via NightCafe Studio

Model: Ideagram 2a Turbo--Preset: None

Maybe it's the old broad in me, but I absolutely love this image. It reminds me of my childhood. This was the artwork of the day. Very cool.

I've tried a few other details, but haven't been impressed with anything I've gotten. So, I think I'll leave it at that. This has been a fun little experiment and has sparked a few other ideas for future posts. 

I challenge you to sit down and create your own image prompts. Use just enough details to create a work of art, but not so many that the image no longer makes sense. Most of all, have fun creating something that's never been seen before.

Until next time,
Miss Chris!!!

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Christine Graves has been writing for more than 30 years. She runs several blogs including Priestess of Words, Collected Keepsakes, and Mystic Realms, all of which are part of her company, Graves Publications. She also writes for a platform called Medium.com, in which she runs a few publications.