AI Image Generation
Creating Images from Text Prompts
Describe what you want. AI creates it. This capability would have seemed like magic five years ago.
How AI Image Generation Works
Text-to-Image
You write a prompt describing the image. AI generates visual based on that description.
Training Data
AI learned from millions of images. It understands concepts, styles, compositions.
Generation Process
AI doesn't copy existing images. It creates new images based on learned patterns.
Major AI Image Tools
Midjourney
Known for artistic, aesthetic quality. Strong with realistic and fantasy imagery.
Access: Discord-based Strength: Beautiful, artistic results Best for: Creative and artistic imagery
DALL-E (OpenAI)
Integrated with ChatGPT. Good all-around generation.
Access: ChatGPT Plus, API Strength: Follows complex prompts, text in images Best for: General purpose, quick generation
Stable Diffusion
Open source. Highly customizable. Many interfaces available.
Access: Free, various platforms Strength: Customization, control, local running Best for: Technical users, custom needs
Adobe Firefly
Designed for commercial use. Trained on licensed content.
Access: Adobe Creative Cloud Strength: Commercial safety, integration with Adobe tools Best for: Professional/commercial work
Canva AI
Built into Canva design platform.
Access: Canva (free and paid) Strength: Easy integration with design workflow Best for: Quick graphics within Canva
Prompt Engineering Basics
Prompt Structure
Subject: What's in the image Style: How it should look Details: Specific elements, colors, composition Quality modifiers: Photo quality, resolution
Example Progression
Basic: "A cat" Better: "A fluffy orange cat sitting on a windowsill" Best: "A fluffy orange tabby cat sitting on a sunny windowsill, looking outside, soft morning light, photorealistic, detailed fur, warm colors"
Key Elements
Subject: The main focus (person, object, scene) Action: What's happening Environment: Where/background Style: Art style, medium, aesthetic Lighting: Mood and atmosphere Composition: How it's framed Quality: Resolution, detail level
Style Keywords
Photographic: photorealistic, 4K, DSLR, portrait photography, macro Artistic: oil painting, watercolor, digital art, illustration Design: vector art, flat design, minimalist, graphic design 3D: 3D render, CGI, octane render, unreal engine
AI Prompt: Image Generation
Help me write a prompt for AI image generation.
What I need: [Describe your vision]
Purpose: [What it's for]
Style preference: [Photo, illustration, etc.]
Mood: [Feeling you want]
Any specific elements: [Must-haves]
Please create:
1. A detailed prompt
2. Style modifiers to include
3. What to avoid in the prompt
4. Variations to try
5. Tips for this type of image
Common Use Cases
Stock Photo Replacement
Create exactly what you need instead of searching generic stock.
Illustrations
Custom illustrations without hiring an illustrator.
Concepts and Mockups
Visualize ideas quickly before investing in production.
Social Media Content
Unique imagery instead of overused stock.
Backgrounds and Textures
Custom backgrounds for designs.
Limitations and Considerations
Text in Images
Most AI struggles with text. Generate image, add text separately.
Hands and Details
AI sometimes creates anatomical errors. Check and regenerate.
Consistency
Same prompt produces different results. Getting matching images takes iteration.
Copyright Questions
Understand terms of service. Commercial use policies vary.
Ethical Use
Don't create deceptive imagery, misinformation, or infringe on likenesses.
What's Next
Tools that combine generation with design.
Next chapter: AI design tools.