10 Mind-Blowing Midjourney Prompts for Character Design That Will Make You Look Like a Pro Artist 🎨

Hello, fellow artists in the digital era and curious minds of A.I.! After hunching over Midjourney for hours upon hours (and let’s be real, way too many nighttime coffee runs) to generate different character designs, I am so happy to finally share this ultimate guide to Midjourney Prompts for Character Design for creating magnificent character designs that your Instagram followers will smash the like button for quicker than you can say “prompt engineering.”

Why This Guide Will Transform The Way You Design Characters

When we’re being real – we’ve all done it, confronting that empty prompt box, asking ourselves how some artists repeatedly spew out these glorious character designs. At the same time, we struggle even to get something that looks like a stick person (or whatever looks like something a five-year glimpse-niece of mine would draw, no offense to her talent).

Well, here I will give you all the hot gossip on getting your Midjourney character designs to go from “Meh, alright” to “OMG, how did you even do that?!”

Batch after batch, trial, and error, and those magical “aha!” moments – even a few specific elements can add a whole new level of detail and expression in just seconds.

Midjourney Character Design — The Secret Sauce From Concept to Generation

Before we dive into the juicy details, let’s wrap our heads around what Midjourney is doing for character design. Think about the process of learning to cook:

• You could throw things in a pan and hope for the best.
• But knowing the fundamentals will take you from cooking by microwave to cooking like a MasterChef.

The Basic Prompt Structure That Works

Here’s my formula which has always worked for me:

[Character Type] + [Visual Look] + [Costume/Clothing] + [Posture/Action] + [Lighting/Ambiance] + [Art Designer Reference] + [Spec Features]

For example:

A cyberpunk samurai with glowing techno armor, dynamic action pose, volumetric fog, cinematic lighting, Yoji Shinkawa style, trending on art station –ar 16:9 –q 2 –s 750

 

Quality Boosters That Make a Difference

Listen, I learned this the hard way – these parameters aren’t just fancy additions. They’re your learned:

• –q 2: Upping the quality a step.
• –s 750: Higher detail level.
• –ar 16:9: Great for those Instagrammable landscape shots.
• –niji 5: When you want that anime look.

Decoding Those Must-Have Prompt Templates

Fantasy Characters That Pop

Remember when fantasy was simply putting a few pointy ears on someone and calling it a day? Yeah, we’re way past that. This is my handy template for designing Characters that are anything but boring and feel like they affect a AAA game cinematic:

Ethereal [race] [class], ornate [material] armor, [magical elemeEldritchcts, dramatic lighting, [artist reference], hyperdetailed –ar 2:3 –q 2

Real-world example:

Eldritch elven archmage, complex blood crystal armor, arcane energies whirling around him, chiaroscuro lighting, Yoshitaka Amano meets Artgerm style, extremely detailed –ar 2:3 –q 2

 

Instagram-Ready Sci-Fi Characters

And, the future is now; your characters in sci-fi should reflect that. Here’s a template that always gets me the, “Is this concept art from a movie?” comments:

[cyberpunk/sci-fi descriptor] [character type], [futuristic material] bodysuit, [tech effects], [environment hint], [lighting type], [modern artist reference] –ar 16:9 –s 750

For instance:

neo-tokyo street samurai, chrome-infused graphene bodysuit, holographic HUD effects, neon-lit rainy streets, volumetric fog lighting, style of Maciej Kuciara and WLOP –ar 16:9 –s 750

 

Test Your Skills: Which Retro Anime Character Are You?

Admit it — back in the day, rendering anime-style characters in Midjourney was as tricky as explaining to your grandparents what a Neko is. But now after updates, and with this template, you’re golden:

Anime style [characteNekochetype] with [distinctive feature] [emotion/expression] witConfidentng detail] cel shading — [anime studio reference] Fiji 5 –ar 9:16 –s 1000

Example prompt:

Confident, determined young character protagonist anime style, heterochromatic eyes, confident smirk, flowing battle coat gold trim, cel shading, trivial studio trigger meets ufotable, Fijii 5 –ar 9:16 –s 1000

 

Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Midjourney Prompts for Abstract Art That’ll Make Your Instagram Feed So Professional

 

Modern Urban Characters Who Feel Alive

Would you like to create characters who could walk off your screen and into a coffee shop? This template has you covered:

[modern description] [character or type] [fashion reference]-style outfit, Stylish environment] [natural lighting], [photography] hyper tripping detail –ar 4:5

Example prompt:

Stylish fashion influencer in streetwear, wearing an Acronym x Nike-inspired tech wear outfit, standing in front of Shibuya crossing with golden hour lighting, street photography style, hyperrealistic details –ar 4:5

 

Stand-Out Stylized Characters

Here’s whistle start playing with styles, which is my absolute favorite part of Midjourney character design:

Best [character idea concept] in the style of: [artist 1] + [artist 2], [3-5 style elements unique to the art used], [mood/ambiance], [style focused on technical aspects/format] –ar 1:1 –s 1000

Example prompt:

Whimsical forest spirit Hayao Miyazaki x Moebius, organic flowing lines, ethereal environment, watercolor and ink style –ar 1:1 –s 1000

 

Advanced Prompt Techniques That Will Make You Look Like an Expert

Style Fusion That Doesn’t Fall Flat

Then you start to mix styles up like a DJ mixes tracks, and that’s where the real magic comes. But here’s the thing — you can’t just combine styles randomly. In endless experimentation, I’ve found this formula hits best:

Formula for Style Fusion:

1. Begin with your base style (anime, realistic, stylized, etc.).
2. Include a complementary style.
3. Blend with a technical style.
4. Finish with mood/atmosphere.

Here’s a Winning Combination:

Ethereal character portrait, ((anime aesthetics)), ((oil painting technique)), complex digital art, Artgerm meets Alphonse Mucha, ethereal lighting, trending on artstation, intricate details –are 2:3 –q 2

 

Creating Emotional Impact

Do you want people to feel something when they’re looking at your characters? Here’s what I’ve found works best:

Template:

[character], [emotion], [pose], [interaction with environment], [mood lighting], cinematic composition –ar 16:9

Read Also: The Ultimate 2024 Guide: 50 Midjourney Prompts for Photorealism You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

How to Make Your Characters Instagram-Ready

Fascinatingly, this is not about how to draw characters, but how to make a character design go viral on Instagram. After reviewing my best-performing posts (and I promise, not all of them have been winners), here’s what I’ve learned works:

Attention-Grabbing Color Psychology

• Pair complementary colors to make them pop.
• Add one bright, attention-grabbing component.
• Use emotional color harmony.

CompoTricks

• Position your character a bit off-center (the rule of thirds is your friend).
• Use guidelines to direct attention to the face.
• Create depth by using dramatic lighting.

Trending Elements That Work

• Use trendy colors (e.g., 2024’s Digital Lavender).
• Add fading and sliding animations (where appropriate).
• Use popular style mashups (e.g., anime + cyberpunk).

Your Go-To Collection of Prompt Templates (That Get Results)

Look, I know — you want templates that work immediately. After trying hundreds of combinations (and suffering through lots of weird results), here are my true templates that get the job done time after time.

Base Templates by Category

Epic Fantasy Heroes

lavish [type of steed], garbed in [type of material] armor marked with [type of magic] details, [type of pose], [type of background], [type of lighting], designed in the style of [type of artist], cinematic, epic –ar 16:9 –q 2 –s 1000

Example:

Lavish pegasus, garbed in golden armor marked with celestial runic details, heroic pose atop a mountain peak, glowing sunset background, ethereal lighting, designed in the style of Frank Frazetta, cinematic, epic –ar 16:9 –q 2 –s 1000

 

Cyberpunk Rebels

[nationality] [male/female] cyberpunk [job title], [cyber enhancement description], [clothing style], dramatic pose, [light effect], now at [location], volumetric lighting, hyperdetailed –ar 2:3 –s 950

Example:

American male cyberpunk bounty hunter, augmented eyes with glowing red HUD, wearing a rugged leather jacket with metallic plating, standing in a defiant pose, red holographic light effects, now at a futuristic spaceport, volumetric lighting, hyperdetailed –ar 2:3 –s 950

 

Anime Protagonists

[age] anime protagonist, [unique feature], [emotion], wearing [outfit], [action/pose], [background], style of [anime reference], Fiji 5 –ar 9:16 –s 1000

Example:

18-year-old anime protagonist, cybernetic arm with glowing circuits, angry and defiant, wearing a futuristic pilot suit, standing in front of a massive mecha, neon-lit city background, style of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Fiji 5 –ar 9:16 –s 1000

 

Note: These are only samples — do NOT copy/paste these! Let them be a starting point where you infuse your twists. Believe me, the Midjourney community can smell a generic prompt from a mile away 

Read Also: The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Leonardo AI Anime Prompts: Create Stunning Art Like a Pro!

Case Studies: From Prompt to Viral Post

Case Study #1: The Cyber Samurai

ultra-detailed cybernetic samurai, lustrous nano-fiber kimono, holographic sakura, luminous moody Tokyo streets, moody rim lights, Artgerm and Ghost in the Shell inspired, cinematic composition –ar 16:9 –q 2 –s 1000

 

Why It Worked:

1. Cultural fusion (traditional + futuristic).
2. Strong color contrast.
3. The use of a familiar but new concept.
4. Perfect timing (posted during peak hours for Asian audiences).

Case Study #2: The Otherworldly Witch

This one took a slow burn but went viral in 24 hours:

Prompt:

Evocative evil witch character design, flowing robes of cosmos, constellations patterns, magical particle effects, dark woods, moonlit, Alphonse Mucha meets modern fantasy –ar 2:3 –q 2

 

Success Factors:

1. Mystical/witchy aesthetic (a timeless trend).
2. Celestial elements that evoke wonder.
3. Art Nouveau was influenced by elegance and sophistication.
4. Perfect Instagram Portrait Aspect Ratio (2:3).

Read Also: Transform Your Creativity: 30 Leonardo AI Artist-Inspired Prompts You Need to Try

A Troubleshooting Guide (Because Who Doesn’t Need This?)

Common Issues and Their Fixes:

Problem: Weird Anatomy

Solution: Use these modifiers:

• “anatomically correct”
• “perfect proportions”
• “real role character design”
• “concept art quality”

Problem: Inconsistent Style

Fix: Use style anchoring:

[base prompt], (([random style])), ([different style]), for model consistency –s 1000

Problem: Lack of Detail

Solution: Stack your descriptors:

[insert simple concept], complex features, detailed textures, nuanced hues, high fidelity –q 2

Right Out of the Book: Advanced Tips Pros Won’t Share

Things You Don’t Change That Help:

Some word combinations act as hidden quality multipliers:

• “Volumetric lighting” + “atmospheric perspective” = instant depth.
• “Hyperdetailed” + “octane render” = absolutely amazing texture quality.
• “Golden ratio composition” + “rule of thirds” = perfect positioning.

Custom Style Development:

Want to discover your signature style? Here’s my formula:

1. Pick three favorite artists.
2. Select two opposing art movements.
3. Add one unique element.
4. Add on technical parameters.

Example:

character design, ((Yoshitaka Amano style)), (Art Nouveau composition), (cyberpunk elements), signature iridescent lighting, hyperdetailed –ar 2:3 –q 2

How to Future-Proof Your Character Design Game

Emerging Trends to Watch for 2024:

• Solarpunk Aesthetics
  • Sustainable tech elements.
  • From nature to space: futuristic designs.
  • Playful, bright, and colorful palettes.
• Neo-Traditional Fusion
  • Classical art practices with contemporary twists.
  • Cultural mashups.
  • Details of traditional craftsmanship.
• Emotional Tech
  • Characters are designed with emotional expression.
  • Aesthetics of human-machine hybrids.
  • Exploring synthetic life forms.

Social Media Aspect Ratios for Maximum Impact

For Instagram:

• 4:5 ratio for feed posts.
• 9:16 ratio for Stories and Reels.
• Character close-ups for carousel posts.

For Twitter: A 

• 16:9 ratio works best.
• Use clear colors for timeline readability.
• Close-ups that read well in small sizes.

Methods to Impact Community Participation

Create Design Series:

• Theme weeks (e.g., elemental characters, zodiac signs).
• Posts showcasing character evolution over time.
• Style exploration threads (experiment with different genres).

Share Process Insights:

• Prompt breakdowns to help others learn.
• Before/after comparisons to show your progress.
• Technical tips for better results.

Work Together and Cross-Pollinate:

• Style mashup challenges with other creators.
• Character design battles to spark creativity.
• Community prompt sharing to inspire collaboration.

Final Thoughts:

Keep in mind, being relevant is also about analyzing trends, understanding how they work, and making your that own twist. Keep trying new things, keep exploring, and have fun with it!

This guide is only scratching the surface. The beauty of Midjourney character design is that it’s evolving all the time. What’s good today might be basic tomorrow. Push boundaries, develop your signature style, and don’t be afraid to break the rules. Some of the best designs come from happy accidents and bold experimentation.

Join the Community:

Make sure to stop by and join us on Discord [your community link] where we post daily prompts, work through troubleshooting, and celebrate small wins. Let’s all continue to explore the potential of AI character generation!

Best Midjourney Prompts for Character Design FAQ

Q1: What are the optimal character design parameters in Midjourney?

Some of the best parameters for character design are:

• Aspect Ratios:
  • –ar 2:3 or –ar 9:16 for character in portrait orientation.
• Quality:
  • –q 2 for maximum quality.
• Style Strength:
  • –s 1000 (higher values for more detail).
• Anime Characters:
  • Use –niji 5 for anime-style characters.
• Latest Model:
  • Use –v 5.2 for the latest model capabilities.

Styling Modifiers:
Use these parameters together for the best outputs. For example:

detailed character portrait, profession concept art –ar 2:3 –q 2 –s 1000

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to explore and do research!

For Professional-Looking Results:

• References to an art style: Mention specific artists or genres.
• Lighting and atmosphere: Add descriptions like “studio lighting” or “volumetric atmosphere.”
• Technical Language: Use terms such as “volumetric lighting,” “octane render,” or “hyperrealistic.”
• Movement and Materials: Specify textures like “silk robes” or “metal armor.”
• Composition Guidelines: Use rules like “golden ratio composition” or “rule of thirds.”

Example Prompt:

professional character concept art, detailed face, studio lighting, volumetric atmosphere, 8k, concept art, trending on art station –q 2

Q2: My anime character prompts do not appear correctly in Midjourney. Why?

Common fixes for anime-style characters:

• Use the –Fiji 5 paramecorrectly anime-specific rendering.
• Include references to specific anime studios for style anchoring.
• Add the phrase cel-shading” in your prompts.
• Mention “clean lines” and “anime key visual” for polished reduce-shading per aspect ratios for anime-style art (e.g., –ar 2:3 or –ar 9:16).

Q3: What is the best way to make sure character designs are consistent?

To ensure consistency:

• Template Prompts: Write structured template prompts for repeatability.
• Style Anchoring: Use double parentheses ((…)) to emphasize specific styles.
• Reference Library: Maintain a library of effective prompts for inspiration.
• Lighting and Atmosphere: Use similar descriptions across designs.
• Technical Parameters: Employ consistent settings like –q 2 and –s 1000.

Q4: How do I make my characters feel more ready for Instagram?

To optimize character designs for social media:

• Use the correct aspect ratio (e.g., 4:5 for Instagram feed).
• Include trending aesthetics like celestial or cyberpunk themes.
• Focus on eye-catching elements such as bold colors and dramatic poses.
• Work on dramatic lighting scenarios for cinematic appeal.
• Add modifiers that give a cinematic quality (e.g., “volumetric lighting,” “hyperdetailed”).

Technical Specifications

Recommended Aspect Ratios:

• Portraits: 2:3, 3:4
• Full Body: 9:16
• Action Scenes: 16:9
• Instagram Posts: 4:5
• Story/Reels: 9:16

Quality Parameters:

• Basic Quality: –q 1
• Standard Quality: –q 2 (recommended)
• Higher Detail: –s 750 to –s 1000

Additional Resources

Related Guides:

• Character Design Fundamentals
• Color Theory for Digital Art
• Composition Guidelines
• Style Development Techniques
• Social Media Optimization

Community Links:

• Discord Servers: Share prompts and collaborate with others.
• Instagram Hashtags: Maximize your reach with trending tags.
• AiItUp: Twitter communities for AI artists.
• Character Designer Professional Network: Connect with other professionals.

Stay Current with Updates:

• Monthly updates to prompt templates.
• New parameter combinations.
• Emerging style trends.
• Model version changes.
• Community discoveries and tips.

Keep experimenting, stay creative, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with Midjourney!