
Hey creative souls! After spending countless Midjourney credits and way too many late nights experimenting, I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned the hard way on how to get the most out of Midjourney Prompts This guide is not a typical dry tutorial on the AI art question β it is all the information I wish someone would have told me at the beginning of my AI art journey.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow to Start: Essentials You Need π
Look, I get it. The first time I opened Midjourney, it felt like I was looking into the void. What do I type? How detailed should I be? Why isn’t it generating what’s in my imagination? Sound familiar?
So, here is the deal with Midjourney β it is like talking to an incredibly talented artist friend who speaks a different language. You become magical once you learn this amazing online communication! But first, let’s unpack how Midjourney works.
Why Prompts Matter So Much
Think of prompts as recipes. You wouldn’t dump a bunch of food in a pot and hope for the best, would you? The same goes here. Every word you write affects the final picture. I know this because I learned it the hard way (and saved you the trouble).
Prompt Structure Breakdown π
After trying dozens of things, here’s what I’ve discovered is most effective:
Basic Formula: [your subject] + [about my subject] + [where my subject is] + [my subject style] + [technical shooting settings]
Real Example: Mystical fox glowing with ethereal energy deep in enchanted forest digital art cinematic lighting –are 16:9
Β
Pro Tip: Start with simplicityΒ and add layers of Complexity. Like LEGO, Start with the framework and tthen addthe cool stuff.
Prompt Templates That Work & Essential One Dreaming Niche π¨
A. Portrait Photography Magic
Fashion Portraits βFashion model, [clothing description], [lighting], [background], [style], [quality] –v 5 –q 2
My Go-To Example: Liquid metal dress fashion model, ethereal backlights, high moody minimalist studio setup, high fashion editorial –v 5 –q 2
Β
Β
Character Portraits [Type of character], [Unique features], [Pose/Emotion], [Lighting], [Style] –v 5
REAL EXAMPLE THAT WORKED FOR ME: Old sailor with a weathered storm-beaten face, piercing blue eyes, Rembrandt lighting dramatic, hyperrealism portrait –v 5
Β
Β
B. Landscape & Environment Jaw Droppers
Fantasy Landscapes [landscape element] featuring [magical elements], [time of day], [vibe], [style] –ar 16:9
Tried & Tested Example: Crystal islands floating with rainbow waterfalls, golden hour, misty fog inspired by Studio Ghibli –are 16:9
Β
Β
C. Mind-Blowing Concept Art
Character Design [character type], [quirks], [outfit/armor], [visual effects], [visual style] –v 5
My Viral Hit Example: Celestial warrior princess, all crystalline armor and flowing fabric of starlight, aurora borealis effect, digital concept art –v 5
Β
Β
Read Also:Β The Ultimate Guide to Midjourney Prompts for Abstract Art Thatβll Make Your Instagram Feed So Professional
Techniques That Separate You From The Pack π
Style Mixing (This Is Where It Gets Fun)
I learned that mixing different styles gets the most interesting results. Here’s my favorite formula: [Classic Influencer] + [Modern Influencer], [Moody elements] & [Classic elements], [Medium]
Examples that went viral on Instagram: Oil painting, renaissance, cyberpunk, android aristocrat, satin digital circuitry robes, neon baroque lighting –v 5
Β
Β
Effects That Will Make Your Art Pop β¨
Particle Effects The secret sauce to creating an atmosphere that is pure magic: [Particle type] [movement] with [main subject], [lighting effect], [atmosphere]
My Tested Formula: Golden spell particle bursts, swirling magic dust, volumetric god rays, mystical atmosphere, ancient spellbook –q 2
Β
Β
Categories Of Specializations That Work For You π―
Product Photography
For those seeking to create commercial-grade images: [Product] on/in [dynamic situation], [special effects], [lighting condition], [commercial look] –ar 1:1
Example That Clients Love: Commercial Photography of Premium Studio Light, Water Drops in Air, Zero Gravity, Luxury Watch –ar 1:1
Architecture
βar 4:5 [building style] with [obvious/unobvious unique characteristic] [time of day] [weather/lighting] [photography style]
Winning Example: Architectural photography of a futuristic skyscraper with living walls of plants, in golden hour sunlight, with a little fog –ar 4:5
Β
Β
Read Also:Β The Ultimate 2024 Guide: 50 Midjourney Prompts for Photorealism Youβll Wish You Knew Sooner
Tweaks Based on My Experience:
- Less is sometimes more. Don’t overcrowd your prompts
- Select concrete and descriptive words, not general words
- Use different versions by using –v arguments.
- Aspect Ratios (–ar) for Platforms
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Too
- o much styling and inconsistent styling
- Avoiding descriptions that are too vague
- Not remembering to indicate key parameters
- Failing to recognize the impact of lighting descriptions
Be mindful that these templates are only starting points. But the real magic is when you discover what works for you, and that just happens by experimenting! Some of my best results came when I broke from the script and fused the unexpected.
Tip: Keep a prompt journal! To take track of my successful prompts and what worked so well, I use Notion. This has been a huge blessing for keeping my AI art consistent.
Game-Changing Pro Tips & Tricksπ―
Mastering Aspect Ratios
OK, let me reveal this thing that took me way too long to learn. You can only train on so much aspect ratio variation when you are cross-training the same model for three or four platforms.
- Instagram feed: βar 1:1 or βar 4:5
- Instagram Stories: –ar 9:16
- Twitter: –ar 16:9
- Book Covers: –ar 2:3
Game-Changing Example: Bioluminescent detail shot of a cosmic whale swimming through nebula clouds, space fantasy, cinematic composition –ar 16:9 –q 2
Color Psychology That Works
Here’s a little trick I learned: Color keywords affected the entire mood in a way that made the Lush choice easy:
- Warm colored palette: sunset, golden hour, amber, crimson
- Cool tones: midnight, azure, frost, moonlight
Common Problems and Solutions π§
Let’s discuss those frustrating times we all experience and how to resolve them:
When Faces Look Weird
So instead of writing “beautiful face,” say: Photorealistic portrait, aligned facial symmetry, glossy high fashion, focus on eyes detail, soft skin –v 5
Fixing Composition Problems
Use these focusing terms if your images seem messy: Centered composition, rule of thirds (focus on) clear point of interest, negative space, depth of field
π Ultimate Prompt Template Library
These are the multiple categories of my best-performing templates:
For Ethereal Portraits
[Character] with [ethereal element], [emotion], [lighting], [atmosphere], [photography style], cinematic composition. –v 5 –q 2
For Fantasy Landscapes
A [time of day] at [location], [weather condition], [magical elements], [mood], [artistic style], [camera angle] –ar 16:9
For Abstract Art
With [visual elements], [color scheme], [texture], [artistic movement], [medium] [Core concept] –v 5
Real-World Case Studies π¨
Case Study #1: Textbook Stylistic Guide to Grandiosity
Original Prompt: Girl in the forest
Improved Prompt: Young woman in magical glen, sunlight filtered through trees, flowing white gown, ethereal, strange ambiance, soft bokeh, Pre-Raphaelite painter style –v 5
Β
Case Study #2: Evolution of Product Photography
Original Prompt: Perfume bottle photo
Improved Prompt: glass perfume bottle, luxurious container, glowing and swirling iridescent liquid and floating rose petals, illuminated from behind with prismatic light effects, high-end product photography, magazine quality –ar 4:5
Β
Β
Read Also: The Ultimate Midjourney Anime Prompts for Lofi Art That Will Make Your Instagram EXPLODE π£
Instagram Optimization Tips π±
Creating Viral-Worthy Content
Here are the elements that I’ve found tend to work well consistently:
- Dramatic lighting contrasts
- Rich, saturated colors
- Clear focal points
- Emotional resonance
Viral-Worthy Template: –v 5 [striking subject] with [unexpected element], [emotional hook], [popular style], [trending aesthetic], dramatic lighting
Color Schemes That Pop
My go-to combinations:
- Cyberpunk: Neon pink + Electric blue
- Fantasy: Golden + Deep Purple
- Ethereal: Soft pastels + Metallic accents
Key Resources & Tools π οΈ
Must-Have Prompt Helpers
- Pdf lists 0: Midjourney Parameter List (bookmark this!)
- Style Reference Guide
- Community Discord channels
Time-Saving Tools
Keep these handy:
- Prompt organization system
- Reference image collection
- Parameter cheat sheet
Final Thoughts & Pro Tips π
After months of trial and eerror here’s what it all comes down to:
- Same prompt, day after day Create a journal
- Experiment & Iterate – Small changes can have a big impact
- Meta β About β Answer β Join the community β Learn from others
- Don’t follow what everyone else is doing; find your style
My Perkflow
- Start with a core concept
- Add descriptive layers
- Include technical parameters
- Test multiple versions
- Refine based on results
Quick note: every prompt is progress, creating with Midjourney is a journey (pun intended!) Feel free to play around and break these “rules.” And some of my best pieces occurred through happy accidents and wild experiments.
Quick Reference Guide to Getting it Right:
- Use concrete and colorful language
- do some layering (subject + environment + mood + style)
- Think about the specifications of your platform
- Keep experimenting with different variations
Final Pro Tip
Save your successful prompts! The basis of what should work for you. Mine live in a spreadsheet with tags for easy reference.
There it is, everything I have learned about maximizing Midjourney prompts. These are guidelines, not rules. Experimenting and finding your voice is where the real magic happens. So, go out and make something awesome!
Got questions? Leave them in the comments below. I’d love to see what you do with these templates! π¨β¨
#MidjourneyArt #AIArt #DigitalArt #CreativeTips #ArtTutorial
Common Questions about Midjourney Prompts π€
Q: Why do my Midjourney images look nothing like I expected?
I understand this frustration! The key is layering your prompt:
- Start with the primary subject
- Build additional elements
- Think like a movie director
- Test and refine
Q: How specific do I need to be in prompts?
Finding the sweet spot:
- Avoid too vague (“pretty sunset”)
- Avoid over-detailed (“ultra-mega-super-hyper-realistic”)
- Aim for 15-30 meaningful words
- Focus on vision-critical elements
Q: Why do some faces look strange when they shouldn’t?
Pro tip: Be descriptive with facial features! Instead of “beautiful face,” use:
- “photorealistic facial features”
- “symmetrical face”
- “natural skin texture”
- Add –v 5 for better face generation
Q: What’s going on with aspect ratios?
Quick cheat sheet:
- Square posts (–ar 1:1): Instagram feeds
- Portrait mode (–ar 2:3 or 3:4): Mobile display
- Landscape (–ar 16:9): Desktop/YouTube
Q: How can I make my images look professional?
Key professional terms to include:
- “professional photography”
- “studio lighting”
- “cinematic composition”
- “golden ratio”
Q: I want to join different styles of art.
Tips for style mixing:
- Combine max 2-3 styles
- Try combinations like:
- “watercolor meets cyberpunk”
- “art nouveau with sci-fi elements”
Keywords and SEO Optimization Section π―
Primary Keywords:
- Midjourney prompts
- AI art generation
- Midjourney tutorial
- AI art prompts
- Digital art creation
Secondary Keywords:
- Midjourney tips and tricks
- AI art guide
- Prompt engineering
- Digital art prompts
- AI image generation
- Creative prompts
- Art prompt templates
Long-tail Keywords:
- Tips for making better Midjourney prompts
- Great aspect ratios for Midjourney
- Photography Prompts for Midjourney Portraits
- How to Generate Good Faces in Midjourney
- Tips for Midjourney art professionals
Related Search Terms:
- Midjourney v5 prompts
- AI art composition tips
- Digital art style guides
- Creative AI prompting
- Professional AI art creation
Social Proof And Interactivity π¬
“Just checked in with y’all β with these prompt techniques, the last post was 10k likes on Instagram! Who knew that adding a bit of ‘volumetric lighting’ would save the day? π”
If you have any of these amazing tips, drop a comment below, and let me know what worked for you! I love seeing what the creative community comes up with.
Make sure to bookmark this guide for later, you’ll want to come back to it, I promise!
So continue making, continue experimenting, but above all have fun with it! π¨β¨
Β
Leave a Reply