How to Prompt Like a Pro: Create Better AI-Generated Images with Fewer Words (Patreon)

How to Prompt Like a Pro: Creating Better AI-Generated Images

Learn the best tips for generating AI images with clearer prompts and better results—plus real image examples!

So… how do you write effective AI image prompts that give you the result you want on the first try—without rerunning the same prompt over and over again?

How do you consistently generate strong AI images without endless tweaking or disappointing outputs?

Good news: it’s really not as complicated as it might seem. I promise.

Being skilled at writing AI image prompts comes down to two main things:

1. Knowing what information to include (and what to leave out)

2. Understanding the limitations of AI image generators so you don’t expect results they simply can’t produce—at least not reliably yet

AI can create an incredible range of images, but there are still areas where it struggles. Some common examples include:

• Panels within a comic page

• Full pages of graphic novels

• Very specific cards within a game deck

• Large groups of people in precise arrangements

• Multiple distinct poses in a single image

• Adding accurate, readable text to images (yes, still sometimes a pain—even with updates)

Tips to Remember When Writing AI Image Prompts

You don’t need to write a novel.
There’s no need for a long essay-style prompt. I’ve talked before about how simplifying your prompts often leads to better results. If you want a deeper dive on that, check out my article:

You usually don’t need words like “realistic” or “professional.”
When you’re referencing a photo, AI already understands that you’re aiming for realism. Only specify these terms if you’re targeting a very specific aesthetic, such as fashion photography or nature photography.

Skip “in the style of.”
Instead of saying “in the style of,” you can simply name the style you want: watercolor, illustration, comic, oil painting, etc.

Avoid conflicting instructions.
Don’t mix directions that contradict each other, like:

• Bright colors and pastels

• Bird’s-eye view and close-up

• Hyper-detailed and minimal

Also try to limit trendy or niche terms like trashcore or cottagecore. AI image models are limited to what exists in their training data, and hyper-specific “core” aesthetics often won’t translate the way you expect. Focusing on clear themes and visual elements usually produces better results.

Prompt Examples: Before & After

Below are real examples showing how simplifying prompts can lead to the same—or better—results with fewer words.

Example 1: Overusing “Realistic” and Photo Keywords

Both images below are photorealistic, even though the edited prompt removes most of the extra descriptors.

Original prompt:

Realistic image, real photo, 8k UHD, light-colored snake rolled up on his body, big, fat and long, on a tree, leaves around the snake, the snake has its head down, image in the day --ar 1:2

Edited prompt:

photo, light-colored snake rolled up on its body, long, on a tree, leaves around the snake, the snake has its head down --ar 2:3

Example 2: You Don’t Need to Mention Resolution or Renders

Both images below demonstrate the same level of detail and clarity.

AI-generated images created with Midjourney

Original prompt:

Render a high-resolution image of a grasshopper in a natural pose, emphasizing its vibrant coloration and intricate details, without any text or logos, suitable for seamless integration onto a white background --ar 16:9

Edited prompt:

a grasshopper in a natural pose, vibrant coloration and intricate details, on a white background --ar 3:2

Example 3: Cutting Fluff and Filler Words

AI doesn’t need connecting words or descriptive padding to understand what you want.

AI-generated images created with Midjourney

Original (very lengthy) prompt:

Epic scene, art features a fashion woman sitting on a wooden chair, floating in the sky attached to several colorful chrome balloons. The balloons include different colors like red, blue, green, white, and a notable yellow balloon with a smiley face. The person is seen from behind, wearing a hat and suit, and the scene is set against a clear blue sky with a few clouds, art fits into the genre of surrealism, characterized by its dream-like scenario where a person floats in the sky with balloons. The use of everyday objects in extraordinary contexts is a hallmark of surrealism, movie poster, extremely detailed, hyper resolution, cinematic volumetric lighting

Edited prompt:

Epic scene, a fashion woman sitting on a wooden chair, floating in the sky attached to colorful balloons, person seen from behind, wearing a hat and suit, clear blue sky with a few clouds, surrealism, dream-like scenario, movie poster --ar 3:4 --stylize 400

Example 4: Tarot Card Prompt Simplification

Both prompts below produce beautiful tarot-style images, even though one is far more

Original (very lengthy) prompt:

Create a beautiful, delicate, and translucent tarot card illustration featuring a mermaid as the central motif. The design should be elegant and detailed, showcasing a vibrant mermaid with intricate scales and flowing hair, depicted in a serene and enchanting underwater setting. Use a harmonious color palette with soft blues, greens, and gentle pastels to emphasize the transparency and lightness of the scene. The background should include elements like delicate coral patterns, soft bokeh effects, and gentle sunlight filtering through the water to create a mystical and uplifting atmosphere. Incorporate traditional tarot symbolism subtly within the scene, ensuring the overall style is both classic and modern. Add a decorative gold border around the card with intricate patterns and elegant details. The image should have a 9:16 aspect ratio....

Edited prompt:

a beautiful, delicate tarot card illustration featuring a mermaid as the central motif, elegant and detailed, vibrant mermaid with intricate scales and flowing hair, serene underwater setting, soft blues and greens, delicate coral patterns, soft bokeh effects, classic and modern style, decorative gold border with intricate patterns

Final Thoughts

If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: more words don’t equal better results.
Clear, focused prompts that describe what actually matters visually will almost always outperform long, cluttered ones.

I hope these examples help you feel more confident—and more efficient—when generating AI images.

Thanks so much for reading, and as always… happy AI image generating ✨