How to Write an Effective AI Image Prompt (With 50+ Examples)

Domo AI Team
DomoAI Feel Good Manager
ai-image-prompt

Imagine you’re working on a creative project that involves animation. You have a vision in your mind, but when you try to bring it to life, it stumbles. Your animations look nothing like what you imagined. AI image prompts can help fix that. By generating images that reflect your unique vision, you can use these visuals to guide your animation and create something truly special. Pairing these prompts with the best AI animation generator can take your project to the next level, allowing you to transform static ideas into dynamic motion. This article will teach you how to write effective prompts for AI image generators to help you get the most out of this powerful technology.

DomoAI’s tools, including its AI video editor, can help you improve your animations and achieve your creative goals.

What are AI Image Prompts?

What are AI Image Prompts?

An AI image prompt is a thoughtfully crafted description that guides an AI tool in generating a visual output. It conveys the user’s creative intent by specifying key elements such as subject, style, setting, lighting, and mood. The more detailed and precise the prompt, the more closely the resulting image aligns with the original vision. 

This practice is rapidly gaining ground across creative industries. According to a global Adobe survey, 83% of creative professionals now use generative AI in their work, and 20% say clients or employers specifically request AI-generated content. That rising demand makes prompt writing an essential creative skill.

Key Elements of an Effective AI Image Prompt

To generate high-quality results, a prompt should include the following components:

1. Image Type

Specify the desired format or visual medium. This could be: 

  • A 3D render
  • An oil painting
  • A digital illustration
  • An animated frame
  • A sketch

Including this detail helps the AI understand the stylistic direction.

Example: “A photorealistic 3D render of a concept car in a wind tunnel.”

2. Main Subject

Clearly define what the image should focus on. The subject could be: 

  • Person
  • Object
  • Animal
  • Environment

Describe specific characteristics, such as appearance, posture, or interaction with the environment.

Example: “A female astronaut in a silver space suit planting a flag on a dusty red Martian surface.”

3. Background or Environment

Contextualize the scene by describing what surrounds the subject. Whether it’s a natural landscape, urban setting, or abstract environment, the background plays a key role in the tone of the final image.

Example: “A bustling cyberpunk city with neon signs and flying vehicles.”

4. Composition Style

Detail how the image should be framed or structured. 

Consider: 

  • Perspective (close-up, wide-angle, aerial)
  • Visual balance
  • Lighting (soft, dramatic, natural)
  • Focus

Example: “Shot from a low angle with harsh side lighting and strong shadows, resembling noir cinema.”

5. Additional Details

These final touches bring richness and uniqueness to the prompt. 

You can include: 

  • Color schemes
  • Textures
  • Artistic influences
  • Emotional tone

Example: “Muted earth tones with a vintage filter, inspired by 1970s travel posters.” 

Key Elements of an Effective AI Image Prompt

An AI image prompt is more than just a set of instructions; it's a blueprint for creativity. As the use of generative AI grows, particularly among creative professionals who are already incorporating it into their work, learning how to write clear, structured prompts is becoming a crucial skill. 

By mastering the elements of a well-crafted prompt, professionals can produce more consistent, compelling, and on-brand visuals faster and with greater control over the outcome.

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Why Your AI Image Prompts Matter?

Why Your AI Image Prompts Matter?

AI image prompts are more than just lines of text; they’re the bridge between abstract ideas and striking, visual output. Mastering prompt writing gives you precise control over AI-generated imagery, allowing you to align the final result with your creative intent and brand identity. Instead of relying on guesswork, a well-crafted prompt lets you guide the style, mood, composition, and subject matter directly. 

This skill is becoming increasingly essential as demand for generative visuals continues to grow. According to a global Adobe survey, 83% of creative professionals reported using generative AI, and 20% stated that their clients or employers now expect it. Clear, detailed prompt writing isn’t just useful, it’s becoming a core creative competency.

AI Image Prompt Benefits

  • Enhanced Creativity: Well-crafted prompts allow you to explore different visual directions rapidly. Want to test how a campaign looks in vintage poster art versus surrealist style? A single prompt tweak can give you options instantly, freeing up more time for ideation and experimentation. 
  • Increased Efficiency: By automating parts of the design process, AI tools streamline workflows. For time-sensitive projects, such as marketing campaigns or social media content, prompts help produce visuals faster, often in minutes rather than days. 
  • Improved Decision-Making: Prompt-led generation facilitates easy iteration and comparison of visual concepts, allowing for informed decision-making. Whether you’re choosing between colour schemes or scene compositions, having multiple AI-generated options helps teams and stakeholders make confident, informed decisions quickly. 
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring designers for every new concept or revision adds up. With well-structured prompts, you can reduce dependence on external resources, which is handy for: 
    • Startups
    • Marketing teams
    • Creatives working on tight budgets

Creative Use Cases for AI-Powered Video Tools Like DomoAI

In short, knowing how to write an AI image prompt puts creative power back in your hands. It transforms generative AI from a novelty into a professional-grade tool, one that saves time, lowers costs, and opens up entirely new ways to bring your vision to life, creating cool videos that used to require hours of editing and a lot of technical know-how. DomoAI's AI video editor changes that completely. 

You can turn photos into moving clips, make videos look like anime, or create talking avatars just by typing what you want. It's designed for anyone who wants to make engaging content but doesn't want to become a video editing expert. Whether you're making stuff for social media or just experimenting with ideas, the AI handles the complicated parts. You focus on the creative side, and the rest takes care of itself. Create your first video for free with DomoAI today! 

How to Write an Effective AI Image Prompt

How to Write an Effective AI Image Prompt

Crafting Clear and Specific AI Image Prompts

To generate high-quality visuals with an AI image generator, you need clear, specific prompts. The most effective AI image prompts follow a consistent structure and share three key traits: 

  • Clarity
  • Precision
  • Detail

Start by describing the core subject of your image. If you want a specific visual style, begin with a guiding phrase to set the tone. 

Examples include: 

  • “A pencil sketch of…”
  • “A digital artwork of…”
  • “A photograph of…”
  • “A graffiti of…”
  • “An illustration of…”

These cues help the AI align the output with your creative intent.

Describe the Subject of Your AI Image Prompt

After describing your art form in the opening phrase, proceed to tell your subject, which is the image’s content. 

Some examples are: 

  • A painting of a cat: The Cat is the subject. 
  • A digital art of a convenience store: The Convenience store is the subject. 
  • A pencil sketch of a dog: The Dog is the subject.  

Add More Details to Your AI Image Prompt

To make your AI art prompt more effective, include additional details that will give the AI more context and guidance. You can specify the style or mood you want the artwork to have, the colors or color palette to use, any specific elements or objects you wish to include, and the composition or layout of the image. 

Framing and Lighting

Framing refers to how the subject is positioned within the image. You can specify the framing style—such as close-up, wide shot, or overhead, and even define the subject’s placement or perspective, like: 

  • Centered
  • Off-center
  • Viewed from a specific angle

Lighting is just as important. It influences not only clarity but also the tone and emotional impact of the image. Enhance your prompt by including a lighting style (e.g., Rembrandt, chiaroscuro) or a specific light source, such as: 

  • Sunlight
  • Moonlight
  • Spotlight

These details help the AI generate visuals that feel more intentional and dynamic.

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50+ Examples of AI Image Prompts for Inspiration

Examples of AI Image Prompts for Inspiration

Fantasy Worlds and Characters: Your Ticket to Adventure

AI art generators love prompts about fantasy worlds and characters. Why? Because these types of prompts provide the tools to create entirely new realms, populated with unique life forms and cultures. The possibilities are endless!

The examples below help you imagine the detailed descriptions you can use to generate elaborate fantasy scenes with AI. 

  1. “Design an intricate high fantasy digital art piece, focusing on a sprawling Elven city nestled in an ancient forest, bathed in the ethereal twilight glow.” 
  2. “Illustrate a gripping Medieval fantasy scene, displaying an epic duel between a fire-breathing dragon and a courageous knight clad in gleaming armor, in a style reminiscent of Chronicles of Narnia.” 
  3. “Craft a delicate piece of fairy art in watercolor style, showcasing a dazzling fairy circle set against an enchanted woodland backdrop.” 
  4. “Create a vibrant, pop art-style portrait of a classic movie star with a modern twist, incorporating bold, contrasting colors and comic book-style halftone dots. The background should feature iconic symbols or elements related to the star's most famous roles.” 
  5. “Create a Middle Eastern fantasy digital painting, highlighting a mystical genie emerging grandly from an ornate lamp in a bustling marketplace.”

Professional Designs For Business Applications

AI image generators aren’t just fun; they also have practical applications for businesses, especially for inspiring visual content

The following prompts can help jumpstart the design process for creating images for professional use. 

  1. E-commerce website layout: Create a [adjective] layout for an e-commerce website selling [product category]. The homepage should feature a large hero image of [featured product] and include straightforward navigation with sections for [specific categories]. Utilize a modern color palette and ensure the layout is intuitive, with a focus on user experience. 
  2. Corporate brochure design: Design a corporate brochure for [company name], an [industry type]. The brochure should include sections for company overview, services offered, and client testimonials. Use [color palette] and integrate [specific visual elements]. 
  3. Professional designs Logo design for [Business Name]: Design a maximalist logo for [business name], a [industry]. The logo should use [font style] and include a subtle graphic element that reflects the business’s [values]. The color palette should be [colors] for a modern and clean look. 
  4. Mobile app UI design: Design a sleek and intuitive user interface for a mobile app for [app name], a [app function]. The app should feature a [color scheme] and include easy-to-navigate tabs, buttons, and notifications. The home screen should display [key features], and the app should have [specific design elements]. 
  5. 3D product render for [Product Name]: Create a photorealistic 3D render of [product name], showing its features in [setting]. The [product] should be positioned on a smooth surface with light reflections. The render should highlight [specific features], with [lighting] that emphasizes the textures and contours of the product. 

Science Fiction and Futurism: What Lies Ahead?

Science fiction and futuristic prompts allow AI art generators to visualize new worlds and technologies, often in a hyper-realistic style. As a result, these prompts can help people imagine what life might be like in the future or on other planets. 

For example: 

  1. “Depict a dystopia in outer space with silhouetted figures standing against a background of nebulae, distant stars, and collapsed civilizations, painted with impressionistic strokes.” 
  2. “Conceive an alternate reality where quantum computers have taken over the world. Mirroring cyberpunk aesthetics, illustrate towering superstructures, neon-drenched streets, and advanced human-android interactions.” 
  3. “Create a realistic 3D model of a metropolis on Mars, just as the sun is setting. Buildings sculpted out of native Martian materials, advanced terraforming machinery in action, and futuristic vehicles zooming past should be featured.” 
  4. “Illustrate a chilling rogue AI takeover, showcasing a city in disarray: autonomous drones soaring the sky, robotic hounds patrolling the streets, colossal digital billboards broadcasting cryptic messages.” 
  5. “Imagine a civilization where bioluminescent fauna illuminates an underwater city in the deep ocean. Emphasize the harmony of organic forms and futuristic technology, infused with elements of magical realism.” 

Historical and Cultural Imagery: A Look Back in Time

These prompts for AI art generators create stunning visuals that celebrate different cultures and historical periods. 

Try these examples to inspire your next piece of digital art. 

  1. “Design a Renaissance ballroom scene imbued with classic opulence and populated with nobles clad in era-appropriate attire.” 
  2. “Generate an AI painting of a bustling marketplace in Ancient Rome, featuring a display of fruits, wares, and patrons with Roman attire.” 
  3. “Illustrate a festive scene during the Chinese Spring Festival, showcasing vibrant lanterns, dragon dances, and traditional Chinese attire.” 
  4. “Create a digital depiction of an 1800s American Wild West scene, starring cowboys, horses, and a backdrop teeming with saloons and dust-blown streets.” 
  5. “Craft a depiction of the African Masai tribe, illustrating their vibrant clothing and beaded jewelry against the verdant landscape of the Great Rift Valley.” 

Nature and Wildlife: The Great Outdoors

Prompts focused on nature and wildlife inspire peaceful and awe-inspiring imagery of the natural world. 

Use these examples to create your own unique AI-generated art piece about the environment or animals. 

  1. “Generate a vibrant AI painting showcasing a breathtaking sunset over a dense, pristine rainforest. Capture the deeply saturated hues of the falling sun and how they illuminate myriad species in their natural habitat.” 
  2. “Create a detailed illustration featuring a dynamic scene of various wild animals gathering around a waterhole. Highlight the tension, suspense, and the raw desperation for survival in a harsh environment.” 
  3. “Showcase the majesty of the mighty ocean through an AI-generated image. Populate your seascape with a variety of marine life: dolphins leaping in waves, colorful schools of fish beneath the surface, and perhaps even a majestic whale tail breaking away from the water.” 
  4. “Depict the transition of seasons on a serene mountain landscape. Communicate this shift from a vibrant blossoming spring to a frosty winter wonderland, capturing the beauty of life in adversity.” 
  5. “Concoct a fantasy-infused rendition of an owl perched on a gnarled branch under a starry sky. Bring on the mystic charm with glowing eyes and an aura that blends seamlessly with the ethereal atmosphere.” 

Abstract and Surreal Art: Unleash Your Imagination

If you can dream it, you can create it with AI art generators. These tools excel at producing abstract and surreal imagery that defies logic and challenges perceptions of reality. 

Use the prompts below to start generating your otherworldly art. 

  1. “Create an abstract digital art piece consisting of overlapping geometric shapes. Arrange these shapes in a way that exhibits harmony and balance, colored in a vibrant and psychedelic palette to create an optical illusion effect.” 
  2. “Using a surreal approach, design a digital art scene featuring unconventional items and patterns co-existing in an impossible world. This digital art should reflect the works of the famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.” 
  3. “Illustrate a digital artwork emulating cubism, showcasing a real-life object from multiple perspectives. Use abstract shapes partitioned into smaller facets and painted in muted colors that evoke Pablo Picasso's renowned style.” 
  4. “Create an abstract rendition of a sunflower in the heart of a desert. This abstract piece should employ bold hues and lower resolution to evoke the feeling of isolation and grandeur of the desert scene.” 
  5. “Develop a digital art piece inspired by primitivism. This work should incorporate abstract symbols, patterns, and colors to represent an indigenous culture or ancient civilization, akin to the works of Paul Gauguin.” 

Portraits and Character Studies: Tell a Story

Character studies and portraits can be boring, but not when you use AI art generators to create them. The imaginative capabilities of these tools breathe new life into this traditional art genre. 

Use these prompts to create unique portraits and character studies. 

  1. “Generate a Victorian-era portrait of a distinguished lady adorned in an extravagantly detailed gown and intricate accessories, with a backdrop of a grand manor.” 
  2. “Design a character study of a grizzled old sea captain with weather-beaten features, showcasing his steely determination and the toll of life on the high seas.” 
  3. “Create artwork of a cyberpunk heroine, accentuating her vibrant neon-colored outfit, body modifications, and a dystopian cityscape in the background.” 
  4. “Depict a classic Greek sculpture of a youthful Adonis, showing the fine details of his muscular definition and the softness of his serene expression.” 
  5. “Render a sci-fi character portrait of an alien emissary, highlighting the unique facial features, texture, and colorations native to their species, with an alien planet setting in the background.” 

Architectural Wonders: Explore Unique Structures

Architecture tells a story about the culture and period in which a building was constructed. Prompts about architectural structures can help AI art generators create stunning visual representations of both real and imagined designs. 

Try the examples below to inspire your next AI-generated art piece. 

  1. “Craft a digital image of a renowned architectural marvel, the Eiffel Tower, bathed under a resplendent golden sunset. Add fine details to depict its wrought-iron framework and illuminate the entire structure with twinkling lights that reflect off the Seine River below.” 
  2. “Generate a majestic rendering of the famous Art Deco monument, the Chrysler Building in New York. Pearl-grey clouds should backdrop the sleek, gleaming spire, while the city's bustle pulsates below.” 
  3. “Conjure a dramatic interpretation of Barcelona's masterful architectural wonder, the Sagrada Familia. Transform its intricate stonework and sculpted facades into an ethereal underwater structure, complete with coral reef elements and glowing sea creatures.” 
  4. “Fashion an outlandishly modern cityscape inspired by Frank Gehry's dynamic architectural style. Picture titanium-clad buildings mirroring sky and light, punctuated by asymmetrical curves and unpredictable patterns.” 
  5. “Manifest an immersive art piece featuring the Great Wall of China snaking through autumn-hued forests and mountain ridges. Incorporate details emblematic of ancient architecture, and narrate its history through embedded symbols and motifs.” 

Cyberpunk and Neon Aesthetics: A Retro-Futuristic Dream

Cyberpunk and neon art evoke a sense of nostalgia for a future that has yet to come. Prompts about these aesthetics can help you generate scenes that blend technology with retro aesthetics. 

Use the examples below to get started. 

  1. “A street-level view of a bustling cyberpunk metropolis at twilight, under a sky awash with neon lights reflected on wet asphalt amidst the bustling city traffic and towering skyscrapers.” 
  2. “Create an intricate piece capturing a cybernetic protagonist set against the backdrop of a seedy underground cyber bar, bathed in harsh neon glows and pulsating electronic beats.” 
  3. “Visualize a photorealistic, drone-eye nocturnal panorama of a dense, high-tech mega city. Accentuate neon signage in foreign scripts, holographic advertisements, and airborne vehicles zipping through the sky.” 
  4. “Conceptualize a haunting, futuristic neon-infused city submerged in perpetual rainfall, with cyber-enhanced inhabitants going about their nightly routines in a cyber world defined by code and silicon.” 
  5. “Imagine an eerie, dystopian alleyway in a neon-drenched cityscape, lit by a mixture of bioluminescent plant life and artificial neon projections, populated by shadowy, augmented figures.” 

Cross-Genre Mashups: Get Creative

If you can’t choose just one genre, combine them! 

These prompts help you imagine unique cross-genre scenarios that can inspire stunning AI artwork. 

  1. “Create a Victorian-era cityscape with futuristic cyberpunk elements, merging the charm of the past with the innovation of the future.” 
  2. “Design an eerie, moonlit Gothic castle landscape peppered with bright, whimsical Alice in Wonderland touches.” 
  3. “Depict a Norse mythological creature in a gritty, noir-style detective setting.” 
  4. “Imagine an Ancient Roman gladiator in a space opera setting, fighting otherworldly creatures with futuristic weapons.” 
  5. “Draw inspiration from classic Impressionism and modern Game Art, creating a dreamlike, pastel-hued digital realm from a popular video game.” 

Seasonal Themes and Events: Celebrate the Holidays

The holidays and changing seasons inspire joy and a sense of nostalgia. 

Use these prompts to create cheerful imagery that captures the essence of seasonal themes and events. 

  1. “Create a wintry scene with snow falling on a cozy log cabin nestled among tall evergreen trees, with a warm glow emanating from the windows. Incorporate northern lights in the background and a snowman beside the cabin.” 
  2. “Depict a vibrant spring landscape featuring a cherry blossom festival, with people having picnics under the trees. The majority of the image should be dominated by shades of pink and white, with occasional dabs of light pastel colors depicting festive elements.” 
  3. “Envision an autumnal countryside scene, with a pumpkin field, and farmhouses bathed in an orange-red-gold palette denoting the fall season. Add a scarecrow in the foreground with crows resting on its arms for a classic autumn feel.” 
  4. “Create a summer beach party scene with a lively crowd, surfboards, an ice cream truck, and an intense sunset. Capture the positive and energetic vibes that define the season. Include realistic reflections and lighting for added effect.” 
  5. “Illustrate a festive Christmas market scene at a European square at night, with rows of market stalls selling holiday goods, Christmas lights, a giant decorated tree at the center, and people warmly dressed enjoying the festive spirit.” 

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Create Your First Video for Free with Our AI Video Editor

domo ai - AI Image Prompt

DomoAI lets you animate your photos in seconds. Upload a picture of your friend, and within moments, you can have a video of their face singing your favorite song. Getting started with DomoAI is simple. 

You can create an account for free to try out the platform, or you can start making videos right away without an account. 

  • Just upload your photo and let the animation AI work its magic. Its powerful artificial intelligence will analyze the image and automatically detect facial features and their structure. 
  • You can choose from a variety of different animation styles to create a moving picture that looks like an anime clip or cartoon, or that has some other unique artistic flair. 
  • You can customize the animation by writing a script that will make the talking avatar say whatever you want. 

DomoAI even lets you pick a voice and will automatically generate the audio for you. After that, you can animate the audio to make it sync up with the avatar's lip movements.