My prompting evolution with DALL-E – How I get the best results

My early experiences with prompting in DALL-E, an AI-powered image generation tool now included in chatGPT, were fraught with frustration. In my mind’s eye, I held vivid, complex images, but when I tried to translate these visions into prompts for DALL-E, the results were underwhelming. My prompts were either too vague or too constrained, leading to outputs that were a far cry from what I had envisioned. I struggled with the nuances of prompt crafting, unsure of which styles, artists, or keywords could guide the AI to produce the kind of art I desired. This disconnect made me question the effectiveness of AI in truly capturing and translating human creativity.

The ideal state of creative harmony

Despite these initial setbacks, I held onto a vision where AI could seamlessly intertwine with human creativity, not just as a tool, but as a collaborator. I imagined a state where DALL-E could understand and bring to life the complex tapestry of my imagination, from the surreal landscapes of dreams to the precise aesthetics of specific art movements. This vision was not just about getting results but about the journey of learning and partnership with AI in the creative process.

Mastering DALL-E prompts through understanding and experimentation

My breakthrough with DALL-E came as I delved deeper into the world of art styles and historical artists. I learned how referencing specific artists whose works predate 1912, like Van Gogh or Monet, could guide DALL-E to create in certain styles. I experimented with descriptive adjectives, mood settings, and even the time of day to add depth to my prompts.

As I became more fluent in the language of DALL-E’s capabilities, my prompts transformed from mere instructions to collaborative dialogues with the AI. Each new prompt was an exploration – be it reimagining a scene in an impressionist style or crafting a surreal blend of historical periods. The results began to align more closely with my visions, and sometimes, they even surpassed my expectations, revealing perspectives and interpretations I hadn’t considered.

This journey with DALL-E taught me an invaluable lesson: understanding and communicating effectively with AI can unlock a symbiotic relationship where technology amplifies creativity. It’s not just about what AI can do for us, but also about how we can evolve our approach to embrace these new possibilities in art and beyond.

Here is what I have learned that will help you too 😀:

Style	Expected Outcome	Example Prompt
Realistic	Images like real-life photographs or very high-fidelity renderings	A realistic depiction of a bustling city street in New York with taxis and pedestrians
Cartoon	Images in a cartoonish style, resembling animated films or comic books	A cartoon-style illustration of a whimsical forest with talking animals and colorful trees
Sketch	Images that look like pencil or ink sketches, with a hand-drawn feel	A sketch of an old man sitting on a park bench, feeding birds, drawn with pencil lines
Oil Painting	Images that mimic the style of oil paintings, resembling classic art	An oil painting of a serene lakeside at sunset, with vivid colors and reflective water
Watercolor	Images with a watercolor effect, soft color blending, fluid appearance	A watercolor painting of a flower garden in bloom, with soft, blending colors and a dreamy atmosphere
Pixel Art	Images in a pixelated style, reminiscent of old video games or digital art	A pixel art scene of a classic arcade game, featuring a pixelated hero and enemies
Surreal	Surrealistic images, bending reality, dream-like or fantastical scenes	A surrealistic image of floating islands in the sky, with gravity-defying waterfalls and exotic plants
Minimalist	Images with a minimalist aesthetic, simplicity, clean lines, limited colors	A minimalist art piece featuring a lone tree on a hill, with a sparse, monochromatic color scheme
Futuristic	Images with a futuristic or sci-fi look, advanced technology, space themes	A futuristic cityscape with flying cars, towering skyscrapers, and neon lights
Vintage	Images with a vintage or retro feel, style of a specific past era	A vintage 1950s diner scene, with classic cars, jukebox, and retro fashion styles
Gothic	Images in a Gothic style, dark, moody atmospheres, medieval elements	A Gothic cathedral at night, illuminated by moonlight, with gargoyles and stained glass windows
Abstract	Abstract images, non-representational forms, vibrant colors, unusual compositions	An abstract composition with bold, swirling colors and undefined shapes, evoking emotion
Art Deco	Images styled after Art Deco, bold geometric shapes, rich colors, ornamentation	An Art Deco poster design, with geometric patterns, gold and black colors, and elegant fonts
Steampunk	Images with a steampunk aesthetic, Victorian design, steam-powered technology	A steampunk workshop with brass gears, steam engines, and Victorian-era inventors
Impressionist	Images in the style of Impressionism, visible brush strokes, focus on light and movement	An Impressionist painting of a busy Parisian café, with quick brush strokes and vibrant street life
Cyberpunk	Images with a cyberpunk theme, neon lights, urban dystopias, high-tech noir elements	A cyberpunk alleyway scene at night, with neon signs, rain-slick streets, and shadowy figures

Keywords and expected results and example prompt

These keywords help guide the AI in creating images that align with a particular artistic style or aesthetic. Try also combining keywords to create more specific or hybrid styles (e.g., “realistic cartoon” or “futuristic abstract”).

Can you reference famous artists in DALL-E?

Short answer: YES!

I’ve found that I can reference famous artists in my prompts for DALL-E to guide the AI in emulating specific artistic styles. It’s crucial, though, to choose artists whose latest work was created before 1912. This approach ensures that I’m complying with copyright and intellectual property considerations (yawn). Here’s a list of some renowned artists whose styles I often reference:

• Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): Known for masterpieces like “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” da Vinci’s style is Renaissance, characterized by realism, detailed human anatomy, and balanced composition.
• Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890): Famous for “Starry Night,” van Gogh’s post-impressionist style includes vibrant colors, dramatic, expressive brushwork, and swirling patterns.
• Claude Monet (1840–1926): A founder of French Impressionism, Monet is known for “Water Lilies.” His style features loose brushwork, light colors, and outdoor scenes capturing the effects of light.
• Rembrandt (1606–1669): Known for “The Night Watch,” Rembrandt’s style includes dramatic lighting, rich detail, and realism, primarily in portraiture and biblical scenes.
• Michelangelo (1475–1564): A Renaissance master, Michelangelo is known for the Sistine Chapel ceiling and “David.” His work features anatomical precision, emotional intensity, and grand scale.
• Edgar Degas (1834–1917): Known for his depictions of ballet dancers, Degas’s style is characterized by dynamic compositions, expressive brushstrokes, and a focus on movement.
• Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675): Famous for “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” Vermeer’s style features detailed realism, delicate lighting, and a focus on domestic interior scenes.
• Gustav Klimt (1862–1918): Known for “The Kiss,” Klimt’s style is marked by ornate patterns, gold leaf, and sensual, decorative elements, typical of the Art Nouveau movement.
• Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528): A German Renaissance artist, Dürer is known for his woodcuts and engravings, featuring high detail, realism, and religious and mythological themes.
• Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510): Famous for “The Birth of Venus,” Botticelli’s style includes elegant figures, flowing drapery, mythological subjects, and a linear approach to composition.

Is there an exhaustive list of artists that can be referenced in DALL-E?

There isn’t a complete, formal list of artists whose styles can be referenced in DALL-E prompts. However, I’ve learned that a good rule of thumb is to refer to artists whose most recent work was created before 1912. This guideline mainly stems from copyright and intellectual property considerations, as the works of artists who died over 70 years ago generally fall into the public domain.

I’ve found that the range of artists meeting this criterion is quite broad, encompassing numerous famous artists from diverse art movements and periods like the Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism, and early Modernism. The essential thing I keep in mind is that their latest artworks should be more than a century old.

To give you an idea, here are some additional examples of artists from various time periods and styles that I have managed to reference:

• Raphael (1483–1520): Renowned for his High Renaissance works, particularly his balanced compositions and Madonna paintings.
• Caravaggio (1571–1610): An Italian Baroque painter, celebrated for his dramatic lighting and realism.
• Francisco Goya (1746–1828): A Spanish romantic painter known for his dark, dramatic scenes.
• Édouard Manet (1832–1883): Crucial in the shift from Realism to Impressionism.
• Paul Cézanne (1839–1906): Often hailed as the father of modern art, noted for his unique approach to building forms with color.
• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901): Famous for his Post-Impressionist works that vividly depict the vibrant life of Paris.
• Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337): An early Renaissance artist famed for his frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel.
• Hieronymus Bosch (circa 1450–1516): Known for his fantastical and sometimes bizarre imagery.
• Jan van Eyck (before 1390–1441): Celebrated for his detailed panel paintings and pioneering use of oil paint.
• Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640): A Flemish Baroque painter, known for his lively style and vivid depiction of mythological and religious scenes.

These artists are just a few examples of the many historical figures whose styles inspire my prompts for DALL-E, offering a rich array of options for creating AI-generated artwork.

Tips for prompting in DALL-E

When I’m crafting prompts for DALL-E, I’ve found that a mix of clarity, creativity, and specificity is key. Let me share with you my top list of tips that have helped me achieve the best results with DALL-E images:

• Be Specific: Include detailed descriptions in your prompt. The more specific you are about what you want to see in the image, the closer the result will be to your vision. Specify colors, setting, mood, style, and any key elements you want included.
• Use Descriptive Adjectives: Adjectives add richness to your prompts. Words like “sunset-colored,” “frosty,” “gleaming,” or “ancient” can dramatically alter the atmosphere and detail of the image.
• Reference Art Styles or Periods: If you have a particular art style in mind, mention it. For example, “in the style of Impressionism” or “Art Deco aesthetic.” You can also reference the styles of artists whose work predates 1912 for a specific artistic flair.
• Incorporate Emotions or Atmospheres: Convey the mood or emotion you want the image to evoke. Terms like “serene,” “chaotic,” “melancholic,” or “joyful” can guide the AI in setting the right tone.
• Be Mindful of Composition: Suggest how you’d like the image to be composed. For example, “a wide landscape view” or “a close-up portrait.” Mention if you want symmetry, asymmetry, or a particular focus.
• Include Lighting and Weather Conditions: These elements can change the mood of the image significantly. Specify if you want a scene at “dawn,” “in the harsh midday sun,” “under starlight,” or “during a thunderstorm.”
• Use Analogies or Metaphors: Sometimes, describing your vision metaphorically can yield creative results. For example, “a city that looks like a circuit board” or “trees that resemble paintbrushes.”
• Mention Perspective and Angles: If a particular viewpoint is important, specify it. For instance, “bird’s-eye view,” “from the perspective of a small insect,” or “looking up from the base of a skyscraper.”
• Specify Textures and Materials: If you want certain textures or materials to be prominent, include them in your prompt. For example, “silky fabric,” “rusty metal,” “glossy surfaces,” or “rough stone.”
• Combine Elements Uniquely: Don’t hesitate to combine elements in unexpected ways for more unique and creative images. For example, “a forest made of crystal” or “an ocean with waves of grass.”
• Iterate and Refine: If your first attempt doesn’t yield the desired result, refine your prompt by adding, removing, or changing details. Iteration can often lead to better-aligned outcomes.
• Stay Within Guidelines: Remember that DALL-E has content guidelines. Avoid prompts that involve inappropriate or sensitive topics.

By following these tips, you can create more effective and imaginative prompts that leverage DALL-E’s capabilities to produce stunning and relevant images.

The secret formula!

Subject + Action/State + Setting/Location + Time/Period + Style/Technique + Mood/Emotion + Additional Details

Shhh don’t tell anyone! 🤫

Here’s how you can apply this formula:

• Subject: Start with the main subject of your image. Be specific about what or who it is.
• Action/State: Describe what the subject is doing or its state of being.
• Setting/Location: Specify where the subject is. This could be an indoor scene, a natural landscape, a cityscape, etc.
• Time/Period: Mention if the scene takes place during a specific time of day or in a historical period.
• Style/Technique: If you want the image in a certain artistic style (e.g., Impressionism, pixel art) or technique (e.g., watercolor, sketch), include this.
• Mood/Emotion: Convey the desired mood or emotion of the image. This could be anything from serene and peaceful to energetic and chaotic.
• Additional Details: Include any extra elements that are important to your vision. This could be specific colors, textures, weather conditions, or any unique features you want to include.

Example:

Let’s apply this formula to create a prompt:

• Subject: A majestic lion
• Action/State: Roaring proudly
• Setting/Location: On a rocky outcrop overlooking the savannah
• Time/Period: During a vibrant sunset
• Style/Technique: Realistic style with oil painting technique
• Mood/Emotion: Majestic and powerful atmosphere
• Additional Details: Vivid orange and red hues in the sky, detailed fur texture
• Final Prompt: “A majestic lion roaring proudly on a rocky outcrop overlooking the savannah during a vibrant sunset, in a realistic style with oil painting technique, creating a majestic and powerful atmosphere with vivid orange and red hues in the sky and detailed fur texture.”

Remember, while this formula provides a structured approach, I find the best results often come from a blend of clear instructions and creative freedom. Go ahead and experiment and adjust the formula to suit your specific needs and artistic vision. Gone on, I’ll wait here. See you back here in a moment.

Top things you should try first in DALL-E

So you may be overwhelmed with all this advice and need my help to snap you into drive mode. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! 

Exploring DALL-E can be a fascinating experience, especially when you experiment with its vast capabilities to generate diverse and creative images. Here are some top things everyone should try in DALL-E to fully experience its potential:

• Historical Mashups: Combine different historical periods or elements in one image. For instance, “a Roman Colosseum in the style of a futuristic city.”
• Surreal Landscapes: Create landscapes that defy reality, like “an ocean in the sky with floating islands” or “a forest with trees made of crystal.”
• Fusion of Art Styles: Mix different art styles or movements, such as “Impressionist and Cubist interpretation of a cityscape.”
• Reimagining Famous Artworks: Take a well-known painting or sculpture and reimagine it with a twist, like “The Starry Night with neon colors” or “The Thinker statue made of digital pixels.”
• Imaginary Creatures: Invent your own creatures, blending characteristics of known animals, or even combining organic and inorganic elements.
• Cross-Genre Scenes: Combine elements from different genres, like sci-fi and fantasy, in one scene. Think of “a knight riding a robotic horse in a cyberpunk city.”
• Storybook Illustrations: Create scenes or characters from a children’s storybook, real or imagined, in vivid detail.
• Architectural Wonders: Design unique buildings or structures that defy conventional architecture, like “a skyscraper twisting like a DNA helix.”
• Fashion Designs: Experiment with creating clothing or accessories in styles that don’t yet exist, blending different cultural or historical influences.
• Dream Scenes: Try to visually depict a dream or nightmare, which can lead to highly surreal and intriguing images.
• Concept Art for Movies or Games: Create scenes or characters that could be part of a movie or video game, ranging from historical dramas to futuristic sci-fi.
• Mood-Based Images: Create images based purely on a mood or emotion, like “the feeling of serenity” or “the essence of excitement.”
• Futuristic Versions of Today: Imagine current locations or objects as they might appear in the future, like “New York City in the year 3000.”
• Interiors from Different Eras: Design an interior scene from a specific time period or a blend of multiple periods.
• Food Art: Create imaginative and whimsical interpretations of food, like “a castle made of vegetables” or “a galaxy-themed dessert.”

These ideas can unleash the creative potential of DALL-E and provide a fun and engaging way to explore AI-generated art. Remember, the key is to be creative and open to the unexpected results that DALL-E might produce!

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey with DALL-E has been a revelation in understanding and utilizing AI for creative expression. Through trial and error, learning about art styles, experimenting with different prompts, and understanding the nuances of effectively communicating with AI, I’ve transformed my initial frustrations into a newfound appreciation for this technology. Now, I see DALL-E not just as a tool but as a creative partner, capable of bringing my most intricate visions to life.

The knowledge of referencing historical artists, blending various styles, and applying specific techniques has empowered me to craft prompts that result in images that resonate with my creative intent. This experience has been more than just about creating art; it’s been a journey of growth, learning, and embracing new possibilities.

Just dip your toes in and have fun

Whether you’re an artist, a creative enthusiast, or just curious about the capabilities of AI, I encourage you to dive into the world of DALL-E. Experiment with the prompts, explore different artistic influences, and enjoy the process of co-creating with AI. The possibilities are limitless, and the results can be astonishingly beautiful and unexpected.

As I continue to explore and create with DALL-E, I’m excited about the endless creative opportunities it presents. It’s a reminder that in the world of art and technology, the only limit is our imagination. So, let your creativity flow and see where this incredible journey with AI can take you!