Getting great results from an AI image generator is less about luck and more about how you describe what you want. Here are five practical tips I use every day.
1. Lead with the subject, then add context
Start with the main subject in plain words ("a ceramic coffee mug on a wooden desk"), then layer in setting, time of day, and mood. Models weight early words heavily, so put what matters most first.
2. Specify style and medium explicitly
"Photo" vs. "watercolor illustration" vs. "3D render" changes everything. Add lens or art references when useful: "35mm photo, shallow depth of field" or "flat vector illustration, pastel palette".
3. Describe lighting and composition
Lighting is the fastest way to make an image feel professional. Try "soft window light from the left", "golden hour backlight", or "studio softbox". Pair it with framing: "close-up", "wide shot", "top-down flat lay", "subject centered with negative space on the right".
4. Be precise about text and details
Newer models such as GPT Image 2 handle in-image text far better than older ones, but you still need to be explicit. Put exact text in quotes ("a poster that says \"Open Late\"") and state the font feel, e.g. "bold sans-serif". Limit counts and details to what you really need.
5. Iterate one variable at a time
When a result is close but not right, don't rewrite the whole prompt. Change one thing (lighting, angle, color palette) and regenerate. Keep a small library of prompts that worked so you can reuse proven phrasing.
Bonus: use negative guidance
If something keeps appearing that you don't want, say so: "no people, no watermark, plain background".
Good prompts are clear briefs. Treat the model like a talented designer who can't read your mind, and your results will improve quickly. What prompt tricks work for you? Share them in the comments!
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