How to Create Beautiful AI Images in MidJourney

If you’ve ever dreamt of creating beautiful AI images that don’t look like they were spawned from a fever dream, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the art of crafting killer prompts with MidJourney to ensure your AI-generated images are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re working on personal projects or crafting visuals for clients, these tips will have you creating like a pro in no time.

A year ago, I started to experiment with MidJourney. I even signed up for a paid account. And then I kept getting results like these:

After several failed attempts, I cancelled my account because in no way could I ever see myself actually using images like these.

But then, a few months ago, we gave it another shot. And after a bit of experimenting with prompts and profiles, we started to get results like these:

MUCH better, right? We wanted to explore AI image creation in order to create personalized images for design clients who need images as well as stock images we can distribute with our templates.

We also wanted to create patterns and other brand visuals that we can deliver alongside brand files to our clients.

Example:

So how do you actually create these gorgeous images? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Sign Up for MidJourney

First things first, you’ll need to get yourself set up with MidJourney. I wholeheartedly recommend the mid-tier plan. Why? Because it offers the perfect balance of features and flexibility without breaking the bank. Plus, having access to more capabilities means you can experiment to your heart’s content without limitations. I’ve noticed that it can take several prompts and tweaks to truly get images I love.

Step 2: Personalize Your Profile

Next, head over to the “Personalize” tab in MidJourney and start selecting images that resonate with your artistic vision. This personalization profile helps the AI understand your style preferences, allowing it to generate images that align more closely with your creative goals.

Think of it as setting the mood for a perfect artistic symphony. MidJourney recommends going through a few hundred images to really teach the tool about your preferences. If you see a set of images and you don’t like either (common!), you can select “skip.”

Pro Tip: Be selective. Choose images that truly reflect the aesthetics you love, whether it’s color palettes, textures, or themes. This sets a strong foundation for your MidJourney experience.

Step 3: Curate Mood Boards

Now, let’s talk inspiration. Scour the web for illustrations, stock images, and reference visuals that catch your eye. Use platforms like Pinterest or Canva to create mood boards. These boards serve as a visual guide for the vibe you’re aiming to achieve with your AI creations.

Pro Tip: Organize your mood boards by theme or project. This makes it easier to reference them when you’re crafting prompts and ensures each project maintains a cohesive aesthetic.

Crafting Effective Prompts

With your personalization profile and mood boards ready, it’s time to dive into the heart of the process—crafting effective prompts. Here are some actionable tips to get you going:

Be Specific: The more detailed your prompt, the better. Include specifics like color schemes, styles (e.g., watercolor, abstract), and elements you want to feature.

Use Descriptive Language: Paint a picture with your words. Instead of saying “a tree,” try “a majestic oak tree with sprawling branches and vibrant green leaves.”

Incorporate Artistic Techniques: If you have a particular style in mind, mention it! Words like “impressionistic,” “minimalist,” or “surreal” can guide the AI to produce images in the desired style.

Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to tweak your prompts and try different combinations. Sometimes, the best results come from unexpected tweaks.

Example Prompt:
“Generate a series of photorealistic food images, each featuring a different culinary masterpiece presented in a modern, elegant setting. Use natural lighting and soft, natural moods to highlight the fresh ingredients and vibrant colors of the dishes, simulating the depth and warmth of film photography with Fuji 400 film. These images will be used to enhance a culinary website, inviting visitors to explore the chef’s work.”

Your Creative Journey Awaits

And there you have it! With these tips in your creative toolkit, you’re all set to harness the full potential of MidJourney. Remember, the key to success is experimentation—don’t be afraid to push boundaries and explore new styles. Your next masterpiece is just a prompt away.