In the world of generative AI art, AI prompts are the secret sauce. A prompt is a carefully crafted text instruction that tells an AI model—like MidJourney—what to generate. Think of it as a digital spell: the more specific and intentional your words, the more magical your results.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced digital artist, learning to write better prompts can improve your artwork.
Getting Started with MidJourney
MidJourney is one of the most popular platforms for creating AI-generated art. It runs through Discord and turns your text into high-quality, stylized images in just seconds.
To use MidJourney:
- Join a Discord server that is using Midjourney.
- Use the /imagine command.
- Type your AI prompt and press Enter.
Example:
/imagine prompt: dark-skinned female cyborg, afro-punk style, glowing eyes, futuristic city background –v 5 –ar 2:3
How to Write Effective AI Prompts
Here’s a simple structure to create consistent, high-quality results:
Prompt ElementPurposeSubjectWhat or who are you creating? (e.g. “Black woman warrior”)Style or ThemeVisual style (e.g. “Afrofuturism, comic book art”)Setting or BackgroundWhere is it? (e.g. “in a digital garden, neon lights”)Color or MoodUse colors or feelings (e.g. “earth tones, vibrant”)MidJourney ParametersAdd modifiers like –ar 3:4, –v 5, or –style raw
Popular AI Artwork Prompt Styles You Can Use in Prompts
Here are some stunning art styles to experiment with:
1. Afrofuturism
Celebrate Black culture, heritage, and technology in a futuristic context.
Prompt idea:
“African queen, glowing crown, afrofuturistic city, purple nebula background –v 5 –ar 2:3”
2. Hyperrealism
Creates nearly photographic results with fine detail.
Prompt idea:
“Black male elder with gray beard, sitting on porch, hyperrealistic portrait, soft lighting –v 5”
3. Cyberpunk
Urban, edgy, tech-heavy—think neon cities and digital chaos.
Prompt idea:
“Dark-skinned female hacker, cyberpunk sunglasses, Tokyo alley, rain at night –ar 16:9”
4. Surrealism
Abstract, dreamlike visuals with symbolism.
Prompt idea:
“Floating garden in the sky, Black child watering glowing plants, surreal, vivid color palette”
5. Oil Painting / Classical
Vintage vibes that resemble traditional fine art or painting prompts.
Prompt idea:
“Yoruba priestess, traditional attire, oil painting style, baroque lighting –v 5”
See These Styles in Action
I’ve created and curated several pieces using these AI prompts and styles. You can explore them on my Pinterest boards:
View My AI Art Collection on Pinterest
You’ll find examples across:
- Afrofuturistic Fashion
- Afro-Indigenous Folklore
- Digital Portraits
- Garden-Inspired Surrealism
Use these for inspiration—or build your own prompts from what you see!
Tips to Get the Best Results
- Use detailed adjectives (e.g., radiant, regal, glowing)
- Specify ratios (–ar 2:3 for Pinterest vertical format)
- Experiment with versions (–v 5 or –style raw)
- Mix styles (e.g., cyberpunk + tribal + surreal)
Join the Creative Movement
Learning how to write better AI art prompts is just the beginning. As this technology evolves, so does your creative potential.
- Subscribe to my newsletter for prompt formulas, AI art tips, and early previews of new collections.
- Follow me on Pinterest to stay inspired and see what’s possible.
Let’s grow together—artistically, technically, and spiritually.