Creating stunning illustrations with Midjourney begins with understanding how to guide the AI toward a specific artistic vision. This guide provides you with over 17 distinct Midjourney prompts for illustration styles, helping you discover new ways to draw art. You will gain direct, actionable insights to expand your creative toolkit, whether you are an artist, a content creator, or an entrepreneur seeking unique visuals.
Understanding Illustration Styles in Midjourney
Midjourney interprets your textual descriptions to generate images. When it comes to illustration styles, your words act as the brushstrokes, directing the AI’s creative output. A clear, specific style instruction transforms generic images into distinctive pieces of art. Focusing on style allows you to produce consistent visuals for projects, experiment with different artistic movements, or simply broaden your personal creative horizons. The key lies in understanding which keywords trigger specific aesthetic responses within the AI.
Core Principles for Effective Style Prompts
Mastering illustration styles in Midjourney involves more than simply listing a style name. Consider these principles for consistent and high quality results.
- Specificity is Key: Generic terms like "cartoon" provide less direction than "1930s rubber hose cartoon style." Be as precise as possible about the look you want.
- Combine Elements: Mix style descriptors with subject matter, lighting, and composition details. For example, "a whimsical forest scene, watercolor illustration, golden hour lighting."
- Use Artist and Movement Influences: Naming famous artists or art movements can strongly influence the AI. Use phrases like "in the style of [Artist Name]" or "Art Nouveau inspired."
- Control Detail and Lighting: Add terms like "highly detailed," "minimalist," "soft light," or "dramatic shadows" to refine the visual outcome.
- Iterative Prompting: Rarely does a single prompt produce perfection. Generate several variations, learn from the results, and adjust your prompt for the next iteration. To refine your prompts further, use tools like the AI Prompt Optimizer available at AIPromptHub.
17+ Midjourney Prompts for Illustration Styles
Here are specific prompts and explanations for a wide range of illustration styles. Each section offers a description, key characteristics, example keywords, and practical applications.
1. Classic Children's Book Illustration
This style evokes a sense of wonder and innocence, often featuring soft textures and gentle characters. It is perfect for stories, educational materials, or comforting imagery.
Characteristics: Whimsical, soft edges, pastel colors, often watercolor or crayon textures, gentle, charming, simple compositions.
Keywords: whimsical, storybook art, watercolor illustration, soft edges, pastel colors, gentle, charming, simple, story time, inviting, children's book.
Prompt Example:
A cozy bear reading a book to small rabbits, classic children's book illustration, watercolor painting, soft textures, pastel palette, whimsical atmosphere, warm lighting
Applications: Picture books, nursery decor, greeting cards, educational content for young audiences, branding for child friendly products.
2. Japanese Anime/Manga Style
A globally recognized style known for its distinct character designs, expressive eyes, and dynamic action. It captures a wide range of emotions and narratives.
Characteristics: Expressive eyes, dynamic poses, vibrant colors, often sharp lines, cel shaded appearance, varied genres from shonen to shojo.
Keywords: anime, manga, cel shaded, vibrant, sharp lines, dramatic, shonen style, shojo style, kawaii, expressive, dynamic action, futuristic, fantasy.
Prompt Example:
A young hero with spiky hair facing a giant robot, Japanese anime style, vibrant colors, dynamic pose, sharp lines, expressive eyes, futuristic cityscape background
Applications: Character design, graphic novels, animation storyboards, fan art, merchandise, game development visuals.
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3. American Comic Book Style
Bold and impactful, this style emphasizes strong lines, often exaggerated forms, and dramatic compositions. It excels at conveying action and heroism.
Characteristics: Bold lines, muscular forms, dynamic action, strong shadows, often vibrant but can be gritty, heroic themes.
Keywords: comic book art, superhero style, bold lines, chiaroscuro lighting, ink and wash, dynamic action, gritty, powerful, graphic novel, strong contrasts.
Prompt Example:
A lone detective standing on a rainy rooftop overlooking a dark city, American comic book style, bold outlines, dramatic shadows, noir aesthetic, intense atmosphere
Applications: Comic books, character concept art, action game visuals, promotional art for entertainment, themed merchandise.
4. Ukiyo e Woodblock Print
A traditional Japanese art form characterized by strong outlines, flat colors, and distinct perspectives. It often depicts nature, scenes from daily life, or historical narratives.
Characteristics: Flat colors, strong outlines, distinctive perspective, nature themes, wave patterns, Edo period aesthetic, serene or dramatic.
Keywords: ukiyo e, woodblock print, traditional Japanese art, flat colors, strong outlines, cherry blossoms, Edo period, serene, Hokusai style, landscape.
Prompt Example:
A giant wave crashing near Mount Fuji, ukiyo e woodblock print style, strong outlines, flat color blocks, traditional Japanese aesthetic, serene yet powerful
Applications: Fine art prints, decorative items, cultural event posters, book illustrations, unique brand identity.
5. Art Nouveau Illustration
An elegant and organic style known for its flowing lines, intricate patterns, and natural motifs. It often features graceful female figures and decorative elements.
Characteristics: Organic lines, intricate patterns, flowing hair, female figures, natural motifs like flowers and leaves, elegant, decorative, stained glass effect.
Keywords: Art Nouveau, Alphonse Mucha style, organic lines, flowing, intricate patterns, elegant, floral motifs, stained glass effect, decorative, graceful figures.
Prompt Example:
A woman with flowing hair surrounded by lilies, Art Nouveau illustration, organic lines, intricate floral patterns, elegant composition, muted jewel tones
Applications: Posters, book covers, decorative panels, textile designs, branding for luxury goods, album art.
6. Art Deco Illustration
Characterized by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and bold colors, Art Deco embodies the glamour and modernity of the 1920s and 1930s.
Characteristics: Geometric shapes, streamlined forms, bold colors, symmetry, opulent, clean lines, Roaring Twenties aesthetic, jazz age influence.
Keywords: Art Deco, geometric, streamlined, opulent, bold colors, symmetrical, Roaring Twenties, jazz age, luxurious, sophisticated, skyscraper motifs.
Prompt Example:
A sleek passenger train speeding through a futuristic cityscape, Art Deco illustration, geometric patterns, bold colors, streamlined forms, luxurious feel
Applications: Posters, product packaging, architecture concepts, fashion illustration, branding for high end products, cover art.
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7. Vintage Cartoon Style (1930s/Rubber Hose)
Nostalgic and playful, this style features rubber hose limbs, pie eyes, and exaggerated expressions, reminiscent of early animation.
Characteristics: Rubber hose limbs, pie eyes, limited color palette (often black and white), exaggerated expressions, cheerful, bouncy movement.
Keywords: 1930s cartoon, rubber hose animation, vintage Disney style, black and white, pie eyes, exaggerated, cheerful, retro cartoon, classic animation.
Prompt Example:
A mischievous cat dancing with a playful mouse, 1930s vintage cartoon style, rubber hose limbs, pie eyes, black and white, exaggerated expressions, joyful
Applications: Animation, character design, merchandise, retro themed branding, music videos, playful advertisements.
8. Digital Painting (Concept Art Style)
A modern and versatile style that balances realism with stylization, often used for games, films, and fantasy worlds. It allows for rich detail and atmospheric depth.
Characteristics: Realistic yet stylized, painterly brushstrokes, atmospheric, often high detail, fantasy or science fiction themes, mood driven.
Keywords: digital painting, concept art, highly detailed, realistic, painterly, atmospheric, fantasy setting, sci fi elements, dramatic lighting, epic scale.
Prompt Example:
A futuristic city nestled in a mountain valley, digital painting, concept art style, highly detailed, atmospheric lighting, volumetric fog, realistic rendering
Applications: Video game assets, film concept art, book cover illustrations, world building visuals, advertising for tech or entertainment.
9. Watercolor Illustration
Known for its transparent washes and soft blending, watercolor evokes a delicate and ethereal quality. It is ideal for organic subjects and dreamy scenes.
Characteristics: Transparent washes, soft blending, delicate, ethereal, organic textures, fluid appearance, often natural or whimsical subjects.
Keywords: watercolor painting, translucent, soft washes, delicate, ethereal, organic textures, fluid, wet on wet, vibrant yet subtle.
Prompt Example:
A field of wildflowers under a cloudy sky, watercolor illustration, soft blending, translucent washes, natural colors, delicate atmosphere
Applications: Fine art, greeting cards, children's books, nature themed illustrations, wedding invitations, branding for organic products.
10. Gothic Illustration
Dark, intricate, and often medieval inspired, Gothic illustration creates a sense of drama, mystery, and solemnity. It explores themes of the arcane and the sublime.
Characteristics: Dark themes, intricate details, medieval influences, dramatic shadows, gargoyles, arcane symbols, melancholic, elaborate.
Keywords: gothic illustration, medieval, dark fantasy, intricate details, dramatic lighting, gargoyles, arcane, melancholic, haunting, elaborate architecture.
Prompt Example:
A lone knight approaching a towering, crumbling castle, gothic illustration, intricate details, dramatic shadows, dark fantasy setting, eerie atmosphere
Applications: Dark fantasy book covers, album art for metal bands, horror game visuals, decorative art, themed event posters.
11. Minimalist Vector Art
Clean, crisp, and conceptual, minimalist vector art uses simple shapes and flat colors to convey ideas. It is highly versatile and easily scalable.
Characteristics: Clean lines, flat colors, simple shapes, conceptual, iconographic, abstract, bold, modern, scalable.
Keywords: minimalist vector art, flat design, clean lines, simple shapes, bold colors, iconographic, abstract, modern, sleek, graphic.
Prompt Example:
A tranquil mountain landscape at sunrise, minimalist vector art, flat colors, clean lines, simple geometric shapes, serene
Applications: Logos, icons, infographics, website illustrations, app interfaces, branding, editorial illustrations.
12. Line Art/Ink Drawing
Focuses on contours and outlines, often using only black ink on white paper, but can incorporate color. It emphasizes form and precision.
Characteristics: Focus on contours, pen and ink textures, often monochromatic, precise lines, crosshatching, stippling, detailed outlines.
Keywords: line art, ink drawing, pen and ink, precise lines, crosshatching, stippling, monochromatic, detailed outlines, sketchbook style, fine liner.
Prompt Example:
A bustling city street with intricate architectural details, detailed line art, pen and ink drawing, precise lines, monochromatic, dynamic composition
Applications: Technical illustrations, adult coloring books, editorial cartoons, fashion sketches, graphic design elements, conceptual art.
13. Retro Futurism Illustration
Combines vintage aesthetics, particularly from the 1950s and 60s, with futuristic themes. It is often optimistic and colorful, featuring rockets and atomic age designs.
Characteristics: 1950s/60s sci fi aesthetic, vibrant colors, rocket ships, rayguns, often optimistic, atomic age design, playful.
Keywords: retro futurism, 1950s sci fi, atomic age, vibrant colors, raygun gothic, vintage aesthetic, optimistic future, space age, pulp magazine cover.
Prompt Example:
A smiling family enjoying a picnic on the moon, retro futurism illustration, 1950s aesthetic, vibrant colors, rocket ships in background, optimistic view of future
Applications: Posters, book covers, advertising, science fiction art, themed branding, merchandise, album art.
14. Steampunk Illustration
A distinctive style blending Victorian era aesthetics with anachronistic steam powered machinery. It features intricate gears, brass, and a sense of industrial fantasy.
Characteristics: Victorian era aesthetics, gears, brass, steam power, intricate machinery, sepia tone or muted colors, clockwork, industrial fantasy.
Keywords: steampunk art, Victorian era, gears, brass, intricate machinery, sepia tone, clockwork, industrial fantasy, goggles, airship.
Prompt Example:
A gentleman inventor in a workshop filled with intricate clockwork devices, steampunk illustration, Victorian aesthetic, brass gears, sepia tones, detailed machinery
Applications: Book covers, character design, game art, decorative items, fashion design, themed event promotion.
15. Pixel Art
A low resolution, blocky style that evokes nostalgia for early video games. It requires careful attention to individual pixels to create recognizable forms.
Characteristics: Low resolution, blocky, nostalgic, distinct grid appearance, 8 bit or 16 bit aesthetic, isometric, retro gaming feel.
Keywords: pixel art, 8 bit, 16 bit, retro gaming, low resolution, blocky, isometric, nostalgic, sprite art, limited palette.
Prompt Example:
A knight battling a dragon in a medieval castle, pixel art, 16 bit style, vibrant colors, isometric view, retro gaming aesthetic
Applications: Video games, app icons, website graphics, animated GIFs, merchandise for gamers, digital art.
16. Chalk Art/Pastel Drawing
Soft, dusty textures characterize this style, offering blendable colors and a delicate, ephemeral feel. Often seen in street art or expressive portraits.
Characteristics: Soft, dusty textures, blendable colors, muted palette, often atmospheric, expressive, ephemeral, street art style.
Keywords: chalk art, pastel drawing, soft texture, dusty, muted colors, blended, ephemeral, street art style, expressive, vibrant yet subtle.
Prompt Example:
A vibrant portrait of a street musician, chalk art style, soft textures, blended pastels, expressive colors, public art installation
Applications: Street art concepts, expressive portraits, promotional materials for artists, decorative wall art, event backdrops.
17. Splatters and Drips (Abstract Expressionism Influence)
Dynamic, energetic, and often chaotic, this style uses paint splatters, drips, and broad strokes to create expressive and abstract compositions.
Characteristics: Dynamic, energetic, chaotic, paint splatters, expressive, painterly, vibrant, spontaneous, mixed media feel, abstract.
Keywords: splatters and drips, abstract expressionism, chaotic, energetic, painterly, vibrant, spontaneous, mixed media, dynamic brushstrokes, Jackson Pollock style.
Prompt Example:
An explosion of colorful paint splatters and drips on a dark canvas, abstract expressionism, dynamic, energetic, vibrant pigments, chaotic composition
Applications: Album art, fashion textiles, abstract art pieces, dynamic backgrounds, promotional materials for creative events, digital art.
Bonus Styles and Advanced Techniques
The world of illustration styles is vast. Here are a few more to expand your horizons, along with tips for more complex prompting.
Paper Cutout Style
This style mimics the look of layered paper, creating depth through shadows and distinct shapes. It offers a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Keywords: paper cut art, layered, shadow play, distinct shapes, kirigami, origami, textured paper, dimensional, pop up book style.
Prompt Example:
A fantastical forest scene with layered trees and animals, paper cut art style, intricate details, cast shadows, vibrant colors, dimensional effect
Cave Painting Style
A primal and ancient aesthetic, characterized by earthy tones, rudimentary figures, and a sense of historical significance.
Keywords: cave painting, primal art, earthy tones, ancient figures, petroglyph, rudimentary, Lascaux style, prehistoric, symbolic.
Prompt Example:
Ancient hunters chasing prehistoric animals, cave painting style, earthy ochre and black colors, simplified figures, textured rock wall background
Combining Styles
One of Midjourney’s most compelling features is its ability to blend multiple styles. Experiment with two or three distinct styles to forge something truly unique.
Example Combinations:
- Art Deco Anime: Combine the geometric elegance of Art Deco with the dynamic character designs of anime.
- Watercolor Comic Book: Create a superhero in a softer, more fluid watercolor aesthetic.
- Steampunk Ukiyo e: Imagine traditional Japanese landscapes with intricate Victorian machinery.
Prompt Example for Combined Styles:
A samurai warrior piloting a steam powered robot, ukiyo e woodblock print meets steampunk illustration, intricate details, bold outlines, brass accents, traditional Japanese setting
Artist Influence
Mentioning specific artists can dramatically alter your output. Midjourney has learned from countless artworks, and referencing a master can guide its interpretation.
Example:
- "A magical forest, in the style of Hayao Miyazaki"
- "A futuristic city, by Syd Mead"
- "A grotesque creature, inspired by HR Giger"
Remember to research the artist's predominant style to ensure it aligns with your vision.
Turning Your AI Illustrations into Income
The unique illustrations you create with Midjourney are not just for personal enjoyment; they hold significant commercial potential. You can transform your AI generated art into various digital products, offering valuable resources for other creators and entrepreneurs.
AIPromptHub provides a comprehensive toolkit for individuals looking to generate income through AI driven ventures. It offers resources that facilitate the journey from idea to income, including both free AI prompt engineering tools and premium digital products with Master Resell Rights (MRR). This allows you to buy once and resell indefinitely, creating a sustainable business model.
Business Models for Your AI Art:
- Digital Downloads: Sell your unique illustration packs, individual art pieces, or themed collections on marketplaces.
- Print on Demand (POD): Apply your illustrations to merchandise like t shirts, mugs, posters, or phone cases.
- Custom Commissions: Offer bespoke AI art generation services to clients seeking specific styles or themes.
- AI Prompt Bundles: If you master a style, compile your best prompts into a bundle and sell them with MRR. This is where resources like the 50,000+ AI Mega Prompt Bundle from AIPromptHub become invaluable, showing you the structure and content of successful prompt products.
- Content Creation: Use your distinct illustrations to enhance blogs, social media posts, videos, or online courses.
AIPromptHub supports your entrepreneurial journey by providing access to extensive prompt libraries and tools, such as the AI Prompt Generator and AI Prompt Optimizer. These tools help you enhance prompt quality, which directly translates into better art and more marketable products. Consider exploring offerings like the 20,000+ Nano Banana AI Art Prompts with MRR to see how high quality prompt sets are structured for resale.
Mastering Your Midjourney Workflow
Successful AI art creation is an iterative process. Continually experiment, analyze your results, and refine your prompts based on the output.
- Start Broad, Then Refine: Begin with a general style, then add specific details, lighting, and composition elements in subsequent prompts.
- Use Parameters: Explore Midjourney parameters like
—ar(aspect ratio),—style(for specific aesthetic tuning), and—s(stylize) to gain more control. - Learn from Others: Observe successful prompts shared by other creators. Adapt and modify their techniques to suit your own artistic vision.
- Organize Your Prompts: Keep a record of your successful prompts. This builds a personal library of effective commands you can reuse and modify.
Conclusion
Mastering diverse illustration styles in Midjourney opens up a world of creative possibilities. By understanding the nuances of different artistic movements and applying specific, well structured prompts, you gain unprecedented control over your AI generated art. Whether you are aiming for whimsical children's book illustrations, dynamic anime, or intricate steampunk designs, the power to create is now directly at your fingertips.
Embrace continuous exploration, experiment with combining styles, and refine your prompt engineering skills. Your journey to creating breathtaking AI illustrations is ongoing. Moreover, remember the immense potential your unique AI art holds for generating income. Explore the resources at AIPromptHub to further enhance your prompt creation, discover valuable Master Resell Rights products, and turn your AI driven creativity into a thriving venture. Start creating, start discovering, and start building your artistic legacy today.