AI image generators create pictures from text descriptions using models trained on huge collections of images. Good image prompts describe the subject, setting, style, composition, lighting and mood. They are useful for ideas, mood boards and drafts, but you should check usage rights, avoid imitating living artists or real people deceptively, and disclose AI images when required.
How AI image generators work
Most modern image generators use diffusion models. During training, the model sees millions of images with descriptions. It learns to take an image, add random noise until it is unrecognisable, and then reverse the process, removing noise step by step. When you type a prompt, the model starts from random noise and gradually "denoises" it into an image that matches your description.
The result can be impressive, but the model has no real understanding of objects. That is why AI images sometimes contain odd hands, garbled text or impossible reflections, although newer models are much better.
Writing image prompts
Strong image prompts include:
- Subject: what is in the image. "A teenage girl building a robot."
- Setting: where. "At a kitchen table, evening."
- Style: "Flat vector illustration", "watercolour", "photographic", "3D render".
- Composition: "Close-up", "wide shot", "from above", "centred with space on the left for text".
- Lighting and mood: "Warm lamp light, focused and curious."
- Details to avoid: many tools support negative instructions such as "no text".
Example: "Flat vector illustration of a teenage girl building a small wheeled robot at a kitchen table, warm evening light, curious expression, bright friendly colours, plenty of empty space on the right for a headline, no text."
Good uses
- Mood boards and early design ideas.
- Illustrations for presentations and personal projects.
- Storyboards for videos.
- Social media graphics drafts, refined by a designer.
- Creative projects for children, such as illustrating their own stories.
Limits and risks
- Copyright and licences: rules on using AI images commercially vary by tool and country. Read the tool's terms before using images in paid work.
- Imitating artists: prompting "in the style of [living artist]" raises ethical and sometimes legal concerns. Develop your own style.
- Real people: creating realistic images of real people, especially without consent, can be harmful and in some cases illegal. See deepfakes.
- Honesty: if you submit AI images in school or competitions, follow the rules and disclose.
AI and designers
AI image tools have not removed the need for designers. Clients still need someone who understands the brand, the audience and the message, and who can refine, combine and correct AI output. Designers who use AI well work faster and explore more ideas. Our UI/UX and graphic design course teaches design fundamentals and AI tools together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell AI-generated images?
Sometimes, depending on the tool's licence and local law. Copyright protection for purely AI-generated images is limited in some countries. Check carefully before selling.
Why does AI struggle with text in images?
Earlier models learned visual patterns, not spelling. Newer models handle text better, but it is still worth checking carefully.
Are AI image tools safe for children?
Use tools with appropriate content filters and supervise younger children.
