AI Image Generation

AI can create images from text descriptions. You describe what you want, and AI generates it. This technology is both powerful and accessible - no artistic skills required.

What You'll Learn

The basics of AI image generation: how it works, what tools exist, and how to get started.

Why This Matters

From creating social media graphics to visualizing ideas, AI images open creative possibilities for everyone - not just artists.

How AI Images Work

You type a description (called a "prompt"), and AI creates an image based on your words. For example:

Prompt: "A cozy coffee shop on a rainy evening, warm lighting, watercolor style"

Result: AI generates an image matching that description.

It's like describing a picture to an artist, except the artist is a computer that works in seconds.

Popular Image AI Tools

DALL-E (by OpenAI)

• Integrated with ChatGPT Plus
• Good for general image creation
• User-friendly interface

Midjourney

• Known for artistic, stylized images
• Used through Discord
• Popular with designers and artists

Adobe Firefly

• Integrated with Adobe products
• Good for commercial use
• Focus on being safe for business

Stable Diffusion

• Free and open source
• Runs on your own computer
• Highly customizable

Canva's AI Image Generator

• Built into Canva
• Easy for beginners
• Good for social media graphics

Getting Started

Most people start with DALL-E in ChatGPT (Plus subscription) or free tools like Canva or Microsoft Designer.

Basic Prompt Structure

Describe:

1. Subject - What is in the image?
2. Details - Colors, mood, composition
3. Style - Photo, illustration, painting?

Example:

"A golden retriever sitting in a field of sunflowers, bright sunny day, photograph style"

Writing Good Image Prompts

Be Specific

❌ "A dog"

✅ "A fluffy white poodle wearing a red bow tie, sitting on a blue velvet chair, professional pet photography style"

Include Style

• "Photograph style"
• "Watercolor painting"
• "Digital illustration"
• "Cartoon"
• "Pencil sketch"
• "Oil painting"

Add Atmosphere

• "Dramatic lighting"
• "Soft and dreamy"
• "Vibrant and colorful"
• "Moody and dark"
• "Minimalist"

Describe Composition

• "Close-up"
• "Wide shot"
• "Bird's eye view"
• "Portrait orientation"
• "Centered"

Example Prompts

For Social Media

"Flat lay of coffee cup and notebook on marble surface, morning light, minimal aesthetic, Instagram style"

For Blog Graphics

"Abstract illustration representing teamwork, diverse hands reaching toward a central light, modern corporate style, blue and orange color scheme"

For Fun

"A cat astronaut floating in space, looking at Earth through a window, cute illustration style"

For Business

"Professional office environment with diverse team collaborating, natural lighting, photorealistic"

What AI Images Are Good For

• Social media graphics - Eye-catching visuals
• Brainstorming - Visualize ideas quickly
• Presentations - Unique illustrations
• Personal projects - Cards, gifts, fun creations
• Concept art - Explore visual ideas
• Mood boards - Collect visual inspiration

What to Be Careful About

Copyright and Usage

• Check each tool's terms for commercial use
• Don't recreate copyrighted characters or art
• Be cautious using AI images for business without understanding the terms

Realistic Photos of People

• AI can create fake photos that look real
• Never use these to deceive people
• Be especially careful with faces

Quality Limitations

• Text in images often looks wrong
• Hands and fingers can be distorted
• Complex scenes may have errors

Try It Yourself

If you have access to an image AI tool, try creating:

1. A simple scene: "A red coffee mug on a wooden table, morning sunlight, cozy atmosphere"

2. Something creative: "A treehouse library filled with books, magical fairy lights, fantasy illustration"

3. Something practical: "Clean, professional icon of a handshake, modern business style, blue color"

When Text AI Meets Image AI

You can use text AI to help write image prompts:

"Help me write a prompt for an AI image generator. I want an image of a peaceful mountain lake for a meditation app."

AI will give you a detailed, effective prompt to use with image tools.

Pro Tip

If your first image isn't right, iterate:

• "Make it brighter"
• "Change the style to more realistic"
• "Add more detail to the background"

Most tools let you refine results.

Common Questions

Q: Do I need artistic skills?

A: No! You just need to describe what you want. Being specific helps, but you don't need to know how to draw.

Q: Are AI-generated images free to use?

A: It depends on the tool and your subscription. Check each platform's terms for commercial use rights.

Q: Can AI copy someone's art style?

A: AI can mimic styles, which raises ethical questions. Avoid requesting specific living artists' styles.

Q: Why do AI images sometimes look weird?

A: AI struggles with certain things like text, hands, and logical consistency. It's improving but not perfect.

What's Next

Images are one creative output; presentations are another. Let's explore how AI can help you create better presentations.