Style & Mood Keywords
The right style keywords transform generic images into stunning artwork. This lesson is your reference guide to the most powerful style modifiers.
Art Style Keywords
Traditional Art Styles
| Keyword | Effect |
|---|---|
| oil painting | Rich textures, visible brushstrokes |
| watercolor | Soft edges, translucent washes |
| charcoal sketch | High contrast, dramatic shadows |
| pencil drawing | Fine lines, detailed shading |
| ink wash | Bold contrasts, flowing forms |
| pastel | Soft, powdery texture |
| fresco | Muted colors, classical feel |
Digital & Modern Styles
| Keyword | Effect |
|---|---|
| digital art | Clean, polished appearance |
| 3D render | Depth, realistic lighting |
| vector illustration | Flat colors, clean lines |
| pixel art | Retro, blocky aesthetic |
| low poly | Geometric, faceted surfaces |
| isometric | Angled top-down view |
Photography Styles
| Keyword | Effect |
|---|---|
| photorealistic | Looks like a real photo |
| film photography | Grain, vintage colors |
| polaroid | Faded, nostalgic feel |
| long exposure | Motion blur, light trails |
| macro photography | Extreme close-up detail |
| tilt-shift | Miniature/toy effect |
Mood Keywords
Lighting Moods
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Emotional Moods
| Keyword | Creates |
|---|---|
| ethereal | Dreamlike, otherworldly |
| melancholic | Sad, contemplative |
| whimsical | Playful, fantastical |
| ominous | Threatening, dark |
| serene | Peaceful, calm |
| vibrant | Energetic, lively |
| nostalgic | Warm, reminiscent |
Artist & Era References
Referencing specific artists or eras can dramatically shape your results:
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Combining Style Keywords
The magic happens when you combine multiple style keywords:
Single style: "a castle, fantasy art"
Layered styles:
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Quick Reference: Most Useful Keywords
For Professional Results:
- highly detailed
- award-winning
- masterpiece
- 8K resolution
- professional photography
For Artistic Results:
- trending on ArtStation
- concept art
- matte painting
- illustration
For Realistic Results:
- photorealistic
- hyperrealistic
- unreal engine
- octane render
Key Takeaway
Style keywords are your artistic toolkit. Start with one or two that match your vision, then experiment with combinations. Keep this lesson bookmarked as a reference—you'll use these keywords constantly.