30 Powerful ChatGPT Prompts for Midjourney [UPDATED]

Ever found yourself staring at the Midjourney Discord, typing /imagine followed by a string of keywords, only to get results that are… almost what you envisioned? Midjourney is an incredibly powerful image generation AI, but the true artistry often lies in crafting the perfect prompt – that intricate blend of words that unlocks its full potential. What if you had an AI co-pilot to help you build those killer prompts?

Welcome to your ultimate guide for leveraging ChatGPT as your personal Midjourney prompt engineer! We’ll show you how to ask ChatGPT to help you brainstorm, detail, and structure comprehensive prompts that will take your Midjourney creations from “interesting” to “absolutely breathtaking.” Prepare to transform your Midjourney workflow and consistently generate images that perfectly capture your creative vision.

The Anatomy of a Masterful Midjourney Prompt (What to Aim for with ChatGPT’s Help)

Before you start querying ChatGPT, it’s crucial to understand what makes a Midjourney prompt truly effective. When you ask ChatGPT to help you construct a prompt, you’ll want it to consider these core components, as they are the building blocks of stunning and well-defined Midjourney images:

• Subject: The main person, creature, object, or scene.
  (e.g., “a stoic cyberpunk samurai,” “a whimsical floating island,” “an ancient, moss-covered robot”)
• Artistic Style/Medium: The visual language and technique.
  (e.g., “photorealistic, 8K,” “impressionistic oil painting,” “Studio Ghibli animation style,” “detailed charcoal sketch,” “vaporwave aesthetic”)
• Details & Adjectives: The descriptive words that bring your subject and scene to life, conveying mood, texture, colors, and specific characteristics.
  (e.g., “intricate golden filigree,” “eerie bioluminescent glow,” “serene and melancholic,” “hyperdetailed, cinematic”)
• Composition & Framing: How the elements are arranged and the virtual camera’s perspective.
  (e.g., “dynamic low-angle shot,” “symmetrical portrait,” “wide panoramic view,” “dramatic close-up”)
• Lighting: The quality, direction, and color of light that shapes the mood and look.
  (e.g., “cinematic volumetric lighting,” “soft diffused morning light,” “neon-drenched cityscape,” “golden hour glow”)
• Midjourney Parameters (Optional but Powerful): Specific commands that fine-tune Midjourney’s output. ChatGPT can help you decide when certain descriptive keywords might align with the intent of these parameters, or help you structure prompts that would benefit from them:
  • –ar [ratio] (e.g., –ar 16:9 for widescreen, –ar 2:3 for portrait)
  • –v [version] (e.g., –v 6.0, –v 5.2 for specific Midjourney model versions)
  • –style [raw/style_code] (e.g., –style raw for less Midjourney “opinion,” or specific style codes)
  • –niji [version] (e.g., –niji 5 for anime/manga styles)
  • –chaos [0-100] (for more varied and unexpected results)
  • –s [0-1000] (stylize, how artistically Midjourney interprets the prompt)

By keeping these components in mind, you can guide ChatGPT to help you build Midjourney prompts that are rich, specific, and more likely to yield the exact results you’re aiming for.

How to Use These Prompts Effectively with ChatGPT for Midjourney

To transform ChatGPT into your Midjourney prompting powerhouse, follow these strategies:

• Precision in Placeholders[]: The more specific you are with the [bracketed_placeholders], the better ChatGPT can tailor its suggestions for your Midjourney prompt. Think about your desired subject, style, colors, and any key Midjourney parameters you might want to allude to (like aspect ratio or style).
• Iterate with ChatGPT – It’s a Conversation: Don’t expect the first suggestion from ChatGPT to be the final masterpiece. Ask for revisions! eg. “Can you make that prompt sound more ‘epic’ for Midjourney?”
• Leverage ChatGPT’s Knowledge of Styles & Artists: If you’re unsure about an artist’s style or a specific aesthetic, ask ChatGPT! “Generate a prompt for Midjourney in the style of [artist name], featuring [subject], and tell me a bit about their typical visual elements.”
• Experiment Relentlessly: Midjourney and ChatGPT are both tools for exploration. The most amazing images often arise from trying new combinations and pushing creative limits.

Now, let’s explore the specific prompts you can use to get ChatGPT working for your Midjourney masterpieces!

I. Getting Started: Core Image Prompts

1. Help me describe an image depicting: [main subject or scene]. The style should be [desired art style, e.g., photorealistic, impressionistic]. Incorporate details like [specific elements, objects, or characters] and a color palette centered around [primary color(s)]. Also, could you suggest a suitable aspect ratio like [e.g., 16:9, 3:2]?
2. I’m thinking of an image of [your subject]. Can you suggest 3 distinct artistic styles for it and then, for each style, write a detailed visual prompt suitable for an image generator?
3. Help me craft an image prompt that blends [style or theme 1] with [style or theme 2] for a picture depicting [your subject or scene].
4. Generate an image prompt for [your subject] as if it were a [specific medium e.g., oil painting, charcoal sketch, 3D render, pixel art].
5. Help me create a detailed image prompt for a scene set in [specific location or environment] during [time of day or weather condition]. The main focus is [primary subject/action]. Include elements like [secondary subjects or background details], [specific textures, e.g., rough stone, smooth silk], and [lighting type, e.g., cinematic lighting, soft diffused light]. Also, specify a camera view such as [e.g., wide-angle, close-up, aerial view].

II. Prompts by Art Style & Genre

1. Abstract Art:
   Help me describe an abstract art piece for an image generator. It should explore the theme of [theme, e.g., 'connection,' 'urban rhythm'], use [geometric shapes/organic forms, e.g., swirling lines, sharp polygons], a color palette of [specific colors or color family, e.g., 'monochromatic blues'], and incorporate [textures or patterns, e.g., smooth gradients, repeating geometric patterns]. Can you also suggest how I might guide the stylization level?
2. Landscape Art:
   Help me craft an image prompt for a breathtaking landscape of [type of landscape, e.g., 'snowy mountains at dawn,' 'tropical beach']. Emphasize [specific natural features, e.g., 'cascading waterfall']. The lighting should be [lighting condition, e.g., 'golden hour,' 'stormy'], the mood [desired mood, e.g., 'epic,' 'serene'], and consider an art style like [e.g., romanticism, photorealistic, ukiyo-e].
3. Portrait Art:
   Help me generate an image prompt for a portrait of [subject description, e.g., 'an old wizard with a knowing gaze,' 'a futuristic cyborg']. The style should be [art style, e.g., classical oil painting, modern digital art, anime cel shading]. Focus on [specific facial expression or emotion, e.g., 'joyful laughter,' 'quiet contemplation']. Include details like [clothing, accessories, or background elements that add character] and specify lighting like [e.g., rim lighting, Rembrandt lighting].
4. Fantasy Art:
   Help me create an image prompt for a fantasy scene featuring [mythical creature(s) or character type, e.g., 'a majestic griffin,' 'elven sorcerers'] in [fantastical setting, e.g., 'an enchanted forest,' 'a floating crystal city']. The atmosphere should be [mood, e.g., 'magical,' 'epic,' 'dark']. Include details like [magical effects, intricate armor/clothing designs, unique flora/fauna]. Could you suggest an artist inspiration like [e.g., Frank Frazetta, Brian Froud]?
5. Science Fiction Art:
   Help me generate an image prompt for a science fiction artwork. The scene should depict [core sci-fi concept, e.g., 'a bustling alien marketplace,' 'a derelict starship']. Feature [specific technologies, e.g., 'holographic interfaces,' 'bipedal mechs'] and a setting like [e.g., 'a dystopian megacity,' 'a terraformed planet']. The visual style should be [style, e.g., 'cyberpunk neon,' 'retrofuturism']. Consider a specific color palette like [e.g., neon blues and pinks, industrial grays].
6. Minimalist Art:
   Help me craft an image prompt for a minimalist artwork focusing on [single subject or simple concept, e.g., 'a solitary red leaf,' 'balance using two shapes']. Use a limited color palette of [max 2-3 colors or monochrome, e.g., 'black, white, and gold']. Emphasize [negative space, clean lines, or subtle textures, e.g., 'vast empty space,' 'razor-sharp edges']. The composition should be [e.g., perfectly centered, strikingly asymmetrical].
7. Surreal Art:
   Help me generate an image prompt for a surreal artwork that juxtaposes [unexpected element 1, e.g., 'melting clocks'] with [unexpected element 2, e.g., 'fish flying through clouds'] in a [dreamlike or bizarre setting, e.g., 'a desert made of books']. Explore themes like [e.g., 'the subconscious mind,' 'metamorphosis']. Use [vivid and contrasting colors / a muted, desaturated palette] and lighting that enhances the [e.g., mysterious, illogical, dreamlike] atmosphere. Can you suggest an artist inspiration like [e.g., Salvador Dalí, René Magritte]?

III. Focusing on Mood, Lighting & Composition

1. Help me craft an image prompt to visualize [an abstract concept or emotion, e.g., 'serenity,' 'chaos,' 'nostalgia']. The image should evoke a strong sense of [desired mood] using [symbolic elements, color scheme, and lighting style, e.g., dark and moody, bright and ethereal]. Could you also suggest an artist whose style might fit, like [artist name]?
2. Generate an image prompt for [your subject] specifically featuring [specific lighting condition e.g., cinematic lighting, golden hour, neon glow, volumetric lighting].
3. Write an image prompt for [your subject] focusing on the composition: using a [camera shot type e.g., close-up, wide angle shot, drone shot] with a [camera angle e.g., low angle, high angle, eye-level] perspective.

IV. Designing Characters, Architecture & Cinematic Scenes

1. Character Design:
   Help me create a detailed image prompt for a full-body character concept of a [character archetype/role, e.g., 'space pirate captain,' 'forest guardian']. Describe their [key physical features, e.g., 'glowing eyes,' 'prosthetic arm'], [clothing/armor style, e.g., 'tattered leather,' 'silken robes'], and [one signature prop or weapon, e.g., 'energy cutlass,' 'nature staff']. The pose should convey [their personality or typical action, e.g., 'confident stance,' 'mid-sprint']. Specify an art style like [e.g., detailed comic book art, realistic concept art].
2. Architectural Visualization:
   Help me generate an image prompt for an architectural design of a [type of building, e.g., 'futuristic eco-skyscraper,' 'cozy hobbit-style cabin']. Specify the architectural style as [style, e.g., 'biomimetic brutalism,' 'art nouveau solar punk'] and key materials like [e.g., 'transparent aluminum,' 'reclaimed wood']. The lighting should be [e.g., 'bright midday sun,' 'dusk with warm interior lights'] and the surroundings [e.g., 'bustling urban cityscape,' 'serene forest setting']. Also, suggest a suitable aspect ratio.
3. Cinematic Scene:
   Help me craft an image prompt for a cinematic shot from a non-existent movie. The scene depicts [brief scene description, e.g., 'lone detective at holographic clues,' 'alien spaceship descending']. Specify the genre as [e.g., 'film noir mystery,' 'epic sci-fi adventure']. Use terms like ‘cinematic lighting,’ [specific camera angle, e.g., 'Dutch angle low shot,' 'extreme close-up'], and an aspect ratio like 16:9 or 21:9. Suggest a film stock or color grading style like [e.g., 'Technicolor saturation,' 'gritty desaturated thriller'].

V. Creative Exploration & Unique Concepts

1. “What If” Scenarios / Mashups:
   Help me generate an image prompt for a ‘what if’ scenario: [Historical event/figure, e.g., 'Leonardo da Vinci'] reimagined in/as [different era/style/concept, e.g., 'a cyberpunk Tokyo inventor']. Or, help me create a visual mashup of [Concept A, e.g., 'Studio Ghibli style'] with [Concept B, e.g., 'H.P. Lovecraft horror'] depicting [a specific scene or subject that combines both]. How can I emphasize key visual elements from each to create a unique fusion?
2. Specific Artist Emulation:
   Help me generate an image prompt to create an artwork in the distinct style of [Specific Artist Name, e.g., 'Alphonse Mucha,' 'H.R. Giger']. The subject should be [desired subject, e.g., 'a futuristic city,' 'a mythical creature']. How can I ensure the prompt requests key stylistic elements characteristic of this artist, such as their typical [color palettes, recurring motifs, line work, or composition]?
3. Recreating a Mood from Media:
   Help me craft an image prompt to capture the mood and aesthetic of [specific movie, game, or book, e.g., 'Blade Runner 2049,' 'Zelda: Breath of the Wild']. The image should depict [a scene or subject that fits this style, e.g., 'solitary figure in rain,' 'fantastical creature'] and include elements like [key visual motifs, color grading, lighting style, and overall atmosphere] from the source material.
4. Anime & Cartoon Styles:
   Create a detailed anime-style (or [other cartoon style e.g., Pixar, vintage Disney]) image prompt for [your subject]. If relevant, note if it’s for an anime-specific model if an image generator has one.
5. Unexpected & Abstract Results:
   Generate an image prompt for [your subject] designed to produce varied, artistic, and creatively unexpected results. Suggest how one might instruct an image generator to adjust parameters for randomness or artistic interpretation (like chaos or high stylization values).

VI. Refining, Iterating & Technical Control

1. Developing an Idea:
   I have a basic image idea: [your basic idea]. Can you help me develop this into a more detailed visual prompt by adding [specific elements to add e.g., artistic influences, lighting details, emotional tone]?
2. Generating Variations:
   I have this image description: [your existing image description]. Can you generate 3 variations by changing [element to change e.g., the art style, the time of day, the primary color]?
3. Emphasizing Multiple Concepts:
   I want an image that strongly features both [concept 1] and [concept 2] within an [overall scene description]. How can I structure a detailed prompt to achieve this, perhaps suggesting ways to emphasize or weigh different concepts for an image generator?
4. Specifying Aspect Ratio:
   Create an image prompt for [your subject] and ensure it clearly specifies a [desired aspect ratio e.g., 16:9, 1:1, 2:3, 9:16] aspect ratio.
5. Requesting Photorealism/Raw Style:
   Generate an image prompt for [your subject]. Include instructions for a highly photographic, ‘raw’, or unopinionated artistic style, if an image generator might support such distinctions.
6. Understanding Generator Features:
   Explain the concept of [image generator feature e.g., using a seed number, using an image as a prompt, using a style reference image, negative prompting] in AI image generation. Then, provide an example of how to incorporate this concept into a visual prompt for [your subject].

VII. Troubleshooting & Brainstorming

1. Getting Unstuck:
   I’m trying to generate an image that feels [desired adjective e.g., epic, whimsical, dystopian]. Can you give me 5 diverse visual prompt ideas that evoke this feeling, perhaps focusing on [optional theme or subject category]?
2. Simplifying a Complex Prompt:
   This image description I have is too complex or long: [your long description]. Can you help me simplify it into a more concise visual prompt while retaining the core essence of [main subject and style]?
3. Adding Detail to a Basic Prompt:
   This image prompt I have is too basic: [your basic prompt]. Can you suggest 5 ways to add more detail and artistic flair to it for an image generator?