You get better results with AI when you can clearly describe what you want. Just like working with LLMs like ChatGPT, image generators do best with clear directions. One of the aspects of AI image generation that I appreciate is how I can generate different styles of illustrations. Once I get something I like, I can generate a series of related images in a similar style to have a cohesive look and feel. But first, you have to know how to describe different image styles. Changing just a few words in your prompt can generate significant variety in your AI image styles.
Example AI image styles
I generated a series of images in Midjourney with the same prompt, just changing the style at the beginning of the prompt.
[Image Style], a woman with shoulder-length auburn hair working at a computer, dark blue shirt, modern office
Styles used:
Digital illustrationFlat vectorGraphic novelCartoonColored pencilWatercolor and inkVector illustrationAnime
Even though the prompt is almost the same, you can see how different the results are. Some of these styles will be more or less consistent depending on additional parts of your prompt. “Vector illustration,” for example, can have simple shapes or more complex details, realistic body proportions or exaggerated features.
Comparing AI image tools
You’ll get different results depending on which AI image generation tool you use. This comparison shows results of the “vector illustration” version of the prompt above from four different tools: Gemini (Nano Banana), Ideogram, ChatGPT, and Seedream.
Browse image styles
Some AI image generation tools have built-in styles to pick from. This makes it easier because you don’t have to know what words to use to describe the style; you can look through the examples and select one. For example, Recraft has a wide range of styles for both vector and raster art.
Brushless has a smaller set of built-in styles, but you can add your own styles based on sample images. Brushless also has fairly good consistency within each style. The “Flat Icons” style is useful for training purposes. The “Structured” and “Humanist” styles could easily work for training too.
Other ways to find image styles
One helpful strategy for figuring out what words to use to describe an image style is to find an image you like and ask ChatGPT or another multimodal tool to describe it.
Another option is to look at other examples. Many AI tools have public feeds for comparison where you can see how other people have prompted their images and learn from them.
You can also check out collections of AI art styles.
Consistent styles
If you want to create a series of images with a unified look and feel, check out my previous post on generating AI Images with Consistent Style in Midjourney.
Upcoming events
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September 24, 2025 at 1 PM Eastern / 10AM Pacific
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In this session, you’ll learn how to master the visual language needed to generate unique, custom images using AI. You’ll practice the art of crafting image prompts, exploring how to clearly describe different styles, textures, layouts, consistency, and other visual elements. We’ll review prompt strategies for generating icons and visual metaphors to support training. Through hands-on activities, you’ll see how slight differences in your prompts can significantly change your results.
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Stock Photos to Stunning: Generate Custom Images with AI
Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10AM Pacific
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Are you tired of using the same generic stock images and cutout characters over and over in your training? In this session, you’ll learn how to use AI image tools to generate unique images for your elearning and training programs. By the end of this session, you’ll have prompts and tools to generate custom, consistent images for your training.
Create images with consistent styles and charactersCompare image generation tools so you can pick the best ones for your needsTips for writing image generation promptsMinimize bias and other pitfalls in AI image generation
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