As generative AI continues to revolutionize digital content creation, mastering the art of crafting precise and effective prompts has become an essential skill for businesses looking to optimize their visual assets. While AI-generated images open up endless creative possibilities, the quality of the output largely depends on both the tool used and how well the prompt is formulated.

With the recent release of an updated AI model designed for commercial use, iStock has introduced a comprehensive 10-step guide to help companies of all sizes maximize the potential of AI-generated imagery.

"Prompts are at the heart of AI-driven creativity," says Bill Bon, Senior Director of Creative Operations at iStock. "A well-structured prompt, paired with the right tool, can turn a basic idea into a compelling visual that aligns with your creative vision. It's not just about what you want to see—it’s about knowing how to communicate that idea effectively to the AI for the best possible results."

For businesses and marketers, generative AI offers an opportunity to unlock creative potential, streamline marketing efforts, and improve efficiency. To make the most of these advantages, iStock’s team of experts has compiled a 10-step guide for crafting effective prompts and achieving outstanding results with text-to-image AI tools.

Step 1: Ensure Commercial Safety

Before generating images, confirm that the AI tool you’re using produces commercially safe content and offers legal protection for its outputs. Selecting a reliable AI platform ensures that the visuals you create won’t inadvertently include copyrighted elements, keeping your content risk-free.

Step 2: Begin with a Clear Vision

Start by envisioning the scene you want to create. Define key elements such as objects, subjects, and settings, then enhance the description with relevant adjectives and details. The clearer your initial concept, the better the AI will translate it into a precise and visually appealing image.

Step 3: Be Descriptive and Specific

Detailed and well-structured prompts yield superior results. Write your prompt as if you were narrating a scene, using keywords separated by commas to enrich the description. Advanced AI generators, such as iStock’s updated tool, allow users to refine details with high-resolution outputs up to 4K.

Step 4: Define the Environment

Specify the setting in which your image takes place—whether it’s an urban landscape, a natural environment, or an indoor scene. Keep in mind that similar terms can have different interpretations based on geography (e.g., a "forest" in Brazil looks different from one in Canada).

Step 5: Highlight Key Elements

Identify the focal points of your image. If your subject is a person, describe their appearance, clothing, and facial expression. For objects, specify their size, shape, and positioning. Experimenting with different wording can significantly alter the final result.

Step 6: Incorporate Emotion and Style

Use aesthetic descriptors to fine-tune the image’s appearance. Terms like "vintage," "cinematic lighting," or "bold colors" can guide the AI’s artistic approach. If unsure about which keywords to use, consider referring to a list of artistic terms for AI-generated imagery.

Step 7: Introduce Action or Movement

If your scene involves motion, describe the action clearly. For example, "a child running through a sunflower field" or "a bustling city street with people crossing the road." Adding contextual descriptors like "futuristic," "historical," or "dynamic" enhances the image’s narrative.

Step 8: Specify Perspective and Camera Angles

Define how the scene should be framed—whether it’s a close-up, aerial shot, or wide-angle view. Adjusting perspective helps in crafting a more impactful composition. You can also specify lens types, depth of field, and lighting conditions for a more realistic photographic effect.

Step 9: Review, Refine, and Iterate

Before finalizing your prompt, check for ambiguities or missing details. Many AI tools allow adjustments after the image is generated, so take advantage of features like resizing, adding or removing elements, and experimenting with different variations.

Step 10: Maintain Authenticity

While AI-generated visuals can enhance creative storytelling, transparency is key. Studies indicate that 90% of viewers prefer knowing whether an image was AI-generated. Clearly labeling AI-generated content, especially when depicting people or real-world products, fosters trust and credibility.

By following these steps, businesses, content creators, and AI enthusiasts can optimize their use of generative AI tools, ensuring their visual content remains high-quality, impactful, and aligned with their brand identity.