Written by Lidia Vijga, co-founder at Decklinks
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various fields and art is no exception. A tool at the forefront of this visual revolution is Midjourney, an AI art generator that opens the door to endless artistic possibilities. With this comprehensive guide, get ready to dive into the world of AI-generated art and the brilliance that comes with it. From mastering the basic functionalities to advanced prompt techniques, I’ll guide you through every step. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped with all the necessary skills and resources to start creating truly unique AI art of your own.
Getting started with Midjourney AI
Midjourney is a generative artificial intelligence program that generates hyperrealistic artworks from a variety of prompts, including words, emojis, and images. Users can create stunning AI-generated landscapes, imitate photography and paintings, design complex logos, or even produce personalized avatars.
Accessing Midjourney is only possible through Discord to anyone who wants to join the current Beta. By joining the dedicated Midjourney Discord server, you will be able to interact with the chatbot and connect with other Midjourney users. Personally, I like the chat-based interface for generating AI art, I think this user-friendly approach makes advanced AI art creation accessible to anyone.
How do you generate an image from the text in Midjourney?
Once you join the Discord server, the next step is to understand how to interact with the Midjourney chatbot. There are 2 main commands that you need to familiarize yourself with:
/settings and /imagine
The “/settings” command lets you adjust various parameters for your AI image generation, such as image quality, aspect ratio, and stylization. With this command, you can also turn certain modes ON or OFF, including Public mode and Remix mode.
The “/imagine” command triggers the AI to generate the image based on your prompts and pre-set parameters. In the message field, type “/imagine” or just type “/” and then choose ‘imagine’ from the menu. In the prompt field that will appear, type your prompt, which would be a description of the AI image that you would like to generate.
Below is a grid with 4 impressive images that Midjourney has generated with my prompt.
Upscalers, Versions, and Re-rolls in Midjourney AI
After generating a grid of AI images, Midjourney will give you the option to upscale any image, create 4 different variations from a selected artwork or regenerate AI mages with the same or adjusted prompt. Keep in mind that the newest Midjourney Model Version 5 (including Niji 5) already produces high-resolution 1024 x1024 px image grids without needing an additional step to upscale each image.
With the help of these buttons, you can better control the outputs of Midjourney and steer your AI artwork towards perfection.
- The U buttons create a new larger version of the selected AI image and upscale the artwork with additional details.
- The V buttons create 4 new versions of the selected AI image that will match the style and composition.
- The Re-roll button regenerates 4 new AI images with the same or adjusted prompt.
To give you an example of how the version model works, I selected V4 from my previous AI creation and generated 4 different image variations that match the same style and composition. This is what I received back from the Midjourney AI art generator.
How to remix images with Midjourney AI
One of the unique features of Midjourney is the ability to remix images. This feature, accessible through the “remix mode” in settings, allows you to modify versions of the images you get, adding a layer of personal touch to the AI-generated art.
To leverage the Remix mode, first, you need to make sure it’s activated in the settings. Use /settings to enter configurations and turn Remix mode on.
Then select which image you would like to remix and modify by choosing options V1, V2, V3, or V4.
In the Remix Prompt that will show up, add any modifications to the text prompt description.
Midjourney will generate a grid of remixed images with the modified prompt.
How to generate AI image from another image in Midjourney?
Midjourney also allows for image prompting, where you can use an existing image to influence the composition, style, and colors of the AI-generated art. This means you can upload a picture of a particular painting style or a photograph with colors that you like, and Midjourney will incorporate these elements into the generated AI image.
To generate the AI art from an existing image, you will need to add your image to the prompt by pasting a URL link. If you need to create a URL for your image, you can do it with Discord using the + button in the message field.
I used this original image to create a set of different AI-generated variations.
This was the result I got with the prompt that included the link from the original image.
How to combine images in Midjourney AI
The “/blend” command combines the concepts and aesthetics from up to 5 different images, resulting in an entirely new and incredible AI art. This enables the creation of innovative compositions that incorporate multiple elements by organically blending them together in one AI image. Once you type “/blend” in the text field, Midjourney AI art generator will give you the option to upload 2 images.
In this example, I combined a painting of a fox with a photo of Jack Russel Terrier.
Here is the result I got from blending these 2 images. Midjourney AI art generator has combined the artistic style of one image with the content of another.
Keep in mind that the “/blend” command only works with up to 5 images. To combine more than 5 images in a prompt use image prompts with the “/imagine” command.
How to use the Zoom and Custom Zoom features in Midjourney
This new feature that was recently introduced by Midjourney is truly incredible. The Zoom feature can help you expand the canvas of an upscaled image without changing the image content. This means that you can easily add extra space to your image, based on prompts from the original image.
Here’s how to use it: Once you’ve generated a set of images, pick the one you like, upscale it, and press either “Zoom Out 2x” or “Zoom Out 1.5x”.
The Custom Zoom feature not only allows you to fine-tune your zoom value but also allows you to modify the prompt before expanding your image. Simply upscale the image you like and press “Custom Zoom”. In the “Zoom Out” pop up modify your Midjourney prompt. In the example below, I’ve modified my original Midjourney prompt to add another Westie puppy to my image.
One thing to keep in mind when using the Custom Zoom feature is that currently there’s a limitation on the custom Zoom value. The Custom Zoom value has to be between 1.0 and 2.0
How to create stickers with Midjourney AI
One of the coolest Midjorney applications I’ve recently discovered is creating stickers. These AI-generated stickers can be used in messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, or you can even print them!
Use the following prompts to create stickers with Midjourney AI:
“9 different stickers featuring [insert character description]. Multiple poses and different expressions. Die cut. Vibrant colors on a white background. Cartoon vector art.”
“Die cut sticker featuring [insert character description]. Vibrant colors on a white background. Cartoon vector art.”
If you like a certain output, you can always generate variations by clicking on V1, V2, V3, or V4 buttons. Once you like a certain design upscale it by clicking on the appropriate U button.
If you’re looking to print the stickers, I highly recommend you upscale your stickers even further by using image upscalers like this one by Clipdrop.
Your text prompts matter
The heart of Midjourney’s AI image generation lies in its use of prompts. You can use simple or multi-word prompts to guide the style and content of the AI-generated artwork. For example, using a prompt like “sunrise on the lake” will produce a very different AI image than a prompt with more details: “a foggy sunrise in pastel colors on the lake reflecting the forest of lodgepole pine”.
Mastering Midjourney AI prompts
As you delve deeper into Midjourney, there are quite a few tools and techniques that can take your AI art to the next level.
Midjourney Describe Command
To explore new vocabulary and various artistic techniques, Midjourney’s /describe command offers a unique way to generate new prompts based on your existing images. Simply upload an image with /describe command and Midjourney will generate 4 possible prompts that are inspirational and suggestive. Use this command to learn how to get more accurate with prompting, but keep in mind that this command cannot be used to recreate an exact copy of your uploaded image.
Midjourney Prompt Helper
The MidJourney Prompt Helper is a great tool that helps you write better prompts and gives you ideas for different parameters, including style, lighting, depth of field, and many others. All you have to do is to input your main idea, and the MidJourney Prompt Helper will generate a complete prompt for you.
Unlocking Unique Styles
Midjourney stands out for its unique ability to emulate the styles of various artists, from the iconic Picasso to the revered Van Gogh, giving you the power to create art in your favorite artist’s signature style. It’s a fantastic way to delve into different artistic techniques, while also producing stunning AI art pieces.
With Midjourney’s incredibly vast range of techniques and art form options, you can even explore diverse cartoon styles, or even mimic different time periods. This means endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation.
In the example below, I have generated a Westie puppy dressed as a yoga instructor in 3 different cartoon styles.
Enhancing precision with parameters
For more specific results, add multiple parameters at the end of the prompt. Parameters help provide extra information to Midjourney about how you would like to generate AI images. Modify the image’s aspect ratios, select different Midjourney model versions, or switch between Upscaler settings. With these options and more, you can achieve highly accurate AI image generation results that further align with your artistic vision.
A full list of parameters can be found in the Midjourney documentation.
Inspiration and Resources for AI creation with Midjourney
As you begin your adventure in the world of AI with Midjourney, you have access to a plethora of resources that can help you perfect your AI craft. One way that I found particularly valuable was to browse online AI galleries and study the artwork of other AI artists. With so many sources of inspiration available, you can quickly learn from others and take your AI creations to new heights. Here are my top picks on where to find inspiration for your next masterpiece.
Mid Library
A popular Mid Library by Andrei Kovalev is a comprehensive and well-organized archive of different styles and techniques sorted by categories. In this place, you will discover AI artwork in the style of various creative artists, from famous photographers and illustrators to fashion designers and filmmakers. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the AI images that were inspired by the distinctive street artists Otavio Pandolfo and Gustavo Pandolfo from Brazil, also known as Os Gemeos.
Midjourney AI Discord Server
The official Midjourney Discord Server is the go-to hub for anyone seeking daily inspiration and additional resources directly from Midjourney users. Its dynamic #Discussion and #Prompt-chat channels are friendly places to meet with other AI artists and exchange prompt combinations and artistic techniques. One of my favorite channels is the #Daily-theme, where fresh and exciting AI art pieces are posted every day to stir up imagination and get some creative juices flowing.
Midjourney AI Community Showcase
The Community Showcase is a fantastic way to explore the amazing AI images that other users are generating. By analyzing the endless stream of artwork from other AI artists, you can gather inspiration, learn new techniques, and find creative ways to elevate your own work. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is always something new to learn from the Midjourney community.
Midjourney Styles and Keywords References on Github
Midjourney Styles and Keywords Reference on Github is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their AI art generation skills. From the detailed list of themes, design styles, and artists to a wide selection of lighting options, colors, and palettes, you will find all the references you need to create an AI masterpiece.
When it comes to getting fresh ideas, Twitter became one of my favorite resources. By following the right accounts, you can find a wealth of information and daily inspiration ideas. Not only can you get inspired by other AI artists, but you can also follow their AI art journeys and connect with like-minded individuals to collaborate on AI art projects together.
With so many Twitter accounts out there, it can be tough to choose which ones to follow. However, if you’re interested in exploring AI from a resourceful and creative perspective, Nick St. Pierre is hands down one of the most influential AI artists. Through publicly exploring AI and generously sharing his learnings with the community, his Twitter account is becoming a go-to place for aspiring AI artists and enthusiasts.
Additive Prompting v2
— Nick St. Pierre (@nickfloats) April 27, 2023
A full compilation of Midjourney tutorials on how I use my Additive Prompting framework to control my image generations, from beginner to advanced prompting.
🧵 Parts 1-10 pic.twitter.com/TUmT3PTHMA
A step towards professional AI artistry
Midjourney is more than just a tool for hobbyists or art enthusiasts; it’s also a stepping stone towards professional AI artistry. With a multitude of features and the ability to create hyper-realistic images, logos, and paintings, Midjourney has become a breakthrough in the world of AI art.
From personal projects to branding and marketing materials, the power of AI at your fingertips is a priceless asset for creating artwork in almost any creative area. Moreover, as the integration of AI in the art world becomes more mainstream, expertise in platforms like Midjourney could open up exciting new opportunities.
