How to Make AI Art (Beginner's Complete Guide)
Everything you need to know to create AI art from scratch — even if you're not an artist. Tools, prompts, and tips to get stunning results fast.
TL;DR
AI art has never been more accessible. Midjourney makes the most beautiful images. DALL-E 3 (via ChatGPT) is easiest to use. Stable Diffusion is free if you’re willing to run it locally. Start with whatever fits your budget.
What Is AI Art?
AI art is any image created by an AI model based on a text description (called a “prompt”). You describe what you want in plain English, and the AI generates it in seconds.
No drawing skills required. None.
Step-by-Step: Creating AI Art with Midjourney
Midjourney consistently produces the most visually stunning results.
Step 1: Join the Discord
- Go to midjourney.com
- Click “Join the Beta” → Join Midjourney Discord
- Subscribe to a plan ($10/mo Basic)
Step 2: Go to a Newbies Channel
In the Discord sidebar, find any #newbies- channel. Type your command there.
Step 3: Use the /imagine Command
Type: /imagine then press Tab to activate the prompt field.
Enter your description:
/imagine a glowing forest at night, bioluminescent plants, watercolor style, ethereal atmosphere
Press Enter — Midjourney generates 4 image variations in ~60 seconds.
Step 4: The Art of Prompting
Good prompts follow this structure: [Subject] + [Setting] + [Style] + [Lighting] + [Details]
| Component | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject | A samurai warrior |
| Setting | Standing in a cherry blossom storm |
| Style | Digital painting, studio ghibli-inspired |
| Lighting | Dramatic backlight, golden hour |
| Details | Intricate armor, flowing robes |
Full prompt: “A samurai warrior standing in a cherry blossom storm, digital painting, studio ghibli-inspired, dramatic backlight, golden hour, intricate armor, flowing robes”
Step 5: Refine Your Favorites
- U1-U4: Upscale (get a high-res version of that image)
- V1-V4: Variation (make similar images with small differences)
- 🔄 Redo: Regenerate entirely
- Add
--v 6.1for the latest model - Add
--ar 16:9for widescreen,--ar 1:1for square
Style Reference Guide
| Style | Prompt Keywords |
|---|---|
| Photorealistic | photorealistic, shot on Canon 5D, 8K, hyperdetailed |
| Anime | anime style, by Makoto Shinkai, cel shading |
| Oil Painting | oil on canvas, impressionist, thick brushstrokes |
| Watercolor | watercolor illustration, soft edges, translucent |
| 3D Render | 3D render, octane render, cinema 4D, studio lighting |
| Pixel Art | pixel art, 16-bit, retro game style |
| Concept Art | concept art, artstation trending, matte painting |
Free Options
Don’t want to pay? Here are free alternatives:
- Adobe Firefly — 25 free credits/month, commercial-safe
- DALL-E 3 in Bing — completely free via Microsoft
- Stable Diffusion — free to run locally (needs decent GPU)
FAQ
Do I own the AI art I create? Policies vary. Adobe Firefly = yes. Midjourney Pro = yes (commercial). DALL-E 3 = yes (OpenAI terms allow commercial use). Always check the tool’s terms before selling AI art.
Why does AI art look weird sometimes?
AI struggles with hands, text, and complex symmetry. Use --no hands or zoom out to avoid these problem areas.
Can I sell AI-generated art? Yes, on most platforms with a paid subscription. Many artists sell AI art on Etsy, Redbubble, and as NFTs.