Let's be honest - most AI-generated images look the same. But they don't have to!

After some trial and error (and way too many generic-looking pictures), I've found three simple ways to make AI images that actually stand out using ChatGPT.
No design skills or complicated prompt techniques required.

3 Quick Tips For Beginners

1. Find Style Examples You Like

The fastest way to make unique images? Find styles you actually like and copy the prompts. No reason to write them yourself when you have so many examples for free.

Let's see this in action. For this example, I asked ChatGPT "Create an image for my site for an article about how to keep your office space clean."

And this is what I got:

It's not bad but it's not great either - very generic AI image.

Where to find good styles:

• https://freeflo.ai/ (free prompt examples)

• Many other sites that offer free image prompts (I'll attach a few prompts to the end of this article for you to try)

Now let's try a few prompts in different styles I found. Just change the {subject} with the subject of your article:

Style 1: Retrofuturistic

Prompt:

"An illustration of {subject} a polaroid with the same face on the screen, in the style of Contemporary Illustration and dramatic lighting with split toning and a dark color palette create a retrofuturistic moodboard. The 2D, flat design"

Style 2: Surreal Minimalist

Prompt: 

"A minimal and strange illustration of {subject} with a color scheme of deep blacks, grays, and blues, using risograph and serigraph printing techniques, inspired by the surrealism art movement and weirdcore concept art."

Now this will stand out! 🤣

But if you want something more mellow:

Style 3: Clean Minimalist

Prompt:

“Design a clean, minimalist image featuring crisp geometric shapes and a neutral, sophisticated color palette. Incorporate subtle shadows and negative space to emphasize modernity. Integrate the subject: How to Keep Your Office Space Clean as a central text element or abstract icon, ensuring it blends naturally with the overall layout.”

Keep playing until you find the right one. Once you find a style you love, save it and use it! 🙂

2. Tell The AI What You DON'T Want

Instead of just saying what you want, tell the AI what you DON'T want. This technique can dramatically improve your results.

Some negative prompts that work well:

• “No text”

• "not symmetrical"

• "avoid perfect lighting"

• "no generic backgrounds"

• "avoid stock photo look"

3. Add Image Examples Of Styles You Like

This is probably the easiest trick of all - just upload an image of a style you like.

The result:

Most AI image generators now let you upload reference images. Just find:

• A photo with interesting lighting

• Artwork with a unique style

• Even a screenshot from a movie with a distinctive look

Then tell the AI to "use the style of this reference image" and watch how it transforms your basic idea into something with actual character.

I've found this works especially well for getting consistent styles across multiple images for the same project.

The Beauty of Simple Approaches

The best part about these techniques is that you don't need to become an expert prompt engineer to get unique images.

Instead of stressing about writing the perfect prompt from scratch, just:

• Borrow existing styles that work (and customize slightly)

• Tell the AI what NOT to do (often more powerful than positive instructions)

• Show the AI what you like with reference images

And like anything with AI, you'll need to play around and experiment! Try a few different styles, mix and match techniques, and don't get discouraged if the first few attempts aren't perfect. Each AI tool has its own quirks, and what works amazingly in one might need tweaking in another. 

These three simple tricks work across different AI tools - whether you're using ChatGPT, Midjourney, or DALL-E.

Give them a try and let me know in the comments if they helped you break away from that generic AI look! I'm still experimenting myself and would love to hear what works for you.

Bonus: Ready-to-Use Prompts

Here are a few prompts you can try right away:

Hand-Drawn Artistic Sketch

"Illustrate an image with a handcrafted feel, featuring detailed, hand-drawn sketches and delicate line art. Utilize organic textures, subtle shading, and a loose, artistic style. Carve out a section of the composition to artistically present {subject}, perhaps framed within a decorative border or integrated as part of the drawing."

Watercolor Dreamscape

"Create a soft, watercolor-style image with flowing washes, blended hues, and delicate textures. The image should have an ethereal quality, with gentle color transitions and a painterly finish. Introduce {subject} in a way that mimics a hand-painted element—either through flowing calligraphy or as part of an artistic landscape."

Bold Flat Design Infographic

"Design a vibrant flat design illustration using bold, solid colors, simple shapes, and clean lines. The overall composition should be modern and straightforward. Dedicate a clear, visually striking section of the layout to {subject}, using stylized icons or dynamic typography that complements the flat design aesthetic."

Nature-Inspired Organic Harmony

"Generate an image inspired by natural elements, featuring organic shapes, earthy tones, and textures reminiscent of wood, stone, or foliage. The design should evoke growth, sustainability, and balance. Seamlessly incorporate {subject} into the natural environment—perhaps as an engraved motif on a leaf or as a subtle overlay on a scenic landscape."