Learn about AI Image Generation Artistic Keywords and Prompt Examples for AI Images (Glossary)

We've made a comprehensive glossary designed to help you master the art of AI image prompt engineering by providing a curated list of artistic keywords, each with a definition and practical example.

Understanding these keywords will empower you to create more nuanced, compelling, and visually stunning AI‑generated images.

You can experiment with any of the keywords using our AI Image Generator. Our prompt builder guides you through the process by having you fill in specific fields that combine into a single super prompt!

Mood‑related keywords are great for creating emotional tone and atmosphere for an AI‑generated image. Whether you're aiming for a serene, mysterious, or vibrant scene, these keywords will help you create the right emotional response and bring depth to your imagery. Using mood‑specific terms can transform a simple image into a compelling narrative. 

Alluring
Definition: Captivating and attractive, often in a way that tempts or charms. 
Example Prompt: "An alluring woman standing by the ocean at sunset, her hair flowing in the wind, with a mesmerizing gaze." 
  
Brave
Definition: Showing courage and determination, often in the face of fear or adversity. 
Example Prompt: "A brave knight standing tall in front of a fierce dragon, with a determined look in his eyes and his sword raised high." 
  
Caring
Definition: Displaying kindness and concern for others, often in a gentle and compassionate manner. 
Example Prompt: "A caring nurse tending to a child in a hospital room, with a warm smile and gentle touch." 
  
Confident
Definition: Exhibiting self‑assurance and certainty in one's abilities or qualities. 
Example Prompt: "A confident businesswoman giving a presentation in a modern office, with a poised stance and an assured expression." 
  
Empowered
Definition: Feeling strong, confident, and in control of one's life and decisions. 
Example Prompt: "An empowered woman standing on a mountaintop, arms raised triumphantly, with the sunrise behind her." 
  
Genuine
Definition: Sincere, authentic, and true to oneself, without pretense. 
Example Prompt: "A genuine moment of laughter between two friends at a cozy café, captured with natural light and candid expressions." 
  
Mysterious
Definition: Enigmatic and intriguing, often evoking curiosity and a sense of the unknown. 
Example Prompt: "A mysterious figure cloaked in shadow, standing at the edge of an ancient forest, with only their piercing eyes visible." 
  
Serene
Definition: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled, often evoking a sense of tranquility. 
Example Prompt: "A serene landscape of a quiet lake surrounded by mountains, with mist rising gently from the water at dawn."
  
Smiling
Definition: Displaying a smile, often conveying happiness, friendliness, or warmth. 
Example Prompt: "A smiling child playing in a field of flowers, with the sun shining and a joyful expression on their face."

Prompt used: quiet lake surrounded by mountains, serene landscape, mist rising gently from the water at dawn

These keywords define the technical aspects of an image and influence how it’s perceived and experienced. The usage of different types of camera and lighting styles can help the generator replicate specific photographic techniques and lighting conditions. Making the most of these keywords allows you to enhance the realism and artistry of your images.

Tilt‑Shift 
Definition: A photographic technique that uses selective focus to create a miniature effect, making real‑world scenes look like tiny models. 
Example Prompt: "A tilt‑shift image of a busy city street, where cars and people appear like miniature models." 
  
Soft Focus 
Definition: A technique that produces a gentle, dreamy, and slightly blurred effect, often used in portraits to create a romantic or nostalgic feel. 
Example Prompt: "A soft focus portrait of a woman in a flowing dress, with a gentle smile and a dreamy background." 
  
Sepia
Definition: A photographic effect that gives images a warm brown tone, reminiscent of old photographs. 
Example Prompt: "A sepia‑toned image of an old farmhouse, with vintage details and a nostalgic atmosphere."
  
Fish‑Eye 
Definition: A wide‑angle lens effect that produces a spherical, distorted image, giving a unique and exaggerated perspective. 
Example Prompt: "A fish‑eye view of a bustling city square, with tall buildings curving dramatically around the edges." 
  
Time‑Lapse 
Definition: A photographic technique that captures a series of images over time to create a sped‑up effect, often showing the passage of time. 
Example Prompt: "A time‑lapse sequence of a flower blooming, from bud to full blossom, with vibrant colors and rapid movement." 
  
Panorama 
Definition: A wide, expansive view of a landscape or scene, often capturing a much broader perspective than a standard image. 
Example Prompt: "A panoramic shot of the Grand Canyon at sunrise, showcasing the vast and majestic landscape." 
  
Zoom Blur 
Definition: An effect where the image appears to blur from the center outward, creating a sense of speed or motion. 
Example Prompt: "A zoom blur image of a car racing down a highway, with the background streaking away in dynamic lines." 
  
Distorted Perspective 
Definition: An effect that alters the natural perspective of an image, creating an unusual or exaggerated viewpoint. 
Example Prompt: "A distorted perspective of a skyscraper viewed from the base, making it appear to stretch infinitely into the sky." 
  
Mirror Image 
Definition: An effect where the image is duplicated and flipped along a central axis, creating a symmetrical reflection. 
Example Prompt: "A mirror image of a serene lake, where the mountains and trees are perfectly reflected in the water." 
  
Butterfly Lighting 
Definition: A lighting technique often used in portrait photography, where the light source is placed above and directly in front of the subject, creating a butterfly‑shaped shadow under the nose. 
Example Prompt: "A portrait of a model using butterfly lighting, highlighting their facial features with a soft, flattering glow." 
  
Lens Fog 
Definition: An effect where the image appears hazy or misty, often simulating the look of fog on a camera lens. 
Example Prompt: "A lens fog effect on a forest scene at dawn, with trees emerging mysteriously through the mist." 
  
Overexposure 
Definition: An effect where too much light is captured, resulting in a bright, washed‑out image with reduced detail. 
Example Prompt: "An overexposed photograph of a beach at midday, with the sunlight creating a stark, bright atmosphere." 
  
Smoke Painting 
Definition: An artistic effect that uses smoke or wispy elements to create an ethereal and abstract image. 
Example Prompt: "A smoke painting effect of a dancer in motion, with trails of smoke following their graceful movements." 
  
Bokeh
Definition: An effect where the background of an image is out of focus, creating soft, circular light spots, often used to emphasize the subject. 
Example Prompt: "A portrait of a child with colorful bokeh lights in the background, creating a magical and dreamy effect." 
  
Film Burn 
Definition: A visual effect simulating the appearance of damaged film, with bright, irregular streaks of light and color. 
Example Prompt: "A film burn effect on a vintage street scene, with bright orange and yellow streaks creating a nostalgic feel." 
  
Hard Shadows 
Definition: An effect characterized by sharp, well‑defined shadows, often used to create dramatic and high‑contrast images. 
Example Prompt: "A black‑and‑white photograph of a building with hard shadows cast by the midday sun, highlighting the architectural lines." 
  
Candlelight 
Definition: An effect that simulates the warm, flickering light of candles, often creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. 
Example Prompt: "A romantic dinner scene illuminated by candlelight, with soft, warm glows highlighting the faces of the couple."

Prompt used: sepia‑toned old farmhouse, with vintage details and a nostalgic atmosphere

Stylistic keywords cover a wide range of artistic techniques and visual aesthetics, which help to define the overall look and feel of an image. Leveraging different styles can add variety and creativity to your AI‑generated art. 
 
Monochrome
Definition: An image that uses varying shades of a single color, typically black and white, to create a cohesive and striking visual. 
Example Prompt: "A monochrome image of a city skyline, with varying shades of grey highlighting the buildings and sky." 
  
Desaturated
Definition: An effect where colors are muted or removed, giving the image a washed‑out or faded appearance. 
Example Prompt: "A desaturated photograph of a deserted beach, with soft, muted tones conveying a sense of calm and isolation." 
  
Vintage
Definition: An effect that gives the image an aged, old‑fashioned look, often with sepia tones and worn textures. 
Example Prompt: "A vintage‑style photograph of a classic car parked on a cobblestone street, with a sepia filter and distressed edges." 
  
​Pop Art 
Definition: A vibrant and bold artistic style characterized by bright colors, strong lines, and often a playful or comic book‑like aesthetic. 
Example Prompt: "A pop art portrait of a woman, with bright, contrasting colors and thick black outlines, reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein's work."
  
Watercolor
Definition: An effect that mimics the appearance of a watercolor painting, with soft, fluid brushstrokes and gentle blending of colors. 
Example Prompt: "A watercolor painting of a serene garden, with delicate brushstrokes and softly blended hues of green and blue." 
  
Sketch
Definition: An effect that replicates the look of a hand‑drawn sketch, with visible pencil or ink lines and a rough, unfinished quality. 
Example Prompt: "A sketch of a bustling marketplace, with detailed pencil lines capturing the movement and energy of the scene." 
  
Sharpened
Definition: An effect that increases the clarity and definition of the image, making details more pronounced. 
Example Prompt: "A sharpened image of a mountain range, with every rock and crevice clearly defined against the sky." 
  
Vignette
Definition: An effect where the edges of the image are darkened or blurred, drawing attention to the center and creating a focal point. 
Example Prompt: "A portrait of a child with a vignette effect, softly darkening the edges to highlight the subject's face." 
  
Night Vision 
Definition: An effect that simulates the appearance of night vision goggles, with a green tint and enhanced visibility in low light. 
Example Prompt: "A night vision view of a nocturnal animal in a forest, with a green hue and heightened details." 
  
Color Splash 
Definition: An effect where most of the image is in black and white, except for specific elements that remain in color to create a striking contrast. 
Example Prompt: "A color splash image of a black‑and‑white cityscape, with only a bright red umbrella in the foreground."
  
1970s
Definition: An effect that emulates the style and aesthetic of the 1970s, often with warm tones, grainy textures, and retro color palettes. 
Example Prompt: "A 1970s‑style photograph of a family picnic, with warm, faded colors and a nostalgic atmosphere." 
  
Cinematic
Definition: An effect that gives the image a dramatic, movie‑like quality, often with wide aspect ratios, dynamic lighting, and rich colors. 
Example Prompt: "A cinematic shot of a lone hero standing on a cliff at sunset, with dramatic lighting and a wide landscape view." 
  
Minimal
Definition: A style that uses simplicity and sparseness to create a clean, uncluttered image, often with a focus on basic shapes and limited color palettes. 
Example Prompt: "A minimalistic image of a single tree in a vast white field, with clean lines and a simple composition." 
  
Underwater
Definition: An effect that simulates the look of being underwater, with light refractions, a blue‑green color palette, and a sense of depth. 
Example Prompt: "An underwater scene of colorful coral reefs and fish, with sunlight filtering through the water." 
  
Noir
Definition: A style inspired by film noir, characterized by high contrast, dramatic shadows, and a moody, mysterious atmosphere. 
Example Prompt: "A noir‑style image of a detective in a dimly lit alley, with sharp shadows and a gritty, black‑and‑white aesthetic." 
  
Renaissance
Definition: An effect that emulates the style of Renaissance art, with rich colors, detailed textures, and classical compositions. 
Example Prompt: "A Renaissance‑style portrait of a noblewoman, with intricate clothing details and a soft, glowing light." 
  
Fantasy
Definition: A style that incorporates magical and imaginative elements, often with vibrant colors, mythical creatures, and fantastical landscapes. 
Example Prompt: "A fantasy scene of a dragon flying over an enchanted forest, with glowing mushrooms and sparkling waterfalls."

Prompt used: A color splash image of a black‑and‑white cityscape, with only a bright red umbrella in the foreground being held by a woman

Finally, these keywords focus on the various drawing and painting styles, as well as photographic techniques and specific approaches to image creation. These keywords are best used when generating a portrait‑style image and can help you achieve the desired look and impact.
 
Charcoal Drawing Style 
Definition: An effect that replicates the appearance of a charcoal drawing, with rough, textured strokes and a monochromatic palette.
Example Prompt: "A charcoal drawing style portrait of an old man, with detailed, textured lines and deep shadows."
 
Pointillism Style 
Definition: An artistic technique that uses small, distinct dots of color to create an image, often resulting in a vibrant, detailed effect.
Example Prompt: "A pointillism style image of a flower garden, with thousands of tiny, colorful dots forming the blooms and leaves."
 
Doodle Style 
Definition: An informal, playful drawing style characterized by whimsical, often spontaneous lines and shapes.
Example Prompt: "A doodle style illustration of a cityscape, with quirky buildings and playful details filling the scene."
 
Baroque Style 
Definition: An artistic style known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, rich details, and grandeur, often associated with the 17th century.
Example Prompt: "A baroque style painting of a grand palace interior, with opulent decorations and dramatic lighting."
 
Steampunk Style 
Definition: A genre combining Victorian‑era aesthetics with futuristic technology, often featuring gears, steam‑powered machinery, and retro‑futuristic elements.
Example Prompt: "A steampunk style image of an airship flying over a cityscape, with elaborate gears and smokestacks."
 
Horror Style 
Definition: An effect that evokes fear and suspense, often using dark, moody lighting, unsettling elements, and eerie details.
Example Prompt: "A horror style image of an abandoned house at night, with shadows creeping along the walls and a sense of foreboding."
 
Film Noir Style 
Definition: A cinematic style characterized by high contrast black‑and‑white imagery, dramatic lighting, and themes of crime and moral ambiguity.
Example Prompt: "A film noir style scene of a detective in a rain‑soaked city, with sharp shadows and a mysterious atmosphere."
 
Double Exposure Style 
Definition: An effect where two images are superimposed over each other, creating a surreal, layered look.
Example Prompt: "A double exposure style image of a woman's face overlaid with a forest, blending human features with natural elements."
 
Silhouette Style 
Definition: An effect where the subject is depicted as a dark shape against a lighter background, emphasizing the outline without internal details.
Example Prompt: "A silhouette style image of a couple holding hands at sunset, with their figures in shadow against the colorful sky."
 
Editorial Style 
Definition: A polished, professional style often used in magazines and publications, focusing on high‑quality images with clear storytelling and composition.
Example Prompt: "An editorial style fashion photo of a model posing on a city street, with stylish clothing and a clean, sophisticated look."
 
Candid Style 
Definition: A natural, unposed style that captures spontaneous moments, often with a sense of authenticity and realism.
Example Prompt: "A candid style photograph of friends laughing at a café, with genuine expressions and a relaxed atmosphere."
 
Headshot 
Definition: A portrait focusing on the face, typically used for professional purposes such as resumes, profiles, and casting.
Example Prompt: "A headshot of a business professional, with a neutral background and soft lighting highlighting their features."

Prompt used: A silhouette style image of a couple holding hands at sunset, with their figures in shadow against a colorful sky

Feeling inspired? Try out any of these keywords in your prompt using iStock’s AI Image Generator today.