If you look around my site - you'll notice that my sample images follow a similar theme (see here, here, and here). Forests with books in them, portraits of human, samurais, and so on. This is because I use the same "base prompts" (or "benchmark prompts") to generate these images.
The exact prompts I used are:
- An Elegant Ballerina
- Portrait
- Happy Dreams
- White Rabbit in Colorful Background
- A Library in Forest
- Cyberpunk Samurai
- A Book Reading Beagle
These seven benchmark prompts serve a useful purpose: To explore and measure the impact of different style modifiers. Each generated image is carefully categorized and published on this site, collectively creating a "creative styles library" accessible to everyone here.
From whimsical interpretations to dramatic stylistic overhauls - these exploration demonstrate the vast potential and versatility of AI in artistic creation. The outcome of each piece underscores the importance of thoughtful modifier selection.
What is Style Modifier in Generative Art?
In generative AI art, "Style Modifiers" are specific instructions in prompts that influence the artistic style, technique, and overall aesthetic of the generated artwork.
A style modifier can be:
- Art Techniques: "Impressionism", "Pointillism", "Surrealism" - each evoking a distinct art style, like the dreamy brushstrokes of Impressionism or the intricate dots of Pointillism.
- Painter's Name: "Van Gogh style", "Picasso-esque", "Rembrandt-inspired" - these modifiers guide the AI to emulate the unique styles of these famous artists.
- Illustrators' Names: "Dr. Seuss style", "Hayao Miyazaki-inspired" - prompting the AI to adopt the creative approaches or fantastical elements characteristic of these illustrators.
- Art Mediums: "Watercolor effect", "Charcoal sketch", "Digital pixel art" - these define the medium the AI should mimic, affecting texture and visual feel.
These modifiers are powerful and act as a directive for the AI. They dictate the mood, tone, and even the historical era of the artwork we create.
Measuring the Impact of Style Modifiers
Analyzing the AI-generated images using different style modifiers revealed fascinating variations. Different modifiers, such as artist names or art techniques, exert varying degrees of influence, often dramatically altering the output.
For instance, the prompt "white cat in colorful background by Artgerm" significantly deviated from a literal interpretation. Instead of a typical animal depiction, the AI (in this case, Midjourney), influenced by Artgerm's distinctive illustration style, produced a cat-figure woman, blending feline features into a human form (see comparison below). This showcases how an artist's signature style can completely reshape the subject matter.
Similarly, "Cyberpunk Samurai by Charles Adam" (right image below) led to a strikingly different rendition in Midjourney. A monochrome color theme with a masked man standing in an ancient Eastern environment, instead of the usual futurism world scene, is created.
The use of style modifiers in AI art creation is not just about aesthetic changes; it’s about transforming the essence of the artwork. In examples above, modifiers like "Artgerm" and "Charles Adam" didn't just tweak details - they revamped the narrative and mood of the pieces.
The elegant ballerina, under different artistic influences, could shift from a classical portrayal to an abstract interpretation. Portraits can transform from detailed drawings mirroring the actual person to abstract creations using a palette of just six colors.
These experiments highlight the significant role of style modifiers in directing the AI's creative process. Style modifiers, when applied timely, can profoundly influence both the visual and conceptual aspects of the artwork.
More Examples
Each of the following images are expandable - click to enlarge.
Elegant Ballerina
A Book Reading Beagle
Happy Dreams
Your Turn. What Benchmark Prompts Would You Use?
The AI-generated art world is boundless. I encourage you to join this artistic adventure; experiment with your own style modifiers, share your masterpieces, and become a part of this creative exploration.
Share your prompts with our community in comment below or social media.
