paletteStyle Guide
Master the art of style in AI image generation. Learn how to describe visual styles, reference artists, and set the perfect mood for your creations.
Popular Art Styles
Each style has specific keywords that AI models recognize. Use these consistently to achieve the look you want. Combining styles can create unique hybrid aesthetics.
Anime / Manga
Japanese animation aesthetic with bold lines, expressive features, and stylized proportions
Keywords:
Example uses:
detailed anime portrait • Studio Ghibli landscape • manga illustration
Photorealistic
Images that look like real photographs with accurate lighting, textures, and proportions
Keywords:
Example uses:
professional photography • editorial portrait • documentary style
Oil Painting
Traditional oil painting look with visible brushwork and rich, layered colors
Keywords:
Example uses:
Renaissance portrait • impressionist landscape • baroque style
Watercolor
Soft, flowing aesthetic with translucent colors and organic blending
Keywords:
Example uses:
botanical illustration • dreamy landscape • loose watercolor portrait
3D Render
Computer-generated 3D imagery with perfect lighting and material accuracy
Keywords:
Example uses:
product visualization • character design • architectural render
Digital Art
Modern digital illustration style popular in gaming and entertainment
Keywords:
Example uses:
character concept art • environment design • book cover illustration
Artist References
Referencing artist styles can achieve consistent, recognizable aesthetics. Use phrases like "in the style of [Artist]" or "[Artist] inspired" in your prompts.
Note: Some AI tools restrict use of living artist names. Classic artists and studio/brand names (like Studio Ghibli) often work more reliably across platforms.
Van Gogh
Swirling brushstrokes, bold colors, post-impressionist
Monet
Soft colors, light effects, impressionist landscapes
Alphonse Mucha
Art nouveau, decorative borders, elegant figures
Greg Rutkowski
Fantasy art, dramatic lighting, detailed environments
Studio Ghibli
Whimsical, nature-focused, hand-painted feel
Makoto Shinkai
Breathtaking skies, photorealistic backgrounds, emotional
James Jean
Surreal, flowing forms, intricate details
Yoshitaka Amano
Ethereal, flowing lines, fantasy illustration
Mood & Atmosphere
Mood keywords set the emotional tone of your image. They influence color palette, lighting, and overall feeling. Group related moods for stronger effects.
Warm / Positive
Cool / Mysterious
Energetic / Dynamic
Serene / Calm
Combining Styles
Creative style combinations can produce unique, eye-catching results. Here are some proven combinations that work well together:
Anime + Photorealism:
semi-realistic anime style, detailed textures, soft lightingOil Painting + Cyberpunk:
neon-lit cityscape, impasto brushstrokes, cyberpunk oil paintingWatercolor + Fantasy:
ethereal fairy forest, soft watercolor, magical atmosphere, flowing colorsFrequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular AI art styles?
The most popular styles include anime/manga, photorealistic, digital art, oil painting, watercolor, and 3D renders. Each has specific keywords that produce consistent results.
Can I reference artist names in AI prompts?
Yes, using "in the style of Van Gogh" or similar phrases works well. Note that some tools may restrict living artist names, so classic artists often work more reliably.
How do I describe mood and atmosphere?
Use mood keywords like "warm", "cozy", "dreamy" for positive feelings, or "dark", "moody", "mysterious" for dramatic atmosphere. Lighting terms also impact mood significantly.