How to Create Perfect Prompts for Generating Images with ChatGPT and DALL-E
- Patricia Otranto
- Apr 14
- 3 min read

In the world of AI-generated art, the quality of your image depends heavily on one thing: the prompt. Whether you're using DALL-E through ChatGPT or any other image-generation model, mastering the art of prompt writing is the key to unlocking stunning visuals.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to write powerful prompts to generate exactly the images you want—whether it's a collectible figure, a cartoon-style character, or a masterpiece in the style of a famous artist.
What is a Prompt, and Why Does It Matter?
A prompt is a written instruction you give to the AI to tell it what kind of image you want. It can be a simple phrase or a detailed paragraph. The more descriptive and structured your prompt, the better the results.
Think of it as giving a brief to an artist. If you just say "draw a cat," the result might be vague. But if you say "draw a fluffy white Persian cat sitting on a red velvet cushion in a royal palace," you're much more likely to get what you imagined.
Ideal Structure for Image Generation Prompts
Here’s a simple formula you can use to build powerful prompts on ChatGPT:
[Type of image] of [subject], in the style of [art style or artist], with [physical details], [background/scene], [quality or mood indicators]
Example:
"A 3D rendered Funko Pop style figure of Spider-Man, big head, tiny body, black shiny eyes, standing on a city rooftop, high detail, studio lighting, white background."
This formula helps ensure your prompt includes:
What you're imagining
The style or vibe
Specific visual features
Context or environment
Desired quality (HD, realistic, cartoonish, etc.)
Prompt Examples by Visual Style on ChatGPT
🤖 Collectible Figurine Styles
✨ Funko Pop Style
A Funko Pop style vinyl figure of Harry Potter, oversized head, black round eyes, glasses, wand in hand, Hogwarts robe, standing on a display base, white background
✨ Action Figure Style
A highly detailed action figure of Batman, muscular build, black armor suit, cape flowing, standing pose, dramatic lighting, collector display background

✨ Nendoroid Style
A cute Nendoroid-style figure of Sailor Moon, big sparkling eyes, tiny body, detailed costume, anime style, soft pastel background

🎨 Animation & Art Styles
🌟 Studio Ghibli
A character inspired by Zelda in the art style of Studio Ghibli, soft watercolors, magical forest background, expressive anime eyes, peaceful atmosphere

🔮 Tim Burton Style
A gothic character in the style of Tim Burton, pale skin, dark eyes, long limbs, eerie forest background, melancholic mood

📽 Pixar Style
A 3D animated character of a teenage robot in Pixar style, round features, friendly smile, bright background, cinematic lighting

🎨 Arcane Style (League of Legends)
A portrait of a warrior woman in the art style of Arcane, steampunk elements, intense gaze, painterly brush strokes, dramatic shadows
Advanced Prompt Tips for Better Results
Use quality keywords: Add terms like "high detail," "cinematic lighting," "4K," or "studio photo."
Blend styles: Try combining multiple art styles for unique results
Describe mood and setting: Emotional tone or environment can dramatically affect the output
Be iterative: Start simple, then refine based on what the model generates
Tools & Resources for Prompt Inspiration
Lexica.art: Explore prompts used by others (Midjourney-focused, but valuable)
PromptHero: Community-sourced prompts for multiple models
Pinterest & ArtStation: Great for finding visual styles or mood boards
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect prompt is both an art and a science. The more precise and imaginative you are, the more precise and imaginative your image outputs will be. Don't be afraid to experiment and refine!
✨ Ready to start? Try out one of the prompts above or drop your favorite style in the comments so we can help craft one together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I write a good prompt to generate an image with ChatGPT?
Be specific, include style references, describe your subject in detail, and use keywords for quality or emotion.
Can I use famous artist styles like Ghibli or Tim Burton?
Yes, for personal and creative use. Just be mindful of copyright if you're publishing or selling the results.
What’s the difference between ChatGPT and DALL-E for image generation?
ChatGPT helps you craft the perfect prompt, while DALL·E is the model that generates the image.
Tags: image generation, AI art, DALL-E prompts, ChatGPT art, how to write prompts
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