Midjourney & AI Art Complete Guide

Create stunning AI art with Midjourney. Learn Discord setup, prompt crafting, style parameters, image upscaling, variations, and commercial use guidelines.

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Basics & Foundation

Complete Discord setup, Midjourney subscription, interface navigation, and getting started guide.

Basics & Foundation

Prompting & Creation

Master prompt crafting, parameters, styles, and techniques for creating amazing AI art.

Prompting & Creation

Art Styles & Use-Cases

Explore artistic styles, mediums, time periods, and practical applications for AI art.

Art Styles & Use-Cases

Editing & Upscaling

Image upscaling, variations, subtle vs. strong changes, and post-processing techniques.

Editing & Upscaling

Comparison & Alternatives

Compare Midjourney with DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and other AI image generation tools.

Comparison & Alternatives

Monetization

Sell prints, merchandise, digital art, NFTs, and commercial licensing strategies for AI art.

Monetization

Legal, Ethics & Safety

Copyright, commercial use guidelines, content policies, and ethical AI art practices.

Legal, Ethics & Safety

Advanced & Future

Advanced techniques, blending, pan/zoom features, and future trends in AI image generation.

Advanced & Future

What is Midjourney?

Midjourney is an advanced AI image generation tool that creates stunning artwork from text descriptions (prompts). It operates through Discord, where users interact with the Midjourney Bot to generate unique images using the `/imagine` command.

Unlike other AI art tools, Midjourney specializes in creating artistic, visually compelling images with a distinctive style. It's particularly popular for concept art, illustrations, book covers, and creative projects requiring high-quality visual content.

Official Midjourney Resources

Midjourney Discord Setup

Midjourney operates entirely through Discord, making setup straightforward but requiring a subscription to generate images. Here's the complete setup process:

  • Step 1: Create a Discord account at discord.com
  • Step 2: Join the Midjourney server using http://discord.gg/midjourney
  • Step 3: Subscribe to a Midjourney plan (Required for image generation)
  • Step 4: Go to any #general or #newbie channel (1-10)
  • Step 5: Type `/imagine` and enter your first prompt
  • Step 6: Accept the Terms of Service when prompted
  • Step 7: Wait for image generation (takes about 1 minute)

Pro Tip: Create Your Own Discord Server

For better organization and privacy, create your own Discord server and add the Midjourney Bot. This keeps your images separate from the public channels and makes them easier to find.

Adding Midjourney Bot to Your Server:

  • In Midjourney server, click any channel then click Midjourney Bot name
  • Select "Add to Server" and choose your server
  • Grant necessary permissions to the bot
  • Create channels in your server for different projects
  • Start generating with `/imagine` in your private channels

Art Style Parameters & Controls

Parameters are special instructions that control how Midjourney generates your images. They're added at the end of your prompt after two dashes (--).

Essential Parameters to Master:

  • Aspect Ratio (--ar): Change image dimensions (--ar 16:9, --ar 2:3, etc.)
  • Stylize (--s): Control artistic creativity (0-1000, default 100)
  • Chaos (--c): Increase randomness (0-100)
  • Quality (--q): Control detail level (.25, .5, or 1)
  • No (--no): Exclude elements (--no plants, --no text)
  • Seed (--seed): Get consistent results for testing
  • Weird (--weird): Experimental unconventional aesthetics (0-3000)
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How to Use Parameters Correctly:

  • Place at End: Always put parameters after your prompt text
  • Correct Spacing: One space before double dashes, no space between dashes
  • No Punctuation: Don't use commas, periods in parameters
  • Correct Format: `vibrant sunset --ar 16:9 --s 250` (correct)
  • Avoid: `vibrant sunset--ar 16:9` (no space before dashes)
  • Avoid: `vibrant sunset - - ar 16:9` (space between dashes)
  • Avoid: `vibrant sunset --ar 16:9,` (punctuation in parameters)

Stylize Parameter Explained:

The `--stylize` or `--s` parameter controls how much artistic creativity Midjourney applies:

  • Low (--s 0-50): Follows prompt closely, literal interpretation
  • Medium (--s 100): Default balance between literal and creative
  • High (--s 250-500): More artistic, visually interesting
  • Very High (--s 750-1000): Maximum creativity, may stray from prompt details

Prompt Crafting Techniques

Effective prompting is the key to getting amazing results from Midjourney. A well-crafted prompt can transform a simple idea into stunning artwork.

Prompt Crafting Fundamentals:

  • Be Specific: Instead of "a cat" use "a photorealistic portrait of a tabby cat with green eyes"
  • Use Keywords: Include relevant terms for style, medium, lighting, composition
  • Adjectives & Adverbs: Add detail with descriptive words
  • Use Examples: Reference styles or include image URLs for guidance
  • Experiment: Try different combinations and learn what works
  • Style Keywords: Reference artists, movements, or specific styles
  • Camera Terms: Include shot types, lenses, lighting conditions

Prompt Elements That Transform Images:

Artistic Mediums:

Add these to your prompt: `______ style cat` (examples)

  • Block Print, Cyanotype, Risograph
  • Ballpoint Pen Sketch, Pencil Sketch, Watercolor
  • Oil Painting, Acrylic Pour, Blacklight Painting
  • Pixel Art, Ukiyo-e, Cross Stitch, Pressed Flowers

Time Periods:

Add these to your prompt: `illustration of a ______ cat`

  • 1400s, 1500s, 1600s, 1700s (historical styles)
  • 1800s, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s (industrial era)
  • 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s (mid-century modern)
  • 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s (contemporary styles)

Emotions & Colors:

  • Emotions: Shy, Determined, Sad, Joyful, Angry, Happy, Depressed, Sleepy
  • Colors: Millennial Pink, Acid Green, Sepia, Pastel, Neon, Iridescent, Grayscale
  • Environments: Tundra, Jungle, Desert, Forest, City, Ocean, Crystal Forest, Cave

Advanced Prompt Structures:

  • Subject + Style + Setting + Details: "A majestic dragon, digital painting style, perched on mountain peak at sunset, detailed scales, glowing eyes, cinematic lighting"
  • Photography Prompts: "Portrait of elderly woman, documentary photography, natural light, weathered skin details, emotional expression, shot on 35mm film"
  • Concept Art Prompts: "Futuristic cityscape, cyberpunk aesthetic, neon lights reflecting on wet streets, towering skyscrapers, flying vehicles, concept art, matte painting"
  • Book Cover Prompts: "Fantasy book cover, epic scene of wizard battle, magical energy swirling, ancient ruins backdrop, dramatic lighting, detailed illustration, trending on ArtStation"

Image Upscaling & Variations

After generating your initial image grid, you can upscale images to higher resolution or create variations to explore different versions of your favorite image.

Upscaling Your Images:

  • Initial Size: Images start at 1024 x 1024 pixels (default aspect ratio)
  • Upscale Options: Subtle and Creative upscalers available
  • Final Size: Upscaled images become 2048 x 2048 pixels
  • GPU Time: Upscaling consumes GPU minutes from your subscription

Subtle vs. Creative Upscale:

  • Subtle Upscale: Doubles size with minimal changes, preserves original look
  • Creative Upscale: Doubles size while adding new details, can fix small issues
  • Multiple Attempts: Can re-do Creative upscale for different results
  • Pro Tip: Creative upscaler can help correct awkward hands or facial expressions

Aspect Ratio Image Sizes (Version 7):

  • 1:1 (Square): 1024×1024 → 2048×2048 after upscale
  • 4:3 (Standard): 1232×928 → 2464×1856 after upscale
  • 2:3 (Portrait): 896×1344 → 1792×2688 after upscale
  • 16:9 (Widescreen): 1456×816 → 2912×1632 after upscale

Creating Image Variations:

  • Subtle Variations: Make small, detailed changes to your image
  • Strong Variations: More significantly change image while keeping main theme
  • Grid Buttons: Use V1, V2, V3, V4 buttons for variations from grid
  • After Upscale: Use 🪄 Vary (Strong) and 🪄 Vary (Subtle) buttons
  • Variation Mode: Set default in settings (Strong or Subtle Variation Mode)
  • Remix Mode: Edit prompt while making variations when Remix Mode is on

How to Save Your Images:

  • Desktop: Click image to open full size, right-click → Save image
  • Mobile: Long-tap image, tap download icon in top right
  • Website: All images available on midjourney.com/app
  • Favorite: Click ❤️ to tag best images for easy finding on website

Commercial Use Guidelines

Understanding Midjourney's commercial use policies is essential if you plan to use generated images for business purposes, sales, or client work.

Midjourney Subscription Tiers:

  • Basic Plan: Personal/non-commercial use, limited fast hours
  • Standard Plan: Commercial rights included, more fast hours
  • Pro Plan: Commercial use, stealth mode for privacy, unlimited relax
  • Mega Plan: Highest tier for professionals and businesses

Commercial Rights Overview:

  • Ownership: You own assets you create with paid subscriptions
  • Selling Rights: Can sell or license images (check specific plan terms)
  • Client Work: Can use for client projects under commercial plans
  • Publications: Can use in books, magazines, online publications
  • Merchandise: Can print on products for sale (t-shirts, posters, etc.)
  • Games & Media: Can use in games, films, animations (within limits)

Important Restrictions & Considerations:

  • No Illegal Content: Cannot generate harmful, illegal, or infringing content
  • No Real People: Avoid generating images of real people without consent
  • Copyright Awareness: Be mindful of existing IP, trademarks, copyrighted characters
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations
  • Privacy Settings: Use --stealth parameter for private commercial work
  • Read TOS: Always review current Terms of Service for updates

Best Practices for Commercial Use:

  • Keep Records: Document prompts, parameters, and generation details
  • Organize Assets: Maintain organized library of commercial-ready images
  • Post-Processing: Consider editing images further in Photoshop or other tools
  • Trademark Check: Verify images don't infringe on existing trademarks
  • Client Agreements: Clarify AI generation in client contracts if needed
  • Market Research: Understand what sells in your target market
  • Stay Updated: Policy changes may occur, stay informed

Common Commercial Use Questions:

  • Can I sell prints? Yes, with commercial subscription plans
  • Can I use in a book? Yes, including covers and illustrations
  • Can I use for products? Yes, for physical products like merch
  • Can I use in videos? Yes, for YouTube, films, animations
  • Can I use in apps? Yes, for app graphics and UI elements
  • Can I use in advertising? Yes, for ads and marketing materials
  • Can I teach with it? Yes, for educational content and courses

Pro Tips & Community Resources

Beyond the basics, these tips and resources will help you master Midjourney and connect with the creative community.

Advanced Techniques & Tips:

  • Image Blending: Use `/blend` command to merge multiple images
  • Zoom Out: Use 🔍 Zoom Out buttons to extend canvas beyond original
  • Pan Feature: Use ⬅️➡️⬆️⬇️ buttons to expand canvas in specific direction
  • Direct Messages: DM Midjourney Bot for private generation (still follows rules)
  • Rerun Jobs: Use 🔄 button to regenerate grid with same prompt
  • Check Info: Use `/info` to see remaining Fast GPU time
  • Settings Command: Use `/settings` to configure default parameters

Community Resources & Learning:

  • Discord Community: Learn from others in #prompt-chat, #showcase channels
  • Midjourney Documentation: Comprehensive guides at docs.midjourney.com
  • Social Media: Follow #midjourney on Twitter, Instagram, Reddit (r/midjourney)
  • Prompt Libraries: Explore midlibrary.io for style references and examples
  • YouTube Tutorials: Many creators share advanced techniques and workflows
  • Artist Communities: Connect with AI artists on ArtStation, DeviantArt
  • Support Channels: Use #support on Discord or `/help` command for assistance

Getting Started Workflow:

  • Day 1: Set up Discord, subscribe, generate first images with simple prompts
  • Week 1: Experiment with basic parameters (--ar, --s, --c)
  • Month 1: Master prompt crafting, explore different styles and mediums
  • Month 2: Learn upscaling, variations, and advanced techniques
  • Month 3: Develop workflow for commercial projects if applicable
  • Ongoing: Share work, learn from community, stay updated on new features

Common Issues & Solutions:

  • No Commands Showing: Try command troubleshooting tips from docs
  • Slow Generation: Check if in Relax mode, switch to Fast if available
  • Content Filter: Avoid prompts that might trigger moderation
  • Billing Issues: Visit billing support for subscription problems
  • Quality Concerns: Adjust --q parameter or try different upscalers
  • Inconsistent Results: Use --seed parameter for reproducible results
  • General Help: Use `/ask` command for Midjourney Bot questions
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