DAIR.AI

OVERVIEW

This course provides a detailed introduction to prompting techniques for Midjourney, enabling learners to create visually stunning and customized image outputs. With a focus on practical applications, students will explore both text and image prompting, advanced settings, and use cases, building confidence in using Midjourney’s full suite of tools. By the end of the course, you’ll have a systematic approach to crafting effective prompts and generating beautiful visual assets.

PREREQUISITES

• No prior experience or programming knowledge is required.
• You’ll need a paid Midjourney account to access the tools and features.
• Basic familiarity with image editing concepts is helpful but not mandatory.

SYLLABUS

Introduction to Midjourney

• Get a complete overview of the course, its objectives, and the tools you'll be using, guided by instructor Santeri Muhonen.
• Learn how to prepare for the course by gathering a few personal images that you will use later for hands-on image prompting exercises.

Getting Started with Midjourney

• Understand the fundamentals of what Midjourney is and how its underlying diffusion model works to generate images from noise.
• Learn to navigate the Midjourney web UI, including the Imagine Bar, the Explore and Create workspaces, and how to configure your initial settings for optimal results.

Prompting Midjourney

• Discover the three fundamental elements of a Midjourney prompt: text, images, and parameters.
• Write your first basic text prompt—"a hand holding an apple"—to see the image generation process in action from start to finish.

Model Selection

• Learn the key differences between Midjourney's main models, including the versatile default model (v6.1) and the specialized Niji model for anime and illustrative styles.
• Understand when to use each model to achieve the best results for your specific creative vision.

Text Prompting Techniques

• Master the art of text prompting by learning how to structure your prompts with the main subject first, using clear and specific word choices.
• Learn to control the final image by defining shot types, composition, environment, lighting, and mood.
• Discover how to generate text within your images and use photography-specific terms to create photorealistic styles.

Midjourney Tools

• Explore Midjourney's powerful editing toolkit, including how to use Variations for subtle or strong changes and Upscaling to increase image resolution.
• Learn to use the Remix tool to alter your text prompt for an existing image, and the Pan and Zoom tools to extend your image canvas.
• Discover the advanced Image Editor to erase and replace specific elements within an image, giving you precise control over the final output.

Image Prompting Techniques

• Master image prompting by using images as a reference for style, character, or overall composition.
• Learn the distinct functions of a Style Reference to copy an aesthetic, a Character Reference to maintain a consistent character, and a general Image Prompt to influence color and composition.
• Discover how to blend multiple reference images together—combining a character, a style, and a composition—to create unique, new artwork.

Using Parameters

• Learn how to use parameters (like --ar 16:9) to customize your prompts and override default settings for aspect ratio, stylization, and more.
• Master key parameters like --sref to apply a specific style from another image, --no for negative prompting to exclude elements, and --style raw for more photorealistic results.
• Understand how to use weight parameters (--iw, --cw, --sw) to control the influence of your image, character, and style references.

Use Case: Create a Custom Logo

• Apply your skills to a practical project by designing a custom logo from scratch.
• Learn a complete workflow for logo creation, including brainstorming elements, writing descriptive text prompts, and using style references and the editor to refine your design.

Use Case: Create a Personal Avatar

• Create a unique personal avatar by using a photo of yourself as a Character Reference.
• Learn to blend your own image with a Style Reference from another artwork to place yourself in a new artistic setting.
• Practice using parameters and the editor to fine-tune the details and achieve your desired look.

Conclusion

• Recap the powerful tools and techniques you've learned, from basic text prompting to advanced multi-image referencing.
• Look ahead to the future of Midjourney, including the highly anticipated video generation model.