🎨 23 Popular Digital Art Styles to Level Up Your MidJourney Prompts

AI-generated art is revolutionizing the creative world—and platforms like MidJourney are at the forefront. But to truly unlock its potential, it’s crucial to understand the language of style. Whether you’re going for a dreamy watercolor landscape or a neon cyberpunk portrait, the style of your prompt is what makes your image pop.

This guide dives into 23 popular art styles in MidJourney, complete with tips, prompt examples, and detailed explanations to help you bring your vision to life.

🆕 New to MidJourney? Be sure to check out our Beginner’s Quick Start Guide — a friendly walkthrough to get you creating in minutes!

🖌️ Watercolor: Soft, Ethereal, Dreamy

Key Traits: Soft brushstrokes, transparent pigment, pastel tones
Use For: Landscapes, portraits, delicate illustrations

Prompt Tips:

• Include phrases like “light washes”, “pastel colors”, or “flowing brushstrokes”
• Add mood: “golden sunlight,” “misty forest”, etc.

Example:
/imagine prompt: A watercolor painting of a ripe red apple, soft gradients blending crimson and gold hues, delicate leaf details, on a wooden table, pastel background --ar 3:2 --v 6.0

✒️ Line Drawing: Minimal Yet Expressive

Key Traits: Clean lines, minimal shading, monochrome palette
Use For: Portraits, logos, conceptual art

Prompt Tips:

• Keep it simple: “single continuous line,” “pen and ink”
• Avoid complex compositions

Example:
/imagine prompt: A continuous line art drawing of an apple, crafted with a single stroke, minimalist black ink on white --ar 4:3 --v 6.0

💻 Digital Art: Versatile and Bold

Key Traits: Hyper-realism to surrealism, vivid colors, sharp details
Use For: Futuristic scenes, concept art, fantasy

Prompt Tips:

• Think cinematic: “cyberpunk skyline”, “HDR lighting”
• Be detailed: materials, lighting, reflections

Example:
/imagine prompt: A futuristic apple with a transparent crystal shell and glowing circuits, dystopian skyline background, HDR lighting --ar 2:3 --v 6.0

🧱 Pixel Art: Retro Vibes with Charm

Key Traits: 8-bit or 16-bit style, bold pixel blocks, nostalgia
Use For: Game assets, avatars, isometric designs

Prompt Tips:

• Specify resolution: “16-bit”, “isometric view”
• Add mood: “retro arcade”, “nostalgic style”

Example:
/imagine prompt: A pixel art apple in 16-bit style, red with green leaf, retro game background --ar 1:1 --v 6.0

🎨 Oil Painting: Classical and Emotional

Key Traits: Thick brushstrokes, layered texture, dramatic lighting
Use For: Portraits, historical scenes, still life

Prompt Tips:

• Use phrases like “textured brushwork”, “classic style”
• Add mood: “stormy sky”, “candlelight glow”

Example:
/imagine prompt: An oil painting of a red apple on a rustic table, rich colors, soft shadows, traditional style --ar 3:2 --v 6.0

🧩 Cubism: Abstract and Geometric

Key Traits: Fragmented shapes, multiple angles, muted tones
Use For: Modern abstract compositions, expressive figures

Prompt Tips:

• Use “geometric abstraction”, “fragmented forms”
• Keep the palette earthy or muted

Example:
/imagine prompt: A cubist apple in ochre and terracotta tones, sharp angles, overlapping shapes --ar 1:1 --v 6.0

💥 Glitch Art: Controlled Chaos

Key Traits: Pixelation, distortion, neon hues, randomness
Use For: Futuristic, experimental, and edgy designs

Prompt Tips:

• Add “glitch lines”, “fragmented pixels”, “data corruption”
• Use high-contrast neon colors

Example:
/imagine prompt: A glitchy neon apple distorted with pixel fragments and chaotic RGB streaks --ar 1:1 --v 6.0

🌺 Art Nouveau: Elegant and Ornamental

Key Traits: Flowing lines, floral motifs, decorative elements
Use For: Posters, tarot cards, editorial illustration

Prompt Tips:

• Add “ornate borders”, “vines and flowers”, “soft pastel palette”
• Refer to Alphonse Mucha for stylistic anchor

Example:
/imagine prompt: An Art Nouveau apple surrounded by floral patterns, golden swirls, parchment background --ar 3:4 --v 6.0

⚡ Bonus: Power Prompts to Try in MidJourney

If you're eager to experiment right away, copy and tweak these:

/imagine prompt: A minimalist red apple, centered on a white background, negative space --ar 1:1 --v 6.0

/imagine prompt: An acrylic painting of a flower garden, textured bold strokes, vibrant tones --ar 3:2 --v 6.0

/imagine prompt: A psychedelic cosmic landscape, swirling neon hues, floating apple planets --ar 3:2 --v 6.0

🔑 Final Tips for Crafting Great Art Style Prompts

1. Be specific – Always define subject, style, color palette, and composition.
2. Use the right style terms – Words like “halftone,” “surreal,” or “glitch effect” guide the AI better.
3. Add mood and setting – Lighting, environment, and emotion elevate your results.

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