How to write effective prompts for ChatGPT and other AI: a guide for creatives

Learn how to talk to artificial intelligences to get just what you need

AI tools like ChatGPT or DALL-E have opened up a world of possibilities for creatives of all disciplines. But there's one key detail: if you don't know how to ask, you won't get good results. That's why mastering the art of writing prompts is as important as knowing how to use the tool.

What is a prompt?

A prompt is the instruction you give to an AI to help you. It can be as simple as "write an idea for a logo" or as complex as "write an introduction for an online course on botanical illustration in an inspiring and poetic tone."

And as with everything in creativity: the clearer and more focused your brief is, the better the results will be..

How to generate prompts that work.

Objective + context + tone + formatting + references.

Example for a visual creative:.

"Generate 5 moodboard ideas for a sustainable makeup brand, with soft colors, Scandinavian design references, in table format and in a professional tone.".

And if you are copywriter or copywriter:

"Write a description for a branding course, addressed to freelance designers, in an approachable and motivating tone, including a call to action."

Tools to improve your prompts.

- ChatGPT (for ideas, wording, scripts, etc.)
- DALL-E or Midjourney (for images)
- PromptPerfect or PromptHero (for inspiration)
- Prompt engineering (advanced technique for writing detailed and useful instructions)
- Get inspired with more content about creativity and design.

Usage ideas for creatives.

Designers: ideas for palettes, typographies, layouts.
Illustrators: complex visual descriptions to practice with
Photographers: scripts for shoots, titles of series or concepts
Copywriters: article structures, copies, reel scripts
Teachers: ideas for exercises, quizzes or creative dynamics