7 Tips for Better AI Image Generation
Generative AI is taking over marketing content creation fast. According to CoSchedule, 85% of marketers now use Generative AI for content creation. More data shows that 92% of marketers expect to use gen AI marketing solutions in the next 12 months (DMI, 2025). This means, guardrails around quality of output, brand equity and consumer experience are imperative when brands are awash in a sea of content.
We’re all playing around with AI image generation to help convey our messages and accompany our posts, so it’s worth including this insightful analysis by Wordstream. There are some truly great tips from on how to get the best out of Image generators: e.g. I wasn’t aware that style codes can help with branded images. Nice.
Beginner Level.
Take a look at the original long form article over at Wordstream
or Here’s a scannable time-saving version
AI image tools are amazing… if they’re used right. But it’s a real skill to get believable results. So, after digging through the data and hacks, here’s seven top tips to help you improve your AI image generation in 2025.
1. Use Style Codes (aka “SREFs”) to Keep Things Consistent
You know those weirdly good images that look perfectly on-brand?
They probably used a style reference code – a built-in shortcut in tools like Midjourney to apply the same look every time without writing a novel.
- Swap your long-winded style prompts for short, reusable SREFs
- Great for branding, repeatable ad creative, or just stopping the AI from going rogue
2. Let Gen AI Help You Before You Start Prompting
Here’s a simple trick:
👉 Describe your idea (e.g. “40s dad, cartoon style, eating pizza”) to ChatGPT or Gemini
👉 Ask it to generate visual concepts or prompt ideas
👉 Pick your favourite and feed that into the image generator
Result: Way fewer random fails and more images that actually work
3. Treat Generative AI Like Your Creative Sketchpad
AI’s great for:
- Mocking up surreal campaign ideas
- Getting out of a creative rut
- Playing with weird concepts that would normally cost you a fortune
Is it perfect? No.
But for creative momentum? 10/10 would recommend.
4. Play the Field – Don’t Stick to Just One Tool
Every AI model has a “thing” it’s good at:
- Some do realistic lighting well
- Others nail illustrated vectors
- A few are shockingly good at upscale edits or layout planning
Use platforms like Replicate.com to find specialist models and mix ‘n match to suit your needs.
5. Build a Custom “Gem” (AI That Actually Knows Your Style)
Tools like Gemini Pro let you create your own Custom Gem – basically an AI assistant that remembers your:
- Brand colours
- Visual dos and don’ts
- Creative tone
Over time, it becomes a design partner that just gets it. Less back-and-forth, more results.
6. Keep a Prompt Log – Seriously
The best creators treat prompts like ingredients.
They:
- Save what works
- Cut what doesn’t
- Refine it over time
The goal? Create reusable prompt templates that get great results, fast.
It’s your AI playbook – and it only gets better with age.
7. Just Keep Prompting (It’s a Skill, Not a Shortcut)
Yep – getting good at this takes practice.
Try new tools. Tweak your wording. Break things.
The best prompters we know treat this like any other creative skill: test, refine, repeat.
Eventually, it becomes second nature – and your outputs get scarily good.
TL;DR – Here’s Your Cheatsheet
| What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Use SREF Style Codes | Instant, consistent design without the faff |
| Brainstorm Prompts w/ AI | Get cleaner ideas and fewer dud images |
| Treat AI Like a Sketchpad | Explore faster, fail smarter |
| Try Multiple Platforms | Pick the right tool for the job |
| Create a Custom “Gem” | Get consistent results that fit your brand |
| Save Prompt Variations | Build repeatable success over time |
| Practice Like It’s a Muscle | Yes, this is a craft. Yes, you’ll get better. |
Got a campaign idea or product launch and want help crafting prompt templates for it?
