AI images need a design direction.
An interesting image is a beginning. A useful design also has a purpose, an audience and a place where it will be seen. This guide helps you connect AI image experiments with those decisions.
01 / Write the brief before the prompt.
Describe what the image needs to communicate, who will see it and where it will appear. Specify the subject, mood, composition, available space for text and required proportions. “Make something beautiful” leaves the most important decisions undefined.
02 / Keep a visual reference system.
Define a small set of consistent rules: palette, lighting, framing and treatment of materials. Use references to describe those choices, and check that you are allowed to use the source material. Evaluate a series together; individually attractive images may not belong to the same brand.
03 / Review the image at its real size.
Inspect small details, text, edges, repeating patterns and the object’s structure. Then test the image at the size at which people will see it. If it represents an actual product, compare it with the real object: a convincing rendering can still contain incorrect details.
04 / Compose for each format.
A wide cover and a vertical mobile screen do not show the same area. Place essential objects within a safe focal region and preview each crop. Keep important text as editable design elements where possible, rather than relying on text embedded in a generated image.
05 / Separate exploration from final delivery.
Keep the selected original, the edited master and the exports for each channel. Record which parts were generated and which were edited. Before publishing, review quality and the applicable permissions with the project team. AI can support exploration; the final choices still need a clear design rationale.
Where does the Katharsis atelier fit?
Our atelier is an experimental workspace, separate from the public portfolio, and currently requires a password. For a brand or communication project, start with the studio contact page so we can discuss the objective and the materials you need.
Tell us what you have in mind.
A short brief is a good place to begin.