As a creative who loves using AI to generate images, I’m always on the lookout for new sources of inspiration. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 8 fantastic books that can help spark your imagination and give you fresh ideas for your AI art prompts.
I actually use some of these books to write my monthly newsletter, where I deep dive into a particular art style every month and provide prompt ideas. I explore the style’s history and defining characteristics and then provide a curated list of keywords that can be used in prompts to generate images inspired by that style.
By immersing myself in the rich tapestry of art history, I’ve discovered that most AI models have been trained on this vast knowledge, allowing them to understand and interpret prompts that reference specific movements, techniques, and artistic elements. If you’re interested in exploring the styles I’ve covered so far, you can check out my newsletter feed.
Bellow, I’ll be sharing a curated list of books that have been invaluable sources of inspiration for my own prompting journey. Whether you’re a seasoned AI artist or just starting out, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and ideas to help you craft compelling and visually stunning prompts.
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1. Art: The Definitive Visual History
Art: The Definitive Visual History is a comprehensive exploration of the history and evolution of art. While it may not seem directly relevant to AI art at first glance, this book can actually be a goldmine for prompt ideas. By learning about different artistic movements, styles, and techniques, you can craft prompts that capture the essence of those influences.
2. The Art Book
The Art Book is a visually stunning collection that showcases the work of 500 artists from around the world. Each page showcases one artwork of a new artist. As you flip through the pages, you’ll be exposed to a diverse range of artistic expressions, from the classical to the contemporary. This can inspire you to experiment with different genres, mediums, and subject matter in your AI art prompts.
3. Design: The Definitive Visual History
Design: The Definitive Visual History delves into the principles and elements of design, covering everything from color theory to layout and composition. While this book is primarily focused on graphic design, the insights it provides can be incredibly useful for crafting AI art prompts. By understanding design concepts like balance, rhythm, and contrast, you can create prompts that result in visually striking and well-composed images.
4. The Art of Prompts
The Art of Prompts is a book specifically tailored to AI artists’ needs. It offers a deep dive into the art of crafting effective prompts, with tips and techniques for generating unique and compelling images. It also directly lists prompts that you can use and get inspired from.
Some of the reviews say this book comes off as an advertisement for the writer’s AI model, but you’ll find inspiration for prompts that explore different styles, emotions, and narrative elements.
Monthly Prompt Inspiration
Learn new AI art styles with monthly style guides.
Bauhaus Prompts
Palette Knife Prompts
Fashion Photography Prompts
5. Photography: The Definitive Visual History
Photography: The Definitive Visual History is a comprehensive resource for photographers, and it can be a valuable source of inspiration for AI artists looking to generate photographs. By learning about photographic techniques, lighting, and composition, you can use that terminology to create prompts that result in images with a strong sense of depth, mood, and visual interest.
6. Modern Art
Modern Art explores the evolution of art from the late 19th century to the present day. This book can be a treasure trove of ideas for AI art prompts, as it covers a wide range of avant-garde and experimental styles. You might try prompts inspired by Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, or even contemporary digital art movements.
7. The Secret Lives of Color
The Secret Lives of Color is a fascinating exploration of the cultural, historical, and symbolic meanings of different colors. By understanding the emotional and psychological associations of colors, you can craft prompts that evoke specific moods, feelings, or themes.
8. Creating Abstract Art: Ideas and Inspiration for Passionate Making
Creating Abstract Art: Ideas and Inspiration for Passionate Making is a great resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of abstract art. This book provides a wealth of techniques, exercises, and creative prompts that can be adapted for use with AI art generation. You might try prompts that explore texture, layering, or the interplay of shapes and colors.
