Image Generation Tips and Tricks
Project-based approach for turning ideas into polished visuals using AI
Create a Hero Asset to Define the Visual Language
Start by designing one high-impact asset—something visually rich and symbolic that sets the tone for your campaign, brand, or event.
1. Design one core element
Choose something that can anchor your whole visual system.
Examples:
A hero illustration for an internal campaign
A mandala of food representing global recipes for a cookbook
A burst of arrows for a theme around momentum
A glowing orb to symbolize ignition or a new beginning
A textured shape or pattern that repeats across branded templates
You can sketch this or build a rough version using existing elements.
2. Upload your image into ChatGPT
Once you have a draft or rough visual, upload it here and ask:
“Describe this image in terms of style, color palette, visual elements, and composition. I want to use this as the foundation for image generation in Adobe Firefly.”
ChatGPT will analyze it and return a detailed description of what makes the image work visually.
c. Ask ChatGPT to generate a Firefly prompt
Use the description to build a strong generation prompt:
“Write an Adobe Firefly prompt to create a variation of this image with the same style and mood.”
You’ll get a tailored prompt that includes:
Visual tone (e.g., soft gradients, radial symmetry)
Colors
Subject matter
Mood (e.g., energetic, calming, innovative)
3. Refine in Firefly
Upload your original design as a reference image and paste the prompt.
Adjust as needed:
Swap keywords for more specificity
Push visual direction (more texture, more symmetry, etc.)
Test multiple prompt versions for variation
4. Polish in Photoshop
Once the Firefly version feels close, download it and open in Photoshop.
Use Generative Fill to:
Fix proportions or awkward AI rendering
Extend the layout for banners or slides
Add missing visual accents
Make room for copy or overlays
Now you have a custom, high-quality hero image that sets your entire visual direction.
Example:
Top: I created this food ingredient mandela motif as a base for the art in our employee cookbook.
Bottom: Firefly output after reverse prompting and several rounds of prompt adjusting.
