42 AI image styles you need to know

Introduction

Style determines everything about how an AI-generated image looks and feels. The same subject—a woman standing in a garden—becomes a professional photograph, a delicate watercolor painting, a bold comic book panel or a classical oil portrait depending on the style you specify.

AI image generators understand style terminology. When you specify "watercolor painting" or "cyberpunk aesthetic," the AI applies those visual characteristics to your subject—soft washes for watercolor, neon lights for cyberpunk.

This guide covers 40+ essential image styles organized by category, with practical examples and prompts for each. You'll learn which styles work best for different purposes, how to prompt effectively for both text-to-image and image-to-image generation and how to layer styles for more nuanced results.

What are AI image styles?

AI image styles are visual treatments that determine how your generated image looks and feels. Style encompasses everything from medium and technique (oil painting, photography, digital art) to aesthetic movement (impressionism, cyberpunk, art nouveau) to cultural tradition (anime, ukiyo-e).

Why style matters

Style transforms the mood and emotional impact of your image. A photorealistic portrait feels authentic and relatable. The same portrait as an oil painting feels timeless and sophisticated. As anime, it becomes energetic and expressive. Style choices affect how viewers perceive and respond to your work.

Style also signals purpose and audience. Photorealistic styles work for product mockups and professional presentations. Watercolor suits wedding invitations and children's books. Cyberpunk aesthetic targets gaming and sci-fi audiences. Matching style to purpose ensures your image communicates effectively.

Style vs other prompt elements

Style is just one component of effective prompts. You still need to specify your subject (what you're generating), composition (how elements are arranged), lighting (mood and atmosphere) and camera angle (perspective). Style determines the visual treatment applied to all these elements. "Low-angle shot of warrior in dramatic lighting" becomes completely different when you add "photorealistic" versus "anime style" versus "oil painting."

How to use AI image styles

AI image styles work in two ways: generating new images from text descriptions (text-to-image) or transforming existing images into different styles (image-to-image). Both methods give you precise control over aesthetic treatment, but they solve different creative problems.

Text-to-image: Building from scratch

Text-to-image generation creates entirely new images based on your written prompts. You describe what you want—subject, composition, lighting and style—and the AI generates it from nothing.

Style terminology goes directly into your prompt alongside your subject description. The structure is simple: describe your subject, then specify the style you want applied to it. "Portrait of woman in cafe" becomes "Portrait of woman in cafe, oil painting style, visible brushstrokes, warm lighting" or "Portrait of woman in cafe, anime style, vibrant colors, cel shading."

Be specific with style terminology. "Painting" is vague. "Impressionist oil painting with loose brushwork and dappled light" tells the AI exactly what aesthetic you want. More precise language produces more targeted results.

Image-to-image: Transforming what you have

Image-to-image generation takes an existing image and transforms it into a new style while preserving the original composition. Upload a photograph and convert it to an anime illustration, an oil painting, a pencil sketch—whatever style you specify.

This maintains your source image's structure. The pose stays the same. The framing doesn't change. Spatial relationships between objects remain intact. Only the visual treatment transforms. A realistic portrait becomes stylized while keeping the same expression, angle and composition.

Use image-to-image when you have existing photography or artwork that needs different aesthetic treatment. A product photo can become a watercolor illustration for packaging. A reference photo can transform into concept art for a game. Client photography can render in multiple styles without reshooting.

Control the transformation strength. Higher style strength creates dramatic changes—a photo becomes unmistakably painterly. Lower strength preserves more original detail while adding subtle style characteristics. Start moderate, then adjust based on whether you need more transformation or more preservation of source details.

Combining styles effectively

You can layer multiple style descriptors for nuanced results. "Cinematic" plus "film noir" creates a specific mood. "Watercolor" plus "loose, gestural" produces different results than "watercolor" plus "detailed, botanical illustration style."

Some combinations work better than others. Photorealistic styles conflict with heavily stylized ones—asking for "photorealistic anime" confuses the model. But "cinematic lighting" works with almost any style because it describes mood, not medium.

Test combinations on simple subjects first. Generate "portrait of person" with your style combination before applying it to complex scenes. This shows you quickly whether your terminology produces the aesthetic you're imagining.

6 Photorealistic and cinematic styles

These styles produce images that look like photographs or film stills, emphasizing realism, accurate lighting and professional camera techniques.

1. Photorealism

Images indistinguishable from photographs, featuring accurate lighting, realistic textures and lifelike detail with proper depth of field and color accuracy.

Creates: Authenticity, credibility, professionalism, realism

Best for: Product mockups, architectural visualization, portrait photography, marketing materials

Runway tip: Combine with photography terms like "shallow depth of field" or "golden hour lighting" for even more realistic results.

Example prompts:

• "Photorealistic portrait of woman in cafe, natural window light, shallow depth of field, professional photography"
• "Photorealistic product shot of sneaker on concrete, studio lighting, high detail, macro lens"

2. Cinematic

Film-like imagery with dramatic lighting, intentional framing and narrative atmosphere. This style emphasizes mood, story and professional production values borrowed from cinema.

Creates: Drama, narrative depth, professional polish, emotional weight

Best for: Storyboards, concept art, promotional materials, atmospheric scenes

Runway tip: Reference specific film genres like "film noir," "sci-fi thriller," or "period drama" to guide the aesthetic more precisely.

Example prompts:

• "Cinematic shot of detective in rain-soaked alley, dramatic side lighting, film noir atmosphere, moody"
• "Cinematic wide shot of spacecraft approaching planet, epic scale, science fiction, volumetric lighting"

3. Black and white photography

Monochromatic imagery emphasizing contrast, texture and tonal range. This classic style removes color to focus on composition, lighting and emotional essence.

Creates: Timelessness, elegance, drama, artistic sophistication

Best for: Portraits, street photography, documentary work, fine art

Runway tip: Specify "high contrast" for bold, graphic results or "soft gradients" for subtle, nuanced tones.

Example prompts:

• "Black and white portrait of jazz musician, high contrast, dramatic side lighting, grain texture"
• "Black and white street photography of busy intersection, soft gradients, documentary style, natural light"

4. Studio photography

Professionally lit and composed images taken in controlled environments. Clean backgrounds, precise lighting and polished presentation define this commercial style.

Creates: Professionalism, clarity, commercial appeal, controlled perfection

Best for: Product photography, corporate headshots, e-commerce, catalog images

Runway tip: Specify background color and lighting setup for maximum control: "white seamless background, three-point lighting."

Example prompts:

• "Studio photograph of luxury watch on white background, professional lighting, product photography, high detail"
• "Studio portrait on gray backdrop, soft key light, professional headshot, clean composition"

5. Vintage photography

Images that emulate the look of old photographs with period-appropriate characteristics. Faded colors, grain, vignetting and dated processing techniques create nostalgic appeal.

Creates: Nostalgia, warmth, historical authenticity, sentimental feeling

Best for: Retro projects, historical concepts, sentimental content, vintage branding

Runway tip: Specify the era for accuracy: "1970s Polaroid," "1950s Kodachrome," or "Victorian daguerreotype."

Example prompts:

• "Vintage 1970s Polaroid of family picnic, faded colors, white border, warm nostalgic tones"
• "Vintage sepia-tone photograph of frontier town, 1880s style, aged texture, historical"

6. Documentary style

Images that capture real-world subjects with journalistic authenticity and unmanipulated realism. Natural lighting, candid moments and straightforward composition convey truth and immediacy without artistic embellishment.

Creates: Authenticity, credibility, emotional connection, social awareness

Best for: Journalism projects, social issue content, educational materials, reportage-style storytelling

Runway tip: Emphasize natural conditions and candid moments: "available light only," "unposed," or "photojournalistic approach."

Example prompts:

• "Documentary style photograph of street vendor at dawn, natural lighting, candid moment, photojournalistic"
• "Documentary image of climate protesters, handheld camera aesthetic, raw emotion, unposed, reportage style"

4 Animated and cartoon styles

1. Anime

Japanese animation style characterized by vibrant colors, stylized characters and expressive features. Large eyes, distinctive hair designs and dynamic compositions define this popular aesthetic.

Creates: Energy, emotion, fantasy, youthful appeal

Best for: Character design, storytelling, social media content, fan art

Runway tip: Reference specific anime aesthetics like "Studio Ghibli style" or "shonen anime" for more targeted results.

Example prompts:

• "Anime character with blue hair and magical powers, dynamic pose, vibrant colors, cel shading"
• "Anime landscape of futuristic Tokyo at night, neon lights, detailed cityscape, dramatic sky"

2. Comic book

Sequential art style featuring bold linework, dynamic compositions and often halftone shading. Emphasizes action, drama and clear visual storytelling.

Creates: Dynamic energy, narrative drama, heroic scale, graphic impact

Best for: Superhero concepts, action scenes, graphic novels, dynamic illustrations

Runway tip: Specify "comic book inking" for clean linework or "vintage comic style" for retro halftone dots and aged colors.

Example prompts:

• "Comic book style superhero landing pose, bold inks, dynamic composition, action lines"
• "Comic book panel of city chase scene, dramatic angles, halftone shading, vibrant colors"

3. Cartoon

Simplified, exaggerated illustration style often humorous or whimsical. Features rounded forms, bright colors, thick outlines and expressive characters.

Creates: Playfulness, accessibility, humor, universal appeal

Best for: Children's content, mascots, casual branding, friendly illustrations

Runway tip: Specify cartoon era or style: "1930s rubber hose animation," "modern cartoon network style," or "Disney character design."

Example prompts:

• "Cartoon character of friendly dog, big eyes, rounded forms, bright colors, thick outlines"
• "Cartoon scene of busy kitchen, exaggerated proportions, vibrant palette, playful style"

4. 2D animation

Images with the characteristic look of traditional hand-drawn or digitally animated frames. Flat cel-shaded colors, clean linework and motion-ready aesthetics evoke classic cartoons and modern animation studios.

Creates: Dynamic energy, playfulness, narrative appeal, accessible charm

Best for: Explainer videos, children's content, brand mascots, storyboarding

Runway tip: Reference animation studios or eras for specific looks: "Disney style," "Cartoon Network aesthetic," or "1990s Saturday morning cartoon."

Example prompts:

• "2D animation style character running, cel shading, bright colors, motion blur effects, cartoon energy"
• "2D animated forest scene, hand-drawn aesthetic, Studio Ghibli inspired, soft watercolor backgrounds"

6 Traditional painting and drawing styles

These styles emulate classic art mediums and techniques, from oil on canvas to delicate watercolors.

1. Oil painting

Rich, textured appearance with visible brushstrokes and layered paint application. This classical style features deep colors, dramatic lighting and the dimensional quality of traditional oil on canvas.

Creates: Timelessness, sophistication, depth, artistic prestige

Best for: Portraits, classical scenes, fine art reproductions, gallery-worthy images

Runway tip: Add "thick impasto" for heavily textured brushwork or "glazing technique" for smoother, luminous results.

Example prompts:

• "Oil painting of elderly man in study, visible brushstrokes, warm lighting, Renaissance style"
• "Oil painting landscape of mountain valley at sunset, thick paint texture, dramatic clouds"

2. Watercolor

Soft, fluid appearance with delicate color washes and gentle bleeds between hues. This style mimics traditional watercolor paintings with translucent layers and subtle texture variations.

Creates: Dreaminess, softness, elegance, ethereal beauty

Best for: Children's book illustrations, wedding invitations, nature art, romantic scenes

Runway tip: Specify "loose watercolor" for more abstract results or "detailed watercolor" for tighter control over forms.

Example prompts:

• "Watercolor painting of hummingbird hovering over hibiscus flower, soft washes, delicate detail"
• "Watercolor landscape of coastal scene, gentle color bleeds, morning light, pastel palette"

3. Impressionism

Visible brushstrokes, emphasis on light and movement and loose composition characterize this iconic art movement. Colors are often applied side-by-side rather than blended, creating vibrant, atmospheric results.

Creates: Light, movement, atmosphere, artistic energy

Best for: Landscapes, outdoor scenes, atmospheric moments, artistic interpretation

Runway tip: Reference specific impressionist characteristics like "dappled light," "broken color," or "loose brushwork" for authentic results.

Example prompts:

• "Impressionist painting of garden party, dappled sunlight, loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors"
• "Impressionist landscape of river at dawn, broken color technique, atmospheric, light-filled"

4. Renaissance

Classical painting style from 14th-17th century Europe featuring realistic human figures, balanced composition, religious or mythological themes and dramatic chiaroscuro lighting.

Creates: Classical grandeur, historical gravitas, artistic mastery, cultural sophistication

Best for: Historical subjects, classical compositions, dramatic portraits, fine art concepts

Runway tip: Combine with "chiaroscuro lighting" and "classical composition" for authentic period style.

Example prompts:

• "Renaissance painting of scholar in library, chiaroscuro lighting, classical composition, rich colors"
• "Renaissance style portrait of nobleman, detailed clothing, dramatic lighting, oil on canvas"

5. Charcoal sketch

Monochromatic drawings created with charcoal medium, featuring smudged textures, dramatic contrast and expressive linework. This style emphasizes form, shadow and gestural energy.

Creates: Raw expressiveness, dramatic contrast, artistic spontaneity, emotional directness

Best for: Figure studies, dramatic portraits, artistic concepts, loose illustrations

Runway tip: Specify "soft charcoal" for blended, atmospheric results or "charcoal line drawing" for more defined edges.

Example prompts:

• "Charcoal sketch of ballet dancer, gestural lines, smudged shadows, expressive movement"
• "Soft charcoal drawing of landscape, atmospheric perspective, dramatic contrast, loose technique"

6. Pencil sketch

Images rendered with graphite pencil techniques showing visible strokes, shading and paper texture. Monochromatic grayscale with varying line weights and tonal values creates classic drawing aesthetics.

Creates: Artistic refinement, timeless quality, focus on form and structure, intimate feeling

Best for: Concept development, portrait studies, architectural drawings, artistic portfolios

Runway tip: Specify pencil hardness and technique: "soft 6B shading," "detailed crosshatching," or "loose gestural lines."

Example prompts:

• "Pencil sketch of ballet dancer, delicate shading, visible paper texture, flowing gestural lines"
• "Detailed pencil drawing of vintage car, precise crosshatching, technical illustration style, graphite on paper"

6 Digital art and 3D styles

These styles emerged from digital creation tools, gaming and modern entertainment, featuring polished rendering and contemporary aesthetics.

1. Digital painting

Artwork that looks painted or illustrated digitally, similar to concept art for games and films. Features painterly brushstrokes, rich color blending, dramatic lighting and high detail.

Creates: Modern fantasy, imaginative worlds, professional concept art, dynamic energy

Best for: Game concept art, fantasy illustrations, character design, sci-fi scenes

Runway tip: Reference "ArtStation" or "concept art" for the professional digital art aesthetic used in entertainment industry.

Example prompts:

• "Digital painting of dragon perched on castle, dramatic lighting, fantasy concept art, detailed"
• "Digital painting of cyberpunk street market, neon lights, atmospheric, concept art style"

2. 3D rendered

Computer-generated imagery with smooth, dimensional forms and polished surfaces. This style ranges from realistic 3D models to stylized cartoon rendering.

Creates: Modern polish, dimensional clarity, commercial appeal, technical precision

Best for: Product visualization, architectural renders, character models, commercial work

Runway tip: Specify rendering style: "photoreal 3D render" for realism or "stylized 3D" for cartoon-like treatment.

Example prompts:

• "3D render of modern chair, clean lighting, white background, product visualization, photorealistic"
• "Stylized 3D render of cartoon robot, smooth surfaces, vibrant colors, Pixar style"

3. Pixel art

Digital art created with visible square pixels, reminiscent of early video games. Despite technical constraints, this style creates charming, nostalgic imagery with careful color choices and dithering.

Creates: Nostalgia, retro charm, gaming aesthetic, playful simplicity

Best for: Gaming projects, retro branding, indie game art, nostalgic content

Runway tip: Specify color palette size for authenticity: "16-color palette" for classic look or "32-bit pixel art" for more detail.

Example prompts:

• "Pixel art of fantasy castle, 16-bit style, vibrant colors, detailed sprite work"
• "Pixel art character sprite, 32-bit, action pose, retro gaming aesthetic"

4. Low poly

Geometric style using minimal polygons to create simplified, faceted forms. This aesthetic combines retro 3D gaming nostalgia with modern minimalist design.

Creates: Geometric simplicity, modern minimalism, stylized charm, retro-futurism

Best for: Stylized landscapes, modern design, gaming concepts, minimalist art

Runway tip: Combine with flat colors for clean, graphic results or gradients for softer transitions between facets.

Example prompts:

• "Low poly landscape of mountains and lake, flat colors, geometric facets, minimalist"
• "Low poly character model, stylized proportions, geometric design, vibrant colors"

5. Cyberpunk

Futuristic style featuring neon lights, high-tech elements, urban dystopia and dark atmosphere. Purple, pink and cyan color schemes dominate this sci-fi aesthetic.

Creates: Futuristic cool, technological dystopia, neon atmosphere, sci-fi edge

Best for: Sci-fi projects, gaming concepts, futuristic branding, tech illustrations

Runway tip: Emphasize signature elements: "neon signs," "rain-slicked streets," "holographic displays" for authentic cyberpunk atmosphere.

Example prompts:

• "Cyberpunk street scene with neon signs, rain-slicked pavement, holographic ads, night atmosphere"
• "Cyberpunk portrait with neon lighting, tech implants, urban background, futuristic style"

6. Concept art

Images showing the polished, production-ready aesthetic of entertainment industry design work. Dramatic lighting, atmospheric perspective and detailed world-building convey cinematic vision.

Creates: Epic scale, professional polish, immersive worlds, cinematic drama

Best for: Game development, film pre-production, world-building projects, portfolio showcases

Runway tip: Reference specific media types: "video game environment concept," "film character design," or "vehicle concept art."

Example prompts:

• "Concept art of futuristic city skyline, dramatic lighting, detailed architecture, matte painting style"
• "Character concept art of armored warrior, multiple views, detailed design notes, professional game art"

5 Illustration styles

1. Storyboard

Rough sequential sketches used for planning visual narratives. Features quick linework, simplified compositions and annotation-ready layouts that prioritize clarity over polish.

Creates: Professional planning aesthetic, narrative flow, production-ready visualization, concept clarity

Best for: Film pre-production, video planning, pitch presentations, narrative development

Runway tip: Emphasize the sketchy planning quality: "rough pencil lines," "sequential panels," or "annotated frames."

Example prompts:

• "Storyboard sequence of chase scene, rough sketches, sequential panels, cinematic framing, pencil lines"
• "Storyboard frames showing character dialogue, simple compositions, clear staging, production sketch style"

2. Children's book illustration

Images with the warm, approachable aesthetic of storybook art. Soft edges, expressive characters and gentle color palettes create age-appropriate charm and narrative appeal.

Creates: Innocence, wonder, accessibility, emotional warmth

Best for: Kids' content, educational materials, family-friendly branding, gentle storytelling

Runway tip: Specify illustration medium and mood: "soft watercolor style," "gentle pastel colors," or "warm storybook aesthetic."

Example prompts:

• "Children's book illustration of forest animals having tea party, watercolor style, soft edges, whimsical"
• "Storybook illustration of child reading under tree, gentle colors, Eric Carle inspired, textured collage look"

3. Fantasy art

Images depicting magical, mythical or imaginary worlds with epic scope and detailed world-building. Dragons, castles, mystical landscapes and heroic figures create escapist wonder.

Creates: Enchantment, adventure, escapism, epic grandeur

Best for: Book covers, game art, poster design, imaginative storytelling

Runway tip: Build rich details: "medieval fantasy kingdom," "high fantasy magic system," or "dark fantasy atmosphere."

Example prompts:

• "Fantasy art of dragon perched on mountain castle, epic scale, detailed wings, magical sunset lighting"
• "High fantasy wizard casting spell, glowing runes, mystical energy, detailed robes, Boris Vallejo style"

4. Botanical illustration

Images depicting plants with scientific accuracy and artistic refinement. Detailed linework, precise anatomy and naturalistic rendering combine educational value with aesthetic beauty.

Creates: Elegance, precision, natural sophistication, timeless quality

Best for: Natural product branding, educational content, vintage-inspired design, wellness materials

Runway tip: Specify the approach: "scientific watercolor," "vintage herbarium style," or "contemporary botanical minimalism."

Example prompts:

• "Botanical illustration of rare orchid, detailed watercolor, white background, scientific accuracy, vintage herbarium"
• "Botanical study of medicinal herbs, precise linework, labeled parts, 19th century field guide style"

5. Technical illustration

Precise, detailed drawings showing how objects work or are constructed. Features clean linework, cutaway views, labeled components,and schematic clarity for educational or instructional purposes.

Creates: Professional precision, educational clarity, technical authority, informative detail

Best for: Product manuals, educational materials, patent drawings, instructional content

Runway tip: Emphasize clarity and detail: "exploded view," "labeled components," or "cross-section diagram."

Example prompts:

• "Technical illustration of engine, cutaway view, labeled parts, precise linework, instructional diagram"
• "Technical illustration of watch mechanism, exploded view, detailed components, clean schematic style"

6 Bold and graphic styles

1. Surrealism

Images combining unexpected elements in dreamlike or impossible scenarios. Distorted reality, symbolic imagery and illogical juxtapositions create thought-provoking visual puzzles.

Creates: Mystery, intrigue, psychological depth, artistic sophistication

Best for: Album covers, editorial illustrations, fine art projects, provocative advertising

Runway tip: Embrace the impossible: "melting objects," "floating elements," or "dreamlike impossible architecture."

Example prompts:

• "Surrealist scene of giant clock melting over desert landscape, Salvador Dali inspired, dreamlike lighting"
• "Surreal portrait with butterflies emerging from eyes, Magritte style, impossible perspective, symbolic"

2. Pop art

Bold, bright colors with strong contrasts and simplified forms inspired by 1960s art movement. Features flat colors, thick outlines and commercial imagery aesthetics.

Creates: Energy, playfulness, commercial appeal, cultural commentary

Best for: Marketing materials, bold graphics, retro projects, statement pieces

Runway tip: Reference pop art icons for specific aesthetics: "Warhol-inspired" for repetition and color variation or "Lichtenstein style" for Ben-Day dots.

Example prompts:

• "Pop art portrait with bold colors, strong contrast, flat shading, graphic style"
• "Pop art still life of consumer products, vibrant colors, thick outlines, commercial aesthetic"

3. Street art

Urban art aesthetic featuring spray paint textures, bold colors, graffiti-inspired designs and raw energy. Often includes social commentary and rebellious spirit.

Creates: Urban edge, rebellious energy, contemporary cool, raw authenticity

Best for: Urban projects, youth marketing, contemporary art, bold statements

Runway tip: Combine with specific techniques: "stencil art," "spray paint texture," or "graffiti murals" for varied street art approaches.

Example prompts:

• "Street art mural of tiger, spray paint texture, vibrant colors, urban wall, graffiti style"
• "Street art portrait with stencil technique, bold contrast, urban aesthetic, political edge"

4. Psychedelic

Vibrant, surreal style featuring intense colors, swirling patterns, kaleidoscopic effects and mind-bending imagery. Associated with 1960s counterculture and altered perception.

Creates: Intensity, surrealism, visual energy, consciousness expansion

Best for: Music posters, abstract art, experimental design, retro projects

Runway tip: Layer multiple effects: "swirling patterns," "kaleidoscopic," "vibrant gradients," and "fractal elements" for authentic psychedelic intensity.

Example prompts:

• "Psychedelic poster with swirling colors, kaleidoscopic patterns, vibrant gradients, 1960s style"
• "Psychedelic portrait with fractal patterns, intense colors, surreal elements, trippy aesthetic"

5. Retrofuturism

Images blending past visions of the future with nostalgic aesthetics. Atomic Age optimism, chrome details and vintage sci-fi styling create charming anachronistic futures.

Creates: Nostalgic optimism, playful innovation, vintage charm, alternate timelines

Best for: Retro branding, creative advertising, alternate history projects, stylized sci-fi

Runway tip: Mix eras deliberately: "1950s vision of 2000," "Art Deco space station," or "1960s Moon base aesthetic."

Example prompts:

• "Retrofuturism 1950s style flying car, chrome details, atomic age optimism, vintage sci-fi magazine cover"
• "Retrofuturistic space station interior, Art Deco styling, analog controls, optimistic 1960s future vision"

6. Minimalist

Clean, simplified aesthetic emphasizing essential elements with maximum negative space. Features limited color palettes, geometric simplicity and deliberate reduction to create sophisticated clarity.

Creates: Modern sophistication, visual calm, elegant simplicity, contemporary cool

Best for: Modern branding, tech products, clean design, sophisticated marketing

Runway tip: Embrace restraint: "limited color palette," "maximum negative space," or "geometric simplicity."

Example prompts:

• "Minimalist product photography, single object on white, clean lines, simple composition, negative space"
• "Minimalist landscape with geometric shapes, limited colors, simple forms, contemporary art style"

5 Period-specific styles

1. Gothic

Images embracing dark romanticism with architectural drama, shadowy atmospheres and ornate details. Pointed arches, dramatic lighting and melancholic beauty create haunting elegance.

Creates: Mystery, drama, romantic darkness, architectural grandeur

Best for: Horror content, dark fashion, atmospheric branding, moody editorial work

Runway tip: Layer the atmosphere: "candlelit cathedral," "foggy cemetery," or "Victorian gothic mansion."

Example prompts:

• "Gothic cathedral interior, dramatic shadows, stained glass light rays, ornate stone details, atmospheric"
• "Gothic portrait in candlelit room, dark romantic aesthetic, velvet textures, moody chiaroscuro lighting"

2. Medieval

Images evoking the European Middle Ages with period-accurate architecture, costume and aesthetic sensibilities. Stone castles, heraldry, illuminated manuscript details and rustic textures create historical atmosphere.

Creates: Historical authenticity, nobility, romance, epic storytelling

Best for: Historical content, game design, educational materials, period storytelling

Runway tip: Specify the century or region: "12th century English," "late medieval Flemish," or "illuminated manuscript border."

Example prompts:

• "Medieval castle courtyard, stone architecture, market day bustling, authentic period details, natural lighting"
• "Medieval illuminated manuscript page, gold leaf details, ornate borders, religious iconography, vellum texture"

3. Victorian

Images capturing late 19th century British aesthetic with ornate decoration, rich textiles and refined sensibilities. Elaborate details, formal compositions and period-specific technology create historical elegance.

Creates: Sophistication, nostalgia, refined taste, historical romance

Best for: Period dramas, steampunk content, vintage branding, elegant design

Runway tip: Include era-specific details: "gas lamp lighting," "ornate wallpaper," or "daguerreotype photography style."

Example prompts:

• "Victorian parlor interior, ornate wallpaper, velvet furniture, oil lamp lighting, rich details, 1880s aesthetic"
• "Victorian era street scene, gas lamps, horse carriages, period costume, London fog, historical accuracy"

4. Art nouveau

Ornate style from early 1900s featuring organic shapes, flowing lines, floral motifs and elegant curves. Often incorporates typography and decorative borders.

Creates: Elegance, organic beauty, decorative sophistication, period charm

Best for: Decorative design, vintage branding, elegant illustrations, ornamental work

Runway tip: Include signature elements: "flowing lines," "floral motifs," "organic curves," or "decorative borders" for authentic Art Nouveau style.

Example prompts:

• "Art Nouveau poster of woman with flowing hair, organic curves, floral frame, elegant lines"
• "Art Nouveau illustration of peacock, decorative border, flowing forms, vintage elegance"

5. Art Deco

Geometric glamour from the 1920s-1930s featuring bold symmetry, luxurious materials and streamlined forms. Gold accents, zigzag patterns and elegant typography define this era of optimistic modernity.

Creates: Luxurious elegance, vintage glamour, geometric sophistication, Jazz Age opulence

Best for: Luxury branding, vintage-inspired design, elegant events, sophisticated marketing

Runway tip: Layer signature elements: "geometric patterns," "gold accents," "symmetrical design," or "streamlined forms."

Example prompts:

• "Art Deco poster with geometric patterns, gold and black color scheme, elegant typography, 1920s glamour"
• "Art Deco interior design, symmetrical layout, luxurious materials, geometric details, Jazz Age elegance"

4 Craft and texture styles

1. Stained glass

Decorative style mimicking colored glass pieces held together by lead lines. Features bold outlines, translucent color areas and light-transmission effects.

Creates: Luminous beauty, decorative elegance, spiritual quality, architectural grandeur

Best for: Decorative art, religious imagery, architectural concepts, ornamental design

Runway tip: Specify "Gothic stained glass" for cathedral style or "Art Deco stained glass" for geometric modern approach.

Example prompts:

• "Stained glass window of angel, bold lead lines, translucent colors, Gothic cathedral style"
• "Stained glass design of roses, Art Nouveau style, flowing lines, luminous colors"

2. Paper cut

Three-dimensional effect created by layered paper with shadows and depth. Features crisp edges, layered composition and sculptural quality that mimics hand-cut paper art.

Creates: Dimensional charm, tactile quality, crafted beauty, playful elegance

Best for: Decorative illustrations, children's content, greeting cards, dimensional design

Runway tip: Specify "shadow layers" and "dimensional depth" to emphasize the three-dimensional paper sculpture effect.

Example prompts:

• "Paper cut illustration of forest scene, layered depth, shadow effects, dimensional, crisp edges"
• "Paper cut design of butterfly, multiple layers, sculptural composition, colorful paper textures"

3. Collage art

Mixed media style combining various textures, patterns and imagery into unified compositions. Features layered elements, diverse materials and creative juxtapositions that create playful, eclectic results.

Creates: Creative energy, textured richness, artistic playfulness, eclectic charm

Best for: Editorial illustrations, album covers, creative advertising, artistic projects

Runway tip: Specify materials and textures: "magazine cutouts," "textured paper collage," or "vintage ephemera collage."

Example prompts:

• "Collage art portrait with magazine cutouts, mixed textures, layered papers, creative composition"
• "Vintage collage of travel imagery, postcards and tickets, nostalgic ephemera, textured layers"

4. Grunge

Raw, distressed aesthetic featuring rough textures, weathered elements and rebellious energy. Scratches, stains, torn edges and urban decay create authentic, unpolished character.

Creates: Edgy authenticity, urban grit, rebellious spirit, raw energy

Best for: Alternative branding, music projects, urban content, countercultural messaging

Runway tip: Layer distressed elements: "scratched textures," "worn edges," "spray paint drips," or "urban decay."

Example prompts:

• "Grunge poster with distressed textures, torn paper edges, rough typography, urban decay aesthetic"
• "Grunge portrait with scratched overlay, dirty textures, raw processing, alternative style"

Get started with AI image styles in Runway

With this style vocabulary in hand, you're ready to move from theory to practice.

Start by testing one subject across multiple styles. Generate "portrait of astronaut" as photorealistic, then anime, then oil painting, then cyberpunk. Watch how style alone changes mood, appeal and purpose. This teaches you which styles work for which goals faster than reading descriptions.

Build a style library as you work. When you generate something that nails an aesthetic, note the exact style terminology you used. "Loose watercolor with wet-on-wet technique" produces different results than "detailed watercolor illustration." Small language differences create distinct visual outcomes.

You'll refine your style vocabulary through practice. Some terms produce stronger effects than others. Some combinations work better for certain subjects. That's expected. The creative control you gain—the ability to specify exactly how your images should look and feel—makes learning the language worthwhile.