Creative Image Prompt Skill

Generate creative, on-brand image prompts for CanMarket that balance artistic vision with brand constraints.

When to Use

Invoke /creative-image when:

• Creating social media visuals (小红书, Twitter, LinkedIn)
• Designing marketing posters or banners
• Generating product mockups or hero images
• Creating pitch deck visuals
• Making event or campaign graphics
• Any visual content that needs to be both creative AND on-brand

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The Core Problem This Solves

Too dry = Brand-compliant but boring (my old approach) Too wild = Creative but off-brand

This skill finds the sweet spot: Creative intelligence within structure.

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Prompt Generation Workflow

Step 1: Identify the Mode

Mode	Purpose	Visual Energy	CTA?
Orientation	Explain what we are	Calm, structural	No
Understanding	Teach how it works	Clear, demonstrative	No
Thinking	Share worldview (60-70%)	Contemplative, evocative	No
Action	Drive conversion (max 20%)	Focused, direct	Yes, one only

Step 2: Apply Brand Constraints

Always True:

• One typeface: Inter (or similar clean sans-serif)
• One accent color: #2563EB (Interactive Blue)
• Background: #FAFAFA (Canvas) or #FFFFFF (Surface)
• Text: #171717 (primary) / #525252 (secondary)
• Max 3 type sizes per composition
• Creative Variable ≤ 40% of area
• Hierarchy through size/weight, not color

Never Allowed:

• Decorative gradients
• Multiple saturated colors
• Red/gold traditional palettes (unless explicitly requested for cultural context)
• Hype verbs in text overlays
• Confetti, fireworks, busy patterns
• Bold (700) weight
• Multiple CTAs

Step 3: Add Creative Dimensions

This is where we transform "dry" into "alive" — without breaking brand rules.

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Creative Enhancement Toolkit

1. Art & Design References

Use these to give the AI a visual direction:

Reference Type	Examples	Best For
Light Artists	James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, Dan Flavin	Abstract, atmospheric
Design Movements	Swiss Style, Bauhaus, Minimalism, De Stijl	Clean, structural
Photographers	Hiroshi Sugimoto, Andreas Gursky, Michael Kenna	Contemplative, precise
Architects	Tadao Ando, John Pawson, Peter Zumthor	Light, space, material
Contemporary	Apple design language, Aesop branding, Kinfolk aesthetic	Premium, restrained

Example phrases:

• "inspired by James Turrell's light installations"
• "Swiss International Style typography"
• "Hiroshi Sugimoto's meditative seascapes"
• "the material honesty of Tadao Ando"

2. Lighting Vocabulary

Lighting Type	Mood	Use Case
Golden hour	Warm, hopeful	New beginnings, optimism
Blue hour	Contemplative, calm	Thinking mode content
Diffused/soft box	Professional, clean	Product, corporate
Rim light	Dramatic, defined	Hero moments
Ambient glow	Ethereal, modern	Tech, innovation
Natural daylight	Honest, approachable	Authentic content

Example phrases:

• "soft diffused glow emanating from..."
• "early morning light through frosted glass"
• "subtle rim lighting defining edges"
• "natural north-facing window light"

3. Composition Techniques

Technique	Effect	Example Phrase
Rule of thirds	Dynamic balance	"positioned with intentional asymmetry following rule of thirds"
Negative space	Breathing room	"60% of composition is breathing room"
Leading lines	Visual flow	"subtle leading lines drawing eye to focal point"
Golden ratio	Natural harmony	"proportions following golden ratio"
Centered symmetry	Authority, stability	"centered with perfect bilateral symmetry"
Frame within frame	Focus, depth	"subject framed by architectural elements"

4. Texture & Material

Texture	Feel	Example Phrase
Matte paper	Premium, tactile	"matte finish with subtle paper texture"
Film grain	Authentic, warm	"subtle film grain, Kodak Portra aesthetic"
Frosted glass	Modern, soft	"like light through frosted glass"
Concrete/stone	Honest, grounded	"raw concrete texture, material honesty"
Soft fabric	Warm, human	"soft linen texture in background"

5. Mood & Atmosphere

Mood	Description	Best For
Contemplative	Quiet, thoughtful	Thinking mode
Quietly confident	Assured, not loud	Brand statements
Forward-looking	Optimistic, progressive	New features, launches
Grounded	Stable, trustworthy	Trust-building content
Ethereal	Light, aspirational	Vision content

Example phrases:

• "evoking the calm clarity of a fresh start"
• "contemplative, quietly confident, forward-looking"
• "the feeling of stepping into a new beginning"

6. Photography/Camera References

Reference	Effect	Example Phrase
Hasselblad	Medium format clarity	"shot on Hasselblad, medium format clarity"
Leica	Distinctive rendering	"Leica M10 color science"
85mm f/1.4	Portrait bokeh	"85mm f/1.4 shallow depth of field"
Kodak Portra	Warm film tones	"Kodak Portra 400 color palette"
Fuji Velvia	Saturated, punchy	"Fujifilm Velvia vibrance"

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Prompt Template

[CONTEXT/PURPOSE]
[Type of visual] for [platform/use case].

[ART DIRECTION]
Art direction inspired by [artist/movement reference] and [design style].

[CORE VISUAL ELEMENT]
Central composition: [Describe the main visual element — what it is, what it suggests/evokes, using brand-approved colors].

[TYPOGRAPHY] (if applicable)
Typography: [Font style] "[Text]" in [color], [weight], positioned [composition technique]. Supporting text "[Secondary text]" in [secondary color].

[BACKGROUND & SPACE]
Background: [Color] with [texture if any]. [Describe negative space/breathing room].

[LIGHTING]
Lighting: [Specific lighting description]. [Mood comparison].

[MOOD]
Mood: [2-3 mood descriptors]. [Metaphor or comparison].

[TECHNICAL]
Technical: [Camera/print references], [texture/grain], [finish].

[NEGATIVE PROMPT]
Avoid: [List of things to exclude based on brand rules + context].

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Example Prompts by Mode

Mode 3: Thinking (Social Content)

Brief: LinkedIn post about AI and brand consistency

Thought leadership visual for LinkedIn.

Art direction inspired by Hiroshi Sugimoto's Seascapes and Swiss International Style.

Central composition: Abstract horizon line — a subtle gradient transition from deep charcoal (#171717) at bottom to soft light at top, with a single thin horizontal line in Interactive Blue (#2563EB) suggesting a threshold or horizon.

No text overlay — image only.

Background: Clean off-white (#FAFAFA) with barely perceptible paper texture. 70% negative space.

Lighting: Soft ambient glow along the horizon line, like dawn breaking. Diffused, no harsh shadows.

Mood: Contemplative, forward-looking, the quiet moment before clarity arrives.

Technical: Medium format aesthetic, subtle film grain, matte finish.

Avoid: Busy patterns, multiple colors, gradients, tech clichés (circuits, robots, blue glowing things), stock photo feel.

Mode 4: Action (Campaign)

Brief: CTA banner for free trial

Conversion banner for website hero section.

Art direction inspired by Apple product photography and Kinfolk editorial design.

Central composition: Clean product interface mockup (abstract representation) floating with subtle shadow, positioned left using rule of thirds. Right side reserved for CTA.

Typography: "See your brand, computed." in charcoal (#171717), semibold, left-aligned. Single CTA button in Interactive Blue (#2563EB) with white text "Start Free".

Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) with subtle depth created by soft shadows.

Lighting: Clean product lighting, soft box from above-left, gentle ambient fill.

Mood: Professional, inviting, zero friction. The confidence of showing rather than telling.

Technical: Crisp 4K render aesthetic, no grain, clean edges.

Avoid: Multiple CTAs, busy backgrounds, decorative elements, hype text, gradients.

Mode 1: Orientation (Homepage)

Brief: Hero image explaining what CanMarket is

Homepage hero visual explaining Brand Operating System concept.

Art direction inspired by Bauhaus geometric abstraction and Tadao Ando's use of light and concrete.

Central composition: Abstract architectural form — clean geometric shapes (rectangles, subtle curves) arranged to suggest "system" or "structure" — in warm near-black (#18181B) with one element highlighted in Interactive Blue (#2563EB). Shapes cast soft shadows creating depth.

Background: Warm off-white (#FAFAFA) with subtle texture suggesting quality paper or concrete.

Lighting: Dramatic but soft — like sunlight entering a minimal concrete space through a single skylight. Creates clear shadows that define the geometric forms.

Mood: Intelligent, structural, inviting. "This is a thinking space."

Technical: Architectural photography aesthetic, medium format clarity, very slight warm tone.

Avoid: Illustrations, icons, stock imagery, multiple colors, decorative elements, busy compositions.

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Quick Reference: Brand-Safe Creative Elements

Colors You CAN Use Creatively

• Gradients within grayscale (#FAFAFA → #171717)
• Interactive Blue as accent (≤15% of area)
• Subtle warm or cool tints to white/gray (very subtle)

Shapes/Forms That Work

• Clean geometric forms (circles, rectangles, lines)
• Architectural abstractions
• Light-based effects (glows, soft shadows)
• Negative space as design element
• Subtle gradients (grayscale or light-to-blue)

Textures That Work

• Paper/matte textures
• Subtle film grain
• Concrete/stone (for grounded feel)
• Frosted glass effects
• Soft fabric hints

What Makes It "CanMarket"

Even without a logo, the image should feel like CanMarket:

• Generous breathing room
• One accent color only
• Calm, not loud
• Structured, not chaotic
• Premium, not cheap
• Warm minimal, not cold minimal

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Negative Prompts Library

Always exclude these for brand consistency:

blurry, low quality, artifacts, text watermarks, signatures,
decorative gradients, rainbow colors, neon, glitch effects,
confetti, fireworks, sparkles, lens flares,
busy patterns, cluttered composition,
stock photo aesthetic, corporate clip art,
robots, AI brain imagery, circuit boards, blue glowing tech clichés,
red and gold traditional, overly festive,
multiple bright colors, color explosion,
bold heavy fonts, all caps aggressive text,
cheap plastic textures, glossy reflections

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Platform-Specific Notes

Midjourney

• Use --ar 1:1 for social, --ar 16:9 for banners
• Add --style raw for less AI-stylized results
• Use --s 50-150 for balanced stylization

DALL-E / ChatGPT

• Paragraph-form descriptions work best
• Can iterate: "Keep composition, make lighting warmer"
• Specify "no text" if you don't want text rendered

Stable Diffusion

• Use negative prompts explicitly
• Weighted terms: (Interactive Blue:1.2)
• Specify model/checkpoint for consistent style

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Input/Output Examples

Example 1: Social Media Visual

User Input:

"帮我生成一个 LinkedIn 配图，主题是 AI 和品牌一致性"

Expected Output:

## Mode: Thinking (Social Content)

## Prompt:

Thought leadership visual for LinkedIn post about AI and brand consistency.

Art direction inspired by Hiroshi Sugimoto's meditative compositions and Swiss International Style clarity.

Central composition: Abstract representation of "alignment" — two geometric forms (one organic, one structured) meeting at a precise point, rendered in charcoal (#171717) with a single thin accent line in Interactive Blue (#2563EB) at the intersection.

No text overlay — image only.

Background: Clean off-white (#FAFAFA) with subtle matte paper texture. 65% negative space, breathing room on all sides.

Lighting: Soft ambient glow from above, like diffused natural light through a skylight. No harsh shadows, subtle depth through gentle gradients within the gray tones.

Mood: Contemplative, quietly confident. The visual equivalent of "precision without rigidity."

Technical: Medium format aesthetic, Hasselblad-like clarity, subtle film grain (Kodak Portra warmth), matte finish.

Avoid: Busy patterns, multiple colors, decorative gradients, tech clichés (circuits, glowing brains), robots, stock photo feel, lens flares, confetti.

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Platform: LinkedIn
Aspect ratio: 1:1 or 1.91:1
Midjourney params: --ar 1:1 --style raw --s 100

Example 2: Campaign Banner

User Input:

"需要一个 CTA banner，推广免费试用"

Expected Output:

## Mode: Action (Conversion)

## Prompt:

Conversion banner for website hero section promoting free trial.

Art direction inspired by Apple product photography and Kinfolk editorial restraint.

Central composition: Abstract product interface representation — clean geometric card/screen shape with subtle shadow, floating against background. Positioned using rule of thirds (left 2/3), right side reserved for CTA. Interface shows hint of data visualization in brand blue.

Typography:
- Headline "See your brand, computed." in charcoal (#171717), Inter Medium, left-aligned
- Single CTA button: Interactive Blue (#2563EB) background, white text "Start Free Trial"
- No secondary headlines

Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) with depth created through subtle drop shadows on the product element.

Lighting: Clean product photography lighting — soft box from top-left, gentle ambient fill, professional studio feel.

Mood: Professional, inviting, zero friction. The confidence of showing rather than telling.

Technical: Crisp 4K render quality, no grain, clean precise edges, premium feel.

Avoid: Multiple CTAs, busy backgrounds, decorative elements, hype text, gradients, bold weight fonts, stock photo aesthetic.

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Use case: Homepage hero / landing page
Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 21:9
Midjourney params: --ar 16:9 --style raw --s 50

Example 3: 小红书 Cover Image

User Input:

"帮我生成一个小红书封面，主题是 CES 展会准备 checklist"

Expected Output:

## Mode: Understanding (Tutorial)

## Prompt:

Xiaohongshu cover image for CES preparation checklist post.

Art direction inspired by modern infographic design and high-contrast editorial layouts.

Central composition: Clean card-based layout suggesting a checklist. Main title area at top (30%), body shows 3-4 preview items with checkboxes (60%), bottom has subtle branding (10%). Use charcoal (#171717) for primary text, Interactive Blue (#2563EB) for checkmarks and accent.

Typography direction:
- Main title area: Bold statement "二刷CES" or "CES准备清单"
- Preview items: Suggest content density without full text
- High information density feel — user should feel "this has value"

Background: Warm off-white (#FAFAFA) with subtle paper texture. Clean, uncluttered.

Lighting: Flat, even lighting appropriate for infographic style. No dramatic shadows.

Mood: Organized, trustworthy, high-value. "This person knows what they're doing."

Technical: Sharp text rendering, clear hierarchy, optimized for mobile viewing (3:4 ratio). 2160×2880px for Xiaohongshu 2K requirement.

Avoid: Red/gold traditional colors, decorative patterns, cluttered composition, low-res textures, generic stock elements.

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Platform: 小红书
Aspect ratio: 3:4 (竖版)
Resolution: 2160×2880px
Note: Text will be added separately — this is the visual foundation

Example 4: Pitch Deck Visual

User Input:

"pitch deck 需要一个表示 'Brand Memory' 概念的抽象图"

Expected Output:

## Mode: Orientation (Explanation)

## Prompt:

Abstract visual representing "Brand Memory" concept for pitch deck.

Art direction inspired by James Turrell's light installations and Bauhaus geometric abstraction.

Central composition: Layered geometric forms suggesting depth and accumulation — like sedimentary layers or stacked transparent planes. Forms progress from lighter at top to darker at bottom, suggesting "memory building over time." One layer highlighted with subtle Interactive Blue (#2563EB) glow, representing the "active" memory layer.

No text — pure visual metaphor.

Background: Deep charcoal (#171717) to near-black, allowing the geometric forms to emerge with internal luminosity.

Lighting: Forms appear to emit soft internal glow rather than being lit externally. Ethereal, like light trapped within material. Rim lighting on edges creates definition.

Mood: Intelligent, structural, slightly mysterious. Invites the question "what is this?" which the presenter then answers.

Technical: High-end 3D render aesthetic, subtle depth of field, medium format clarity. No grain for this use case — clean and precise.

Avoid: Literal representations (brains, filing cabinets, databases), tech clichés, busy compositions, multiple bright colors, decorative elements.

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Use case: Pitch deck slide background or hero image
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Midjourney params: --ar 16:9 --style raw --s 150

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Last updated: January 2026