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Writer's pictureLocutus

Exploring Prompts - Magical Metamorphosis

November 10, 2024

A lionfish with the an actual lion's head.
Lionfish (Dall-e3 in ChatGPT)

In this post I will explore the "Magical Metamorphosis" prompt. This prompt was inspired by the work of Wifredo Lam. It is a fairly simple prompt, and produces interesting results across multiple AI models.


Basic Prompt Elements

Artist Modifiers - No artist modifiers were are needed in this prompt when Dall-e3 was used. When using other models, Wifredo Lam, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Klee can be used.


Style Modifiers - the "core" style modifiers include: modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, totem iconography, organic, dark shadows


Color Modifiers - The default for this prompt is "earthen palette" and "gold leaf". This can be modified based on the image you want to create.


Subject Modifiers - any subject matter is permissible - in the image above I used lionfish with lion's head.


Start Prompt

lionfish with lion's head, modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, earthen palette, totem iconography, organic, dark shadows, gold leaf


Revised Prompt

A modern African-Cuban art depiction of a lionfish with a lion's head, embodying themes of magical metamorphosis and biomorphism. The creature combines the majestic, fierce features of a lion with the organic, flowing form of a lionfish, with abstract, totemic patterns symbolizing transformation and power. The artwork is set in an earthen palette with warm, natural tones and deep dark shadows to add depth and mystery. Gold leaf accents highlight the lionfish’s fins and the lion's face, creating an ethereal glow. The composition is influenced by African and Cuban cultural aesthetics, giving it a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.


Notes

There are multiple ways you can modify this prompt. You can change the color scheme, add in different artist modifiers, and of course experiment with different modifiers and subjects. Keeping the subject modifiers simple and sparse allows the AI to fill in the blanks, often with impressive results.


Variation - Cellist

A skeletal cello player with wings in an abstract setting.
Cellist (Flux Schnell)

This is another very simple subject using Flux Schnell and artist modifiers. This image inspired the Kora Master image below. Although the Kora Master has the Dall-e3 "wow" factor, in many ways I prefer this image, which rewards inspection.


Prompt

Cello, modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, earthen palette, totemic iconography, dark shadows, gold leaf, Wifredo Lam, Picasso, Klee


Variation - Robin and Hatchlings

A robin feeds her hatchlings in a nest.
Robin and Hatchlings (Dall-e3 on ChatGPT)

Another simple subject was used here - Robin in her nest, feeding her hatchlings.


Starting Prompt

Robin in her nest, feeding her hatchlings, modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, earthen palette, totemic iconography, dark shadows, gold leaf


Revised Prompt

A modern African-Cuban art depiction of a robin in her nest, feeding her hatchlings. The artwork incorporates themes of magical metamorphosis and biomorphism, with an earthen palette enriched by warm, natural tones. The scene is enhanced by dark shadows for depth and contrast, and gold leaf accents that highlight key details, like the robin and her hatchlings. Totemic iconography is woven into the design, symbolizing nurturing and transformation, with abstract, organic shapes connecting the robin, hatchlings, and nest. This composition reflects African and Cuban cultural influences, creating a mystical, maternal atmosphere.


Variation - Kora Master

A skeleton plays a Kora.
Kora Master (Dall-e3 on NightCafe)

A Kora is an instrument with 21 strings popular in Western Africa.


Starting Prompt

Elongated skeletal musician playing a kora, modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, earthen palette, totemic iconography, dark shadows, gold leaf


Revised Prompt

Create an image that captures the essence of an elongated skeletal figure assuming the role of a musician, engrossed in playing a kora. Use stylistic inspirations pulled from a blend of traditional African and Cuban art forms. The aura of the scene should emanate magical metamorphosis and biomorphism. The figure should exhibit totemic iconography, with an earthen palette dominating the composition. Incorporating dark shadows and accents of gold leaf to add depth and a sense of mystique to the overall view. The art should mirror the finesse of pre-1912 epochs yet retain elements of originality


Variation - The Parable of the Barnyard Owl and the Mouse

An owl lectures a mouse.
The Parable of the Barnyard Owl and the Mouse (Dall-e3 on NightCafe)

Another very simple subject.


Starting Prompt

barnyard owl instructing a mouse, parable, modern African-Cuban art, magical metamorphosis, biomorphism, earthen palette, totem iconography, organic, dark shadows, gold leaf


Revised Prompt

An organic, magical metamorphosis scene featuring an earthen palette with dark shadows and gold leaf accents. A barnyard owl, acting as a totem icon, is instructing a mouse. This scene is conveyed in a parable-like narrative. The art style embraces the characteristics of modern African-Cuban artistic traditions with a strong emphasis on biomorphism. No specific artist's style is referenced, rather it represents artistic aesthetics common to a specific period and culture.


If you use this prompt, enjoy! And if you use it on NightCafe, please let me know (@Locutus_of_Borg).

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