---
name: image-generation-brief
description: "A precise brief for an image generator that fixes subject, style, composition, lighting, exclusions and output sizes, so results need fewer rerolls. Use when an image generator needs a detailed brief with subject, style, composition, lighting, exclusions and sizes for a specific use. Do not use for editing an existing photo or writing marketing copy. Related topics: creative, design."
---

# Image Generation Brief

A precise brief for an image generator that fixes subject, style, composition, lighting, exclusions and output sizes, so results need fewer rerolls.

## When to use

Use this skill when an image generator needs a detailed brief with subject, style, composition, lighting, exclusions and sizes for a specific use. Do not use it for editing an existing photo or writing marketing copy.

## Workflow

1. Ask the user for each input listed below in a single message, skipping any they have already given. Where options are listed, offer them, but accept other answers too.
2. Define the subject and its action in concrete terms before any style words are added.
3. Specify composition, lighting source and direction, and palette, leaving room for copy where needed.
4. Name one style with two or three supporting descriptors and write exclusions separately.
5. Adapt the composition note for each requested output size so key elements survive the crop.
6. Add two single-change variations and write the final brief as a paragraph plus a labelled breakdown.

## Inputs

- **Purpose** (free text, e.g. "Where the image will be used")
- **Subject** (longer free text)
- **Style** (choose one: Photorealistic, Illustration, 3D render, Watercolour, Flat vector, Cinematic still)
- **Mood and colour** (free text, e.g. "calm with muted greens")
- **Must avoid** (longer free text)
- **Output sizes** (choose any: Square, Portrait, Landscape, Wide banner)

## Output

A one-paragraph generator brief, a labelled breakdown of subject, composition, lighting, palette and exclusions, per-size composition notes, and two controlled variations.

## Prompt template

Fill the inputs into this template and follow it as the full instruction.

### Image Generation Brief

Write an image brief for generation.

- Purpose: {{Purpose}}
- Subject: {{Subject}}
- Style: {{Style}}
- Mood and colour: {{Mood and colour}}
- Must avoid: {{Must avoid}}
- Output sizes: {{Output sizes}}

Write the brief as one dense paragraph the generator can follow, then a labelled breakdown. Lead with the subject and its action in concrete nouns, then setting, then composition: shot distance, camera angle, subject placement and space left for text if the image needs copy. Specify lighting by source and direction, such as soft window light from the left, and give the palette. Name the style once and support it with two or three precise descriptors rather than a list of artist names. State exclusions positively where possible, and list true negatives separately. For each chosen size, note how the composition must shift so the subject is not cropped. Add two variations that change only one element each, so results can be compared fairly. Keep any text inside the image short and spelled out in quotes.

## Pitfalls

- Stacking a dozen style adjectives that fight each other, producing muddy results.
- Asking for long text rendered inside the image, which generators misspell.
- Cropping a portrait composition to a wide banner, which cuts off the subject.