Blending Style and Epoch: Examples of -sref Commands in MidJourney Showcasing AI Art Nostalgia and Cinematic Allure

Midjourney Prompt

Color Palette

Dominant Colors

Collection Description

Exploring the artistry and nostalgia in AI-generated visuals, a collection of images vividly embodies the fusion of past and present, natural beauty and cinematic allure, providing MidJourney style reference tips for beginners. From the serene image of a ladybug poised on a pink flower, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s delicate touch, to the ethereal Swiss landscapes bathed in vintage VHS aesthetics, each piece is meticulously styled with renowned cinematic and photographic techniques. The tableau of glowing pink mushrooms and a majestic eagle with pink and white feathers illustrates the seamless integration of fantasy and 1970s psychedelic artistry, showcasing the use of grainy film effects and vibrant color palettes that capture both the mythical and the whimsical. Meanwhile, the portrayal of a pink and white astronaut on the moon symbolizes empowerment and diversity through a 1970s photographic lens. These images not only serve as a testament to the blending of style and medium in AI art but also enrich the visual language with profound and engaging narratives, making them perfect embodiments of stylistic excellence in contemporary digital artistry.

Image Descriptions and Image Prompts

Midjourney Prompt

A medieval blacksmith forging a glowing sword in a smoky forge

In a vivid watercolor painting by Craig Mullins, a young blacksmith emerges as the focal character within his forge, where the art of metalwork comes alive beneath cinematic lighting. The scene is set at night, casting a dramatic glow around the blacksmith who is clad in a striking pink shirt. His long, dark hair and beard add to the intensity of his appearance as he meticulously hammers away at an iron sword. Each stroke on the metal reflects his dedication and skill, encapsulating the essence of craftsmanship. This visual narrative not only showcases the meticulous details of traditional sword-making but also aligns with best practices for AI image generation, where the authenticity of the subject and the ambiance are blended seamlessly to create a compelling, realistic portrayal. The watercolor texture enhances the overall aesthetic, evoking a sense of movement and artistry reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons artwork.

Midjourney Prompt

A polar bear walking across a frozen tundra under the northern lights

In the scene depicted, a majestic polar bear stands on the frosty expanse of the Arctic tundra, under a spectacular display of the aurora borealis. The sky is painted with mesmerizing hues of pink and purple, casting an ethereal glow over the snowy landscape. This visual marvel is captured with a nostalgic Polaroid photo effect, reminiscent of a 90s video game, enhancing the vintage feel while emphasizing the natural aurora’s vibrant colors. This striking image composition serves as a perfect example of how to generate quality AI images, blending natural wonders with artistic digital effects to create memorable and engaging visuals.

Midjourney Prompt

A cascading mountain waterfall surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage

Capturing the serene ambiance of Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes, this image features a breathtaking waterfall nestled in the Swiss Alps, viewed through the nostalgic lens of 1980s VHS quality. The cascading waters, originating from the iconic Eiger, create a mesmerizing backdrop against the rugged mountain walls, all colorized with a soft pink filter reminiscent of James “London’s” unique photographic style. Foregrounded by delicate pink flowers that adorn the Alpine rocks and trees, the scene captures the rich texture of Agfa Vista Plus 200 film grain, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. This fusion of natural splendor with retro media elements showcases an exemplary application of AI art style customization using –sref, blending advanced imaging techniques with classic visual aesthetics.

Midjourney Prompt

An abandoned industrial factory with rusted machinery and broken windows

Crafted using advanced AI art techniques with MidJourney, the image presents a powerful sense of history and mystery intertwined. The vintage footage captures an old, pastel pink and blue nuclear device, distinctive with a round front, situated in a desolate, abandoned factory. Details such as an electric pump adorned with yellow stickers and a forest visibly embracing the outskirts through weathered windows add depth to the setting. The machine shows signs of age and disuse, featuring a rusty facade yet retains an imposing aura, underscored by small white stickers on its cover. The scene is shot from an intriguing angle, as if viewed from behind by someone sitting, creating an intimate yet eerie atmosphere. This documentary-style portrayal, reminiscent of a high-definition shot from a Sony A7R IV camera, was reportedly captured during the summer of 2036, effectively blending historical context with a subtle foreboding of nature reclaiming its space.

Midjourney Prompt

A dragon breathing fire while soaring over a moonlit village

Through the skilled use of advanced AI art techniques with MidJourney, we’re presented with a captivating scene pulled from the pages of a vintage children’s book. A beautifully executed portrayal shows a vivid pink dragon dominating the night sky above an old village. With its fiery breath, it casts a warm glow that illuminates the quaint houses and leafless trees below, hinting at the wintry season. The dark blue sky, speckled with stars, serves as a striking backdrop, enhancing the ephemeral quality of the watercolor and gouache techniques employed. This enchanting depiction is a nod to classic children’s storybook art, evoking the charming and whimsical style of artists like Jon Klassen, while incorporating elements reminiscent of vintage Disney poster art, all rendered with a simplicity that speaks to the innocence and wonder of childhood narratives. This fusion of styles and mediums brings to life a scene that is both nostalgic and fresh, crafting an inviting fantasy world where dragons soar and the night sky is a canvas of dreams.

Midjourney Prompt

A futuristic electric car charging at a sleek, solar-powered station

In a vivid melding of futurism and nature, an image showcases a striking flying saucer-shaped car, bathed in an eye-catching blend of pink and yellow hues, reminiscent of a Porsche design. This miniature vehicle is depicted amidst the serene setting of a Japanese forest, connected to an electric charging station that promises a greener future. The imagery, captured with a VHS-style aesthetic that adds a layer of nostalgia, seems pulled straight out of a modern commercial or perhaps a speculative TV advertisement from 2035. This evocative scene, which could easily be mistaken for a screenshot from an innovative George Lucas film or perhaps speculative found footage, stands out as an emblematic piece reflective of the MidJourney Style index, pushing the boundaries of how we envision transportation blending with natural environments.

Midjourney Prompt

A glowing alien forest with towering bioluminescent plants and floating spores

In the MidJourney Style Reference Guide, the enchanting depiction of glowing pink mushrooms in a mystical forest is a vivid example of fantasy melded with cinematic artistry. This tableau could belong to a 1970s psychedelic fairy tale, where luminous flora and a star-filled sky enrich the vivid scenery. Each mushroom, infused with a fluorescent glow, resembles a frame captured on Super Panavision film, reminiscent of a James Cameron fairytale or perhaps a scene from “The Dark Tower”. Here, the usage of grainy 35mm focus and a long exposure accentuates the neon brightness of this otherworldly realm, while fairy lights dappling the background add to the ethereal ambiance replicated in a style that Wes Anderson might adopt for an animation set on a fantastical planet. This combination of magical elements creates a dreamcore landscape that is both surreal and captivating, pulling the viewer into a fantasy world where magic and reality blend seamlessly.

Midjourney Prompt

A majestic griffin in mid-flight above a rocky canyon

Depicting a stunning visual from a realm of fantasy, this image features a majestic eagle with pink and white feathers, its wings grandly spread as it stands atop a rugged mountain. This eagle has been rendered in various artistic styles reminiscent of notable influences such as Studio Ghibli and Yoshitaka Amano, combining elements from both 1970s photographs and 90s anime. The image carries a dreamlike quality typical of a James Cameron live-action film or a Monster Hunter anime series, with a vintage 8mm film grain effect that adds a layer of nostalgia and timelessness. The merging of hyper-realistic design and classic movie footage techniques further enhances the mythical narrative of the eagle, making this image not only a visual feast but also an exemplar of the best practices for AI image generation where technology and artistry intertwine seamlessly.

Midjourney Prompt

A gourmet cheeseburger with layers of melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a golden bun

In a visually captivating depiction consistent with the MidJourney –sref style guide, a cheeseburger serves as a tantalizing focal point amidst a vibrant fast food setting. The burger, featured in various high-definition video captures, is artfully composed with layers of juicy double meat, rich cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced pink onions, all nestled within a toasted golden bun. These elements are highlighted against the playful contrast of a pink and white checkered backdrop, resembling classic fast food dine-in aesthetics, with occasional blurred hints of fast food branding, perhaps pointing to McDonald’s. Accompaniments include a glass of a light orange beverage, possibly a creamy milkshake, setting a scene that buzzes with the anticipation of a flavorful meal. The entire setup, from the burger’s meticulous presentation on pink striped fast food paper to the soft glow of restaurant lighting, crafts an inviting narrative that speaks to the allure of modern fast food indulgences.

Midjourney Prompt

A portrait of an actor in a dramatic theater spotlight

In a vivid nighttime setting, a young man with dark hair and a light beard exudes a mysterious aura as he stands under the luminescent glow of street lights, smoke from his e-vaporizer curling into the soft light. Dressed sharply in a pink blazer that hints at a modern, queer sensibility and a blue shirt with his collar slightly undone, he presents a striking figure against a backdrop of dimly lit city buildings. His focus is intense, perhaps contemplative, as he gazes off to the side, the fine grain of a vintage film camera adding texture to the image and enhancing the cinematic quality of the scene. The ambiance is further deepened by the moody play of shadows and light on his face, revealing subtle skin blemishes that render him more realistic and relatable. This evocative image perfectly captures a dramatic urban moment and serves as one of the many stylistic examples of –sref commands in MidJourney, where each element is precisely tuned to create a mood that resonates with depth and introspection.

Midjourney Prompt

A ladybug resting on a vibrant red rose petal covered in dew drops

The image of a ladybug delicately poised on a pink flower encapsulates a stunning fusion of macro photography and artistic stylization, showcasing pastel colors and the ethereal charm of water droplets sprinkled across the petals. This picture’s soft, lo-fi aesthetic is reminiscent of the illustrious animation studios Ghibli and Makoto Shinkai, intertwined with the distinctive flair of film photographers like Rinko Kawauchi and the cinematic finesse of Wes Anderson. Employing Kodak film stock enhances the visual texture, creating a grainy, dreamlike quality that complements the cute, anime-inspired theme. Utilizing style references from these renowned artists and styles in AI art exemplifies the benefits of using style references in AI art, as it enrichs the image’s visual depth and emotional appeal, inviting viewers into a vivid, yet tranquil world composed with a sophisticated, nostalgic touch.

Midjourney Prompt

An astronaut planting a flag on the surface of a distant asteroid

Capturing the essence of empowerment and diversity, the image portrays a pink and white astronaut standing gracefully on the moon’s desolate landscape, clutching the transgender pride flag. The astronaut, draped in colors symbolizing both their profession and their identity, complements the flag’s vibrant hues that ripple against the monochrome lunar backdrop. Styled to echo the distinctive aesthetic of a 1970s photograph, the image holds a vintage feel while conveying a powerful message of inclusivity and representation in space exploration. This compelling visual is a remarkable example of the best style reference techniques in MidJourney, invigorating the past’s visual language with today’s progressive narratives.