3. Prompt Structure 🏗️
Learn how to organize your prompts for maximum effectiveness. A well-structured prompt is like a well-organized blueprint – it helps PODgram.ai understand exactly what you want to create.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Prompt
Think of your prompt as a recipe with specific ingredients in the right order:
Formula for Success
[MAIN SUBJECT] + [KEY DETAILS] + [STYLE/MOOD] + [TECHNICAL SPECS]
Example breakdown:
A golden retriever puppy [SUBJECT]
wearing a red bandana, sitting in a flower field [DETAILS]
watercolor painting style, soft pastels, whimsical mood [STYLE]
high quality, detailed, commercial use [TECHNICAL]
🎯 The 4-Layer Approach
Layer 1: Core Subject (Most Important)
This is what your image is fundamentally about.
Examples:
- "A mountain landscape"
- "A coffee shop logo"
- "A vintage car"
- "A yoga instructor"
Layer 2: Essential Details
The key characteristics that make your subject specific.
Examples:
- "snow-capped peaks with a crystal lake below"
- "featuring a steaming cup and the text: 'Daily Grind'"
- "1960s red convertible with chrome details"
- "in lotus pose on a beach at sunrise"
Layer 3: Style & Atmosphere
How you want it to look and feel.
Examples:
- "painted in impressionist style with soft brush strokes"
- "modern minimalist design, clean lines"
- "vintage photography, sepia tones, nostalgic mood"
- "zen atmosphere, peaceful, golden hour lighting"
Layer 4: Technical Requirements
Specifications for your intended use.
Examples:
- "high resolution, suitable for large prints"
- "vector style, scalable, commercial use"
- "studio lighting, product photography quality"
- "social media format, eye-catching composition"
📋 Structure Templates by Use Case
For Logo Design
A [BUSINESS TYPE] logo featuring [MAIN ELEMENT] with the text: "[BUSINESS NAME]" in [FONT STYLE] typography, [COLOR SCHEME], professional design, scalable, simple clean aesthetic
Example:
A fitness gym logo featuring a mountain silhouette with the text: "Peak Performance" in bold sans-serif typography, black and orange colors, professional design, scalable, simple clean aesthetic
For T-Shirt Graphics
[MAIN GRAPHIC/MESSAGE] in [ARTISTIC STYLE], [COLOR DESCRIPTION], suitable for t-shirt printing, centered composition, isolated on [BACKGROUND COLOR]
Example:
A fierce lion head with geometric patterns in tribal art style, black and gold colors, suitable for t-shirt printing, centered composition, isolated on white background
For Poster Art
A [SUBJECT/SCENE] with the text: "[MESSAGE]" in [STYLE], [MOOD/ATMOSPHERE], poster format, [COLOR SCHEME], eye-catching composition, high contrast
Example:
A retro space scene with astronaut floating among stars with the text: "Explore Beyond" in vintage sci-fi style, adventurous atmosphere, poster format, blue and orange gradient, eye-catching composition, high contrast
For Product Mockups
[PRODUCT TYPE] featuring [DESIGN ELEMENTS], [SETTING/CONTEXT], professional product photography, [LIGHTING], high quality, commercial use, [SPECIFIC DETAILS]
Example:
Coffee mug featuring a minimalist mountain design, sitting on a wooden desk next to a laptop, professional product photography, soft natural lighting, high quality, commercial use, white ceramic finish
🎨 Advanced Structuring Techniques
The Sandwich Method
Place your most important elements at the beginning AND end of your prompt.
[CRITICAL ELEMENT] + [supporting details] + [style information] + [CRITICAL ELEMENT reinforcement]
Example:
Professional business logo + featuring an eagle in flight with the text: "Soar Consulting" + modern clean design, blue and silver colors + corporate professional branding
Priority Weighting
Use specific language to emphasize what matters most.
High priority phrases:
- "focus on..."
- "emphasize..."
- "primary element..."
- "most important..."
Example:
A nature landscape, focus on dramatic storm clouds over ocean waves, emphasize the contrast between dark sky and white foam, moody atmosphere, cinematic lighting
Negative Space Planning
Specify what should NOT be in your image early in the prompt.
A minimalist bedroom interior, NO clutter, NO bright colors, emphasize clean lines and neutral tones, scandinavian style, peaceful atmosphere
💡 Structure Optimization Tips
Word Order Matters
AI reads left-to-right, giving more weight to earlier words.
Better: "A majestic eagle soaring through mountain valleys" Worse: "Mountain valleys with an eagle that's majestic and soaring"
Use Comma Separation
Help AI parse different concepts clearly.
Good structure:
Vintage motorcycle, red paint with chrome details, parked outside 1950s diner, warm evening light, nostalgic atmosphere
Avoid Contradictions
Don't fight yourself within the same prompt.
Contradictory: "Modern vintage style" ❌ Clear: "Modern interpretation of vintage aesthetics" ✅
Be Proportionally Descriptive
Spend more words on what matters most.
If the text is crucial (like for a logo), dedicate more prompt space to text details:
Professional law firm logo with the text: "Sterling & Associates" in elegant serif font, gold lettering on navy blue background, sophisticated typography with subtle legal scales icon
🔧 Structure Troubleshooting
If Results Are Too Generic
- Add more specific details in Layer 2
- Include unique style elements in Layer 3
- Use more precise descriptive language
If Results Are Too Chaotic
- Simplify your subject (Layer 1)
- Remove conflicting style directions
- Focus on one main concept
If Text Isn't Working
- Move text requirements to the beginning
- Use quote marks around exact text
- Add typography style descriptions
If Style Isn't Right
- Be more specific about artistic style
- Add reference periods/movements
- Include mood and atmosphere words
📝 Quick Structure Checklist
Before hitting generate, check your prompt:
✅ Subject clearly stated first
✅ Key details specified
✅ Style/mood described
✅ Technical needs included
✅ Text in quotation marks
✅ No contradictory elements
✅ Most important items emphasized
🎯 Structure Examples by Goal
Maximum Detail
A steampunk-inspired mechanical dragon, intricate brass gears and copper plates, steam venting from joints, perched on a Victorian clocktower, golden hour lighting, dark storm clouds in background, cinematic composition, highly detailed digital art, fantasy concept art style
Commercial Simplicity
Coffee cup logo with the text: "Morning Boost", clean modern design, brown and cream colors, simple and professional
Artistic Expression
Abstract representation of music, flowing lines and vibrant colors representing sound waves, energetic movement, contemporary digital art, inspiration and creativity theme
A well-structured prompt is your roadmap to success. Take time to organize your thoughts before generating!
Next: Master the art of Handling Negatives to avoid unwanted elements in your designs.