Before You Use AI Generated Images: A Critical Checklist

May 21, 2026
Prachi Gupta
AI Guides

Last Updated: 15 July 2026

Table of Contents

Over the last year, I’ve tested five different AI image generation tools on real projects—from character design to animation and marketing visuals. Each one taught me something different about AI generated images, what they’re actually good at, and where they still fall short.

When I first started, I thought writing a better prompt would automatically create better AI art. I was wrong. After dozens of experiments, I realised that consistency comes from reference images, clear specifications, and understanding how each tool interprets your instructions—not from using longer prompts.

I used to create prompts like “Cartoon Character Sitting On A Couch,” and I expected to get a cartoon character. However, the image I created was just an “OK” drawing of a couch that was not at all what I was looking for.

The real truth is that the prompt is not almost all about creating a good image; it is all about the details of what you are asking the AI to make. I have used the AI for animation projects, and when it comes to making CGAN characters, this is how I create those characters.

How I Create Better AI Generated Images

Select a style — CGAN, serious 3D, specific artwork, etc.
Select an angle — wide shot, close-up, overhead, etc.
Select an artist — Alphonse Mucha, Walt Disney, Dr Seuss, etc.
Layout of environment (type, colours, and background)
Configuration of lighting (shadows, highlights, direction of source)
Poses and objects (character’s hand hold, seating style, etc.)
Eliminate junk descriptors

This is precision work rather than simple typing. I have been using Nano Banana for my main program for six months, and the game-changer was to upload a reference image and have it match my specifications exactly.

The results have improved drastically. My friends who do video animation for their businesses began using the same method and have experienced an immediate improvement in consistency.

When you have a reference image uploaded with exact specifications, the output will occur as expected. If you use junk descriptors, these will contradict your prompt and cause things not to work.

Less is more, as long as you have said everything that matters.

Which AI Image Generator Is Best?

This is not the right question to ask. What I have experienced is that each of these tools — ChatGPT, Leonardo, Nano Banana, Ideogram, and MidJourney — responds differently to prompts. They have also been trained using different data sets.

Tool	Best For	My Experience
Nano Banana	Character consistency	My favourite for reference-based work
Leonardo AI	Creative artwork	Great results with detailed prompts
ChatGPT	Quick concepts	Useful, but inconsistent for production
Ideogram	Text and graphics	Promising, but still improving
Midjourney	Premium visuals	Excellent quality, limited personal testing

Therefore, you cannot simply name something as “the best.”

For example, Leonardo works great when you are specific. If you are vague, you will get very vague results.

My biggest disappointment with ChatGPT is its image generation function. I have had to abandon using it for production work due to rendering problems and unreliable results.

Nano Banana is the tool I am using most often to produce detailed character designs because its reference image capability is unmatched. Once you understand its prompt format, you can depend on Nano Banana to provide consistent results.

I continue to explore the potential of Ideogram and report back with my current level of expertise and experience, which is limited at this time.

I have no experience with MidJourney, and I am not going to act as though I am an expert because I am not.

My recommendation: Start with Nano Banana. Not because of the hype around the product, but because of the ability of its reference image system to eliminate guesswork. Consistency is your key, as changing AI tools in the middle of a project will result in inconsistency in character design and visual aesthetic.

The resulting lock-in or switching costs give the AI companies significant leverage when it comes to pricing.

Also Read: Best Free AI Design Tools 2026 That Actually Work

The AI Bubble: What Changed After the Hype

The evolution of the market is happening in real time. One year ago, tools offered 100 free credits to customers. Today, that number is 50. Many companies have eliminated their free tiers.

The hype is that ai generated images will always be free. The reality, however, is that free credits are disappearing. The professionals who use those tools need to pay to subscribe.

Tools continue to improve, but prices continue to increase. The people using the tools for free are generating hype, and those using the tools to create a true business are generating revenue.

The platforms are shifting their focus as well. Switching tools creates a lack of consistency in your business. Lack of consistency results in being locked into a single platform, and results in the tool costing more.

Where AI Generated Images Work Best

I have used ai generated images for real business projects in the past, but I also know many of my friends use ai generated art for their business projects, i.e., animations, videos.

Is this efficient?

Animation/detailed project — time investment
Pro work — subscription-based costs
Character — image and spec references

Common Mistakes When Creating AI Generated Art

Expecting good quality without putting forth anything
Changing tools during a project
Using lazy prompts and expecting great results

Many people are expecting fast, professional artwork, but the tools out there require a high level of time and monetary investment.

How to Get Started with AI Generated Images

If you are serious:

Choose one tool (Nano Banana or Leonardo) — focus
Learn the quirks of each tool through trial and error and reference
Use reference images to reduce randomness
Define all aspects of your project — style, angle, lighting, environment, and pose.
Create a budget. Most pro work can only be done with paid subscriptions.

Will AI Generated Art Replace Designers?

It is going to be a tool for artists who spend time making art with AI.

I used 5 different tools to generate images. From the generated images, I created an animation. If you are willing to be very specific with your prompts, provide reference pictures, and utilise a quality application, the results will be amazing.

First, pick one tool, then be very specific, use reference pictures, and make something real. This is your path to the future, using AI to make images.

External Links

OpenAI Terms of Use – AI-Generated Content Ownership
https://openai.com/policies/row-terms-of-use/

Google Generative AI Use Policy
https://policies.google.com/terms/generative-ai/use-policy

Leonardo AI
https://leonardo.ai/

FAQ's

What are AI generated images?

AI generated images are visuals created using artificial intelligence models based on text prompts, reference images, or both. The final quality depends on the tool, the prompt, and how specific your instructions are.

Which AI image generator is best?

There isn't one tool that's best for everyone. From my experience, Nano Banana works well for consistent character creation, Leonardo AI produces detailed artwork, and ChatGPT is useful for quick concepts rather than production-ready images.

Can AI generated images be used commercially?

Many AI image generators allow commercial use under their licensing terms, but the rules vary between platforms. Always check the latest terms of the tool before using AI generated images in products or client work.

Why do AI generated images look different every time?

AI models generate new variations each time. Using reference images, consistent prompts, and the same tool helps reduce variations and maintain a consistent style.

Will AI replace graphic designers?

AI speeds up image creation, but it doesn't replace creative thinking, branding, or design strategy. I see AI as a tool that helps designers work faster rather than replacing them.