If you’ve ever browsed websites with stock images such as Shutterstock and Getty Images and thought, “I could do something similar to the one shown here,” but didn’t have the skills to take photos or the equipment to make it happen, you’re in for an absolute surprise. I’ve been playing using AI tools for quite a while, and Midjourney is my favourite tool to create high-quality stock images that don’t break the bank. It’s like having an artist at my fingertips.
In this post, I’ll take you through all you must learn about the use of Midjourney for creating stock images. It will be simple, informal, casual, and packed with my personal tips and experiences.
If you’re a blogger in need of visually appealing images or a marketer putting together campaigns, or simply interested in AI art, Midjourney is fun and easy. Let’s get started!
What is Midjourney?
The Midjourney tool is an AI-powered image generation tool that transforms textual prompts into beautiful visual art. In contrast to traditional tools for graphic design, Midjourney does not require any advanced design skills. Users just need to describe what they’d like to say in words, and Midjourney’s AI creates a variety of images in a matter of minutes.
While Midjourney is used extensively for artistic work, it is becoming increasingly used to create stock images because it can create highly customizable images which aren’t bound by copyright restrictions. This makes it a game-changer for content creators and businesses.
Advantages Over Traditional Stock Photos
| Feature | Traditional Stock Images | Midjourney-Generated Images |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Per image or per an annual subscription | Unlimited creation, subscription-based |
| Customization | Photos are limited to the photos that are available. | Fully customizable with prompts |
| Exclusivity | Oft, multiple users use the same software | Unique images are created by demand |
| Speed | It takes a long time to find | Instant generation |
| Creativity | Photographs from the real world are bound by them. | Imagination-driven visuals |
Why Use Midjourney for Stock Image Creation?
1. Cost-Effective Alternative
Traditional subscriptions to stock images are costly, and the expense of hiring professional photographers can be beyond the budgets of small companies. Midjourney lets users create endless unique images at less than price.
2. Unlimited Customization
With Midjourney, it is possible to create images that are specifically tailored to your niche, brand or campaign’s requirements. You can alter the colours, perspectives, objects and overall composition using precise prompts. This is not possible with stock libraries.
3. Unique and Exclusive Content
When you use Midjourney, the pictures generated are distinctive to your specific request. Your images will distinguish themselves from generic stock images and give your content an edge.
4. Time-Saving
The process of searching through a myriad of stock images to locate the perfect one is tedious. Midjourney lets you generate numerous options at once, thus making it easier to do manual work.
5. Versatile Use Cases
From web headers and social media updates to presentations and marketing materials, Midjourney-generated images are able to serve virtually any digital content need.
Setting Up Midjourney for Stock Image Creation
Okay, let’s get functioning. There’s no fancy equipment needed. All you need is an internet connection or a phone that supports Discord.
- Join Discord, and Midjourney Server: Download Discord if it’s not installed on your computer the app (it’s cost-free). Go to the Midjourney website and click “Join the Beta” for an invitation to join their server. After logging in, you’ll find channels such as #newbies, where magic occurs.
- Join Midjourney: It’s not completely free, but the base plan starts at a low cost (around $10 per month). It gives your GPU time to create images. It started me off with the bare version and then upgraded once I became addicted. It was totally worthwhile for the unlimited relaxation mode generation.
- Initial Prompt: For a beginner channel, you can type “/imagine” then add your own description. If you are using pictures that you can use, make it simple. For example: “/imagine prompt: a professional group brainstorming in a modern workplace, natural light and 4k resolution”
Hit Enter to enter, and Midjourney will produce four different variations. You can either upscale (U1-U4 buttons) or alter (V1-V4) the buttons. Then you can download the buttons that you like the most.
A tip from my trial-and-error days: Begin with the basics. My first attempts failed because I made too many complicated the prompts. Keep to the essential elements such as lighting, style, subject and resolution.
Craft Prompts: The Secret to Pro-Level Stock Images
The prompts are where the real enjoyment (and frustration) starts. Consider them recipes. The more detailed the recipe, the better the outcome. When it comes to stock images, look for neutral, flexible images that can be used by anyone.
- Basic Structure: Subject + Details + Style + Technical Specs. For example: “Close-up of fresh organic vegetables on a table at the farm, vivid colours, realistic high-detail”..v 5 –q 2″ (The –v stands for the Midjourney version, and the –q is for high-quality.)
- Stock-specific tips: Choose to focus on the evergreen topics like nature, business, food, and abstract concepts. Do not use trademarks or brands to ensure they are able to be sold. I’ve once suggested “abstract flowing blue wave resembling data flow in a futuristic, modern fashion” for tech stocks, and it worked perfectly with that neat, useful design.
- Test the Parameters Use the parameter –ar to determine aspect ratio (like 1:1 for squares, ideal in social media). Include –stylize 600 to give it more visual flair, or choose the option of no humans to exclude humans in case you need to exclude humans.
My experience is that repetition is the key to success. Create, tweak the prompt, and then generate. In one session, I reworked the “sunset beaches scene” prompt five times in order to create the ideal golden glow. It was like working on the AI!
The most frequent mistakes? Inconsistent prompts can lead to bizarre results. Use specific words: Instead of “happy family,” you can say “multicultural family enjoying a picnic in a park, happy, summer day, real photo.”
Best Practices for Stock Image Creation
In the course of months using Midjourney, I’ve learned methods to transform average images into stock-worthy gems.
- Quality boosts: Always increase to the maximum resolution. Use the –hd or –q2 to see more details. For stock, you should aim for at least 4K in order to beat pros.
- Batch Creator: Generate variants in large quantities. Midjourney’s “remix” feature allows you to build upon winners. I came up with a set of inspirational quotes that were overlaid on landscapes this way. Super efficient.
- Modifying Post-Generation: Download and tweak using free tools such as Canva and GIMP. Edit the text, crop it, or alter the colour. A few of my “stock food images” required a brightness increase to make them pop.
- Community Vibes: Hang out in Midjourney’s Discord. Following others’ prompts has motivated me to experiment with “cyberpunk cityscapes at night, with neon lights cinematic” for stock urban images.
Note on ethics: AI art is evolving, which is why you should make sure to credit Midjourney in the event that you’re selling. Also, remember that AI art isn’t “stealing” art, it’s being trained using public data. However, always be sure to check the rules of your platform.
Can You Sell Midjourney-Generated Stock Images?
The short answer is yes. However, there are some restrictions. Midjourney’s Terms allow commercial use with paid plans, which means you can upload content to stock websites. However, some platforms, such as Adobe Stock, are selective with AI content. You must disclose it prior to uploading.
Based on what I’ve observed, websites like Etsy or even your own shop have more flexibility. I’ve sold a few abstracts that were created using AI as digital downloads, and the buyers were enthralled by the originality. Don’t make claims that it’s hand-photographed. Be sure to check for copyrights: If your request replicates a popular style too much, it may be a red flag.
In a nutshell, approach it as any other creative project – originality is the king.
Alternatives to Midjourney for Stock Image Creation
Midjourney is a great choice, but it’s not necessarily the only one. If Discord seems clunky, check out Stable Diffusion (freely available) or DALL-E with ChatGPT. Both are similar, but have different strengths. DALL-E is better suited to novices.
In my tests, Midjourney edges out for artistic excellence; however can you can mix and match it based on your requirements.
Wrapping It Up: Start Creating Today!
Here’s a simple guide to mastering Midjourney for the power of stock images. It’s fun, inspiring and genuinely enjoyable once you’ve gotten the knack of it. My own experience has taught me that the most important thing is to practice beginning small, then experimenting with a lot of enthusiasm, and you’ll soon have a portfolio of photos ready to share with the world.
Are you willing to try giving it try? Get involved in Discord and ask questions. If you come up with something unique, do share it with me. I’d love to hear about your triumphs!
FAQs
Q: Do I need to have artistic abilities to be able to use Midjourney to make pictures from stock?
A: Nope! It’s all in the simplicity of it. You can simply describe what you want in words. My non-artistic self has created hundreds of usable pictures.
Q: What will Midjourney charge to create stock?
A: Basic plan costs about $10/month for speedy generation of a few items. For heavy use, go Pro at $30/month. It’s less expensive than hiring photographers.
Q: What is the possibility of Midjourney images being copyrighted?
A: AI-generated artwork is a gray zone; however, you are able to copyright your own custom-designed commands and edits. Get a lawyer involved for important commercial matters.
Q: What is the most appropriate prompt style for real-looking stock photos?
A: Use “photorealistic natural light, high resolution,” and include camera angles such as “wide shots” as well as “macro.”
Q: What is the time it will take to make an image from stock?
A: Seconds to minutes, based on the strategy you’re using. In a relaxed mode, it’s free, but slower–great for testing.
Q: Do I have a limit to the number of images I can create?
A: Yes, according to your subscription. Basic provides around 200 quick ones per month. I reached my limit once and then switched to relaxed mode.
Q: What can I do with Midjourney to create custom stock themes, such as holidays?
A: Absolutely! The prompt is “festive Christmas market complete with lighting, snow real” for stock that is seasonal. It’s a lot of fun to modify.
Q: What should I do if my images look blurry?
A: Refine the prompt, adding more details, and use negative options such as “–no blur.” It’s a matter of practice to become better, which is what I discovered by doing it the hard way!