#622 Dark Fantasy Gothic

Gen AI Art for creatives.

Create powerful fantasy portraits that feel like they belong in an ancient grimoire.

Hey there 👋

Today, we're diving into character prompting techniques that capture the essence of dark fantasy – where gothic architecture meets mystical warriors and shadow priests. I've discovered some fascinating ways to craft these brooding characters that go beyond the usual "dark lord" tropes.

The art of character design has always been about finding that perfect balance between power and presence. Like how a skilled portrait painter uses light and shadow to create depth, we're bringing these dark fantasy characters to life through carefully crafted prompt elements that work together to create a compelling whole.

When you create these images, look at how the interplay between armor types and environmental lighting can dramatically shift a character's presence. When working with crystalline armor, I found that purple twilight creates an almost otherworldly resonance, while ceremonial robes take on a completely different character under cool blue moonlight. What surprised me most was how the frame elements – those ornate borders we're adding – can actually enhance the character's personality rather than just serving as decoration.

The Prompts

Here's how to achieve these striking character portraits…