I continue to be impressed with the advice about AI prompts that you’re giving to create an image, which is to add a statement like “ask me clarifying questions” to the end of your prompt to help your AI program of choice create a more accurate portrayal of what you’re going for.
Recently, I wanted an image to accompany one of my exercise check-ins. I prompted Copilot AI adding the clarifying statement, and here is the back-and-forth I had with it to create the perfect image on the first try:
Draw me a photo quality image of a 50-year-old man in work casual pants walking by a company snack room holding 2 cookies on a small plate and then 4 cookies in his pocket. Ask me clarifying questions to better understand my needs. One question at a time, keep going until you’re confident you have enough to create a complete image.
Great setup—this has the makings of a wonderfully sly scene. To start shaping it visually: Would you like the man’s expression to be neutral, guilty, smug, distracted, or something else entirely?
Smug.
Perfect. Smug opens up a lot of fun possibilities—maybe a raised eyebrow, a half-smile, or even a glance toward the camera like he knows he’s getting away with something.
Next: what kind of setting do you imagine for the snack room? Is it sleek and modern, cluttered and cozy, or maybe a bit dated and corporate?
Sleek and modern.
Got it—sleek and modern snack room. Think glass-fronted fridge, minimalist counters, maybe some brushed metal and soft lighting.
Next: what kind of work casual pants is the man wearing? Are we talking chinos, slacks, tech-fabric joggers, or something else? And what color?
Tan chinos.
Excellent—tan chinos give us that classic work-casual vibe. They’ll contrast nicely with the sleek snack room.
Next detail: what kind of shirt is he wearing? Button-down, polo, sweater, or something else? And any particular color or pattern?
Button-down.
Thanks! What color or pattern is the button-down—solid blue, plaid, white with stripes, something else? And is it tucked in or untucked?
Blue plaid, tucked in.
Awesome—blue plaid button-down, tucked into tan chinos. That gives us a crisp, office-ready look with just enough personality.
Now, about the cookies: what kind are they? Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, something else? And are they visibly different or all the same?
Chocolate chip.
Classic choice—chocolate chip it is. That’ll make the cookie stash instantly recognizable and relatable.
Now, about the cookies in his pocket: do you want them subtly bulging through the fabric, one peeking out, or clearly visible like he’s flaunting the stash?
Mostly subtle bulging through the fabric with one sticking out a little bit.
Perfect—subtle bulge with one cookie peeking out adds just the right touch of visual mischief.
Next: do you want any other characters in the scene? For example, a coworker in the background, someone reacting, or is it just the man and the snack room?
Two other coworkers in the background reacting.
Great—two coworkers reacting in the background adds a layer of storytelling and contrast to the smug cookie thief.
How would you like them to react? Options could include:
– Shocked or disapproving
– Amused or entertained
– Whispering or gossiping
– Trying to pretend they didn’t see anything
Let me know which vibe you’re going for.
Whispering.
Perfect—two coworkers whispering in the background adds a layer of intrigue and social tension.
Next: what kind of environment surrounds the snack room? Is it part of an open office with desks and glass walls, a hallway with carpet and cubicles, or something else?
Part of an open office with desks and glass walls.
Here it is—your photo-quality image is ready now. Let me know if you’d like to tweak anything or build on this scene further.
