AI Image Generation Basics
Create images, flyers and mockups with clear image prompts.
Subjects, composition and visual language
Learning objectives
- Explain the main ideas behind Subjects, composition and visual language and why they matter.
- Apply a repeatable process for subjects, composition and visual language to a realistic task.
- Evaluate an AI-assisted result for accuracy, usefulness and responsible use.
Why Subjects, composition and visual language matters
Subjects, composition and visual language is part of the Understand Image Generation chapter in AI Image Generation Basics. It helps you move from simply hearing about AI to making deliberate choices in a real task. Create images, flyers and mockups with clear image prompts. The important skill is to combine useful automation with your own judgement.
Core concept
Describe the subject, setting, composition, lighting and intended use, then change one visual variable at a time. Inspect anatomy, text, brand details and unintended artefacts before using an image publicly.
A method you can reuse
- Define the result: write who the work is for, what they need and what a correct result must include.
- Prepare the input: gather only the relevant source material and remove information that should not be shared.
- Make the request: name the task of subjects, composition and visual language, provide context and specify the format or constraints that matter.
- Inspect the draft: compare names, numbers, instructions and omissions with your source and objective.
- Revise and own the result: correct weak parts yourself, record any assumption and take responsibility for the final version.
Terms to understand
- Context: the background information needed to interpret the task correctly.
- Constraint: a boundary the result must respect, such as length, audience, policy or format.
- Verification: checking an output against reliable evidence instead of judging it by confidence or style.
- Iteration: making a focused change and comparing the new result with the previous one.
Real-world connection
A learner may be tempted to ask for a finished answer immediately. A better approach is to create a small first version, test it in a realistic situation and note where it fails. This turns subjects, composition and visual language into a repeatable skill rather than a one-off trick. If the task involves another person, private records or a consequential decision, slow down and add the appropriate review.
Quality checklist
Before finishing, confirm that the result answers the intended question, uses accurate inputs, follows the relevant rules and remains understandable to its audience. If any of those checks fails, revise the work instead of submitting it.
Guided example
A small-business owner taking AI Image Generation Basics wants to practise subjects, composition and visual language without risking a customer-facing mistake.
- They choose a fictional example and write one sentence describing the desired outcome.
- They use this prompt: “Help me practise Subjects, composition and visual language. Context: this is for the Understand Image Generation chapter. Ask for any essential information, then produce a small draft with clear steps. Do not invent facts.”
- They compare the draft with the lesson method and underline one accurate part, one unclear part and one missing detail.
- They request one focused revision, then make the final edit themselves.
The useful result is not just the improved draft. The learner can now explain why the final version is better and reproduce the process on a new task.
Practical activity
Create a one-page work sample for subjects, composition and visual language.
- Choose a realistic situation connected to ai image generation basics and state your intended result in one sentence.
- Produce a first draft using the lesson method. Keep the prompt, notes or source material beside it.
- Apply the quality checklist and make at least two visible improvements.
- Write a 100-word reflection explaining what changed, what you verified and what you would do differently next time.
Independent challenge: repeat the task with a different audience or constraint. Compare both versions and identify which choices had the greatest effect.
Key takeaways
- Start subjects, composition and visual language with a clear human goal and suitable context.
- Use AI for support, not as a substitute for evidence or judgement.
- Review, revise and document the result before relying on it.
Log in to use Lerna, take the knowledge check, save notes and earn verified progress.
What you will be able to do
- Apply the principles of understand image generation to a realistic task.
- Apply the principles of direct better images to a realistic task.
- Apply the principles of create practical design assets to a realistic task.
- Apply the principles of use images responsibly to a realistic task.
Prerequisites
Basic digital literacy and access to a device for practice are recommended. Review earlier Lernova foundation lessons if you need support.
Assessment and certificate
Each lesson includes a three-question knowledge check. Each chapter has a four-question assessment, and the course ends with a six-question final assessment. The standard pass mark is 70%. Complete all published requirements to receive a certificate.
Final assessment: AI Image Generation Basics — Final course assessment