Midjourney doesn’t just create art; it refines it. One of the most underrated features is the Style Reference, often abbreviated as sref. In this post, we’ll cover how sref can make your AI-generated art more cohesive, personal, and distinct—giving your projects an extra layer of depth and polish.
What Is Midjourney Style Reference (sref)?
At its core, sref is a directive that guides Midjourney to look at a specific image (or set of images) for style cues. Unlike a full moodboard (which can include multiple images forming a broader theme), sref typically zeroes in on a singular or more focused visual reference.
- Targeted Influence: sref homes in on key aesthetic elements—like color palette, brushstrokes, or design motifs—from your chosen reference.
- Personal Touch: If you have a personal illustration or design style you love, using sref ensures that Midjourney’s AI interprets and incorporates those unique traits.
- Consistency Across Projects: By reusing the same sref, you keep your brand or project images consistently “on theme,” regardless of the content you’re generating.
How to Use sref
1. Choose Your Reference
This could be a single piece of art or a photograph that captures the vibe you want.
2. Upload & Tag
Upload your reference image in Midjourney or the platform you’re using. Then, set it as your style reference in your prompt (or in your settings, depending on the interface).
3. Observe & Refine
Generate your AI art and check the result. Does it capture the essence you want? If not, adjust your prompt or change the reference image. AI art often rewards experimentation.
Benefits of Using sref
- Amplifies Uniqueness: Instead of generating generic AI art, you embed a piece of your signature style or chosen vibe directly into the result.
- Saves Time: Once you find a reference that works, you can apply it to countless new pieces without starting from scratch each time.
- Endless Possibilities: Combine sref with more extensive moodboards or other advanced Midjourney features for multi-layered style influences.
Practical Examples
- Branding Projects: Have a brand color palette or a specific illustration style? Make that your sref to keep your marketing materials looking uniform.
- Mixed Media Art: Want to blend a watercolor style with modern digital effects? Provide a watercolor painting as your sref, and prompt Midjourney to add the futuristic twists.
- Personal Keepsakes: If you have a family photo or a heritage pattern you’d like to incorporate, sref ensures it remains front and center in any new art pieces.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just dipping your toes into AI-generated art, Midjourney’s Style Reference is an invaluable tool. It bridges the gap between a random generation and one that’s truly tailored to your artistic vision. By leveraging sref, you can maintain a cohesive style, preserve brand identity, or simply add personal flair to each piece of AI-generated art.
Give it a try, and see how your Midjourney creations transform when they’re guided by the subtle yet powerful influence of a single reference image!