How I Designed a Coloring Book with AI Tools: ChatGPT and Midjourney — The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Reem Alattas
ReemTech
Published in
4 min readJul 20, 2023
Image via art-is-fun

Welcome to the enchanting world of coloring books, where creativity meets cutting-edge technology. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will embark on an extraordinary journey of designing captivating coloring books using the power of AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Prepare to unlock your artistic potential and witness the magic of AI-assisted illustrations come to life.

Link to my coloring book

The Allure of Coloring Books

Discover the timeless appeal of coloring books, captivating people of all ages. From children to adults, coloring books provide a canvas for artistic expression and relaxation. Explore the therapeutic benefits and nostalgic charm that make coloring books a beloved pastime. With AI tools by our side, we can take this creative journey to new heights.

Introducing ChatGPT and Midjourney

Meet our creative companions, ChatGPT and Midjourney, who will assist us in crafting captivating illustrations for our coloring books. ChatGPT will generate imaginative prompts, while Midjourney’s Image Generator will bring our illustrations to life. Together, they form an unbeatable duo, merging human imagination with AI capabilities.

Step 1: Understanding Audience Preferences:

Delve into the preferences and motifs that enthrall different age groups, tailoring your coloring book designs to captivate their hearts and minds. Let’s explore ChatGPT prompts and Midjourney prompts customized for each age group:

  • Age 3–5: Cute and Simple Illustrations
  • Age 6–8: Engaging and Playful Designs
  • Age 9–12: Intricate and Exciting Themes
  • Age 13–17: Fantasy and Adventure
  • Adults: Niche Interests and Specialized Themes

Step 2: Creating Prompts with ChatGPT:

Harness the power of ChatGPT to generate prompts that ignite your imagination. Let’s consider an example of a prompt for the steampunk genre:

ChatGPT Prompt: “Design a steampunk-themed illustration featuring retro-futuristic elements, intricate gears, machinery, and Victorian-era aesthetics. Create a captivating scene that transports the viewer to a bustling marketplace filled with imaginative contraptions. Make sure the illustration is suitable for coloring and includes detailed architecture, gas lamps, and people in period-appropriate clothing.”

Step 3: Generating Illustrations with Midjourney

Now it’s time to bring your prompts to life with Midjourney’s Image Generator. Convert the generated prompts into captivating illustrations that will charm coloring enthusiasts. For example, let’s visualize a steampunk marketplace with the Midjourney prompt:

Midjourney Prompt: Steampunk-themed illustration of a bustling Victorian-era marketplace, with vendors selling an array of mechanical gadgets, steam-powered devices, and ornate machinery. Capture the atmosphere of the era by including detailed architecture, gas lamps, and people in period-appropriate clothing. Ensure the illustration is suitable for coloring, featuring black and white vector line art.

Step 4: Adding Detail and Complexity

Enhance your illustrations with intricate details and refined designs. Employ Midjourney prompts to add depth and complexity to your coloring book pages. Experiment with various themes, from animals and nature to fantasy and abstract art. Let your creativity flourish as you create unique and captivating illustrations.

Step 5: Testing and Feedback

Once your illustrations are ready, it’s time to gather feedback from coloring book enthusiasts. Share your designs with friends, family, or online communities and listen to their suggestions. Use their input to refine your illustrations and ensure they resonate with the intended audience.

Step 6: Bringing Your Coloring Book to Life

With your illustrations complete, it’s time to compile them into a captivating coloring book. Design the layout, add introductory pages, and organize the illustrations based on themes or difficulty levels. Consider including tips and techniques for coloring enthusiasts to enhance their experience.

Step 7: Publishing and Distribution

Explore publishing options for your coloring book. You can self-publish through online platforms or collaborate with traditional publishers. Leverage social media and online communities to promote your coloring book and reach a wider audience. Embrace digital formats or consider printing physical copies based on market demand.

Conclusion

Congratulations on embarking on an extraordinary journey of designing a coloring book with AI tools. Through the creative synergy of ChatGPT and Midjourney, you’ve unlocked a world of limitless possibilities. The fusion of human imagination and AI capabilities has given birth to captivating illustrations that will inspire and delight coloring enthusiasts of all ages. Embrace the magic of AI-assisted creativity and continue to explore the wondrous realm of coloring book design. Let your artistic adventure flourish and bring joy to the hearts of those who embrace the pages of your enchanting creations.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning!

--

--