If you’ve spent hours typing prompts into an AI art generator only to get results that feel flat or plasticky, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations for newcomers. This guide breaks down the most common ai art mistakes beginners make, explores why AI art looks generic, and gives you actionable steps to improve your results fast.
Why AI Art Looks Generic
AI models are trained on billions of images from the internet. When you give a simple prompt like "a fantasy castle," the AI averages everything it's seen labeled "fantasy castle." The result is often technically proficient but creatively bland—hitting expected notes without originality.
This "default" look often includes:
- Perfect, shadowless lighting
- Overly smooth textures
- Predictable compositions
- A digital sheen lacking grit or texture
The good news? You can push the AI beyond its defaults with better direction.
Common AI Art Mistakes Beginners Make
Most beginners run into the same handful of errors. Recognizing them is the first step toward creating standout art.
Using One Model for Every Style
Not all AI models are the same. Some excel at photorealism, others at anime or abstract art. Using a general model for a specialized task leads to mediocre results.
Platforms like Fiddl.art offer a catalogue of AI models tailored for portraits, landscapes, fantasy, and more. Picking the right tool is the first step to better art.
Writing Overloaded or Vague Prompts
Your prompt is your instruction manual. Too vague, and the AI fills in the blanks. Too chaotic, and it gets confused.
- ❌ Vague:
a sad man - ❌ Overloaded:
a sad man, crying, rain, dark, moody, cinematic, emotional, neon lights...
Instead, use a structured approach: start with a subject, then add setting, style, and details. Our beginner’s guide to AI art prompts can help you build effective prompts.
Expecting Perfect Results on the First Try
AI art is iterative, not instant. Even experts rarely nail it on the first try. Each generation is a sketch—evaluate, tweak, and try again.
On Fiddl.art, you can browse public creations and use any image as a starting point. This remix approach helps you learn from others and iterate faster.
Copy-Pasting Viral Prompts
It’s tempting to use popular prompts, but this stifles learning and makes your art look like everyone else’s. Instead, deconstruct those prompts. Identify what makes them work—terms like “volumetric lighting” or specific artist names—and experiment with them in your own creations.
Chasing Realism Too Early
Created by @seth.
Photorealism is one of the hardest styles to master. Beginners often end up in the “uncanny valley” with strange hands, dead eyes, and waxy skin.
Start with stylized art like “digital painting” or “concept art.” Once you’re comfortable, you can tackle more complex styles like creating consistent fantasy characters.
How to Fix AI Art Mistakes and Improve Results
Created by @seth.
Follow this workflow to avoid common ai art mistakes and create more compelling images:
- Choose the Right Model: Browse available models and pick one that fits your vision. Use photorealistic models for portraits, stylized ones for fantasy.
- Structure Your Prompt: Use a clear format:
Style, Subject, Setting, Lighting, Details.
Example:cinematic photo of a grizzled wizard in a cluttered workshop, dramatic backlighting, highly detailed. - Use Negative Prompts: Tell the AI what to avoid:
blurry, deformed, bad anatomy, extra limbs, text. - Iterate: Generate multiple variants. Refine your prompt based on what works. Use image-to-image tools to guide the AI, like turning a photo into a painting.
- Remix and Learn: Don’t start from scratch. Use the Browse feed to find inspiration, then click “Use as input” to explore the original prompt and settings.
AI Art Tips for Beginners Who Want Better Results
Quick wins to level up your AI art:
- Study Others: Learn from the Fiddl.art Browse page. See what prompts and models create images you love.
- Learn Key Terms: Use words like “cinematic,” “volumetric lighting,” or “Unreal Engine” to add style and depth.
- Try Different Aspect Ratios: Use 2:3 for portraits, 16:9 for landscapes.
- Train a Custom Model: For truly unique art, use tools like Fiddl.art’s Forge to train a model on your own style or face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AI art have weird hands and faces?
Hands and faces are complex. Use negative prompts like deformed hands, blurry face and try models specialized for portraits.
How can I make my AI art more unique?
Combine unexpected ideas and get specific. Instead of “cyberpunk city,” try “cyberpunk city in 19th-century oil painting style.” For maximum uniqueness, train a custom model.
Do I need to be an artist to make good AI art?
No. Creativity, patience, and experimentation matter more. AI art can unlock creativity for everyone.
Are short or long prompts better?
Start short to establish the core idea, then add detail. See how the AI responds with each change.
Elevate Your AI Art Journey
Moving past generic AI art is about understanding the tools, avoiding common mistakes, and embracing iteration. Choose the right model, write clear prompts, and don’t be afraid to remix and learn.
Ready to create better art? Dive into the Fiddl.art creator studio, experiment with different models, and start refining your skills today.