How I Create Fairy Tale Illustrations Using Midjourney
When I was little, I spent hours looking at fairy tale books. The illustrations pulled me into magical worlds filled with unicorns, mermaids, and enchanted forests. Now, years later, I create similar illustrations using Midjourney.
In this post, I’ll show you how I make these illustrations. I use a specific approach for these illustrations. My base prompt has a clear structure, and I’ve added my personal style through Midjourney’s personalization code.
Let me show you how it all works.
My Approach to Fairy Tale Illustrations
Creating fairy tale illustrations isn’t just about typing random words into Midjourney. I’ve found that having a clear structure makes a big difference.
Make It Personal
The secret sauce in my illustrations is Midjourney’s personalization feature. I use my personal code “qiz5shk” at the end of each prompt (as “–personalize qiz5shk” or “–p qiz5shk”).
This helps keep my style consistent across all my artwork. Think of it as having your own artistic signature – it makes each piece uniquely yours while maintaining a cohesive look.
My Base Prompt
Here’s the foundation I use for all my fairy tale illustrations:
[Subject] in a [setting], [additional scene elements], in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition
Let’s break this down piece by piece:
The Subject
This is the star of your illustration. It could be anything – a unicorn, a princess, or a wise old wizard. I make sure to be specific here. Instead of just saying “animal,” I might say “enchanted fox” or “noble lion.”
The Setting
This is where your subject lives. I like to make these places feel magical right from the start. A forest becomes an “enchanted forest,” a cave turns into a “sparkling underwater cave.” The setting sets the mood for the entire piece.
Additional Scene Elements
These are the little details that make the scene come alive. I add things like “glowing fireflies,” “mystical flowers,” or “shimmering gemstones.” These elements fill the space and add that extra touch of magic.
The Consistent Style Elements
At the end of each prompt, I always include these style markers:
- “in the style of a fairy tale”
- “vibrant colors”
- “magical lighting”
- “fantasy art”
- “dreamy atmosphere”
- “cinematic composition”
These help create that consistent fairy tale look I want.
Technical Details That Matter
I’ve found that some technical settings make a big difference:
- I use an aspect ratio of 3:4 (–ar 3:4) because it gives me nice vertical compositions
- I’m currently using the latest Midjourney version 6.1 (–v 6.1)
- I always add my personalization code at the end
This might seem like a lot to remember, but it becomes second nature pretty quickly. The structure helps me focus on being creative with the main elements while knowing the technical parts will take care of themselves.
Examples of Fairy Tale Prompts
Let me show you some of the prompts I’ve created and the results.
1. The Unicorn
Unicorn in an enchanted forest, surrounded by glowing fireflies and mystical flowers, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
I added fireflies and mystical flowers because they create natural light sources. These small lights make the forest glow without taking attention away from the unicorn.
2. The Mermaid
Mermaid in a sparkling underwater cave, with colorful coral and fish swimming around, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The swimming fish and colorful coral bring life to the underwater scene. “Sparkling” helps create that magical underwater glow we see in fairy tales.
3. The Fairy Princess
Fairy princess in a meadow filled with lavender flowers, butterflies dancing around her, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Butterflies and lavender flowers make the scene feel gentle and magical. They also help show how small the fairy princess is.
4. The Dragon
Dragon in a hidden valley, surrounded by shimmering gemstones and glowing mist, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The gemstones and mist give the scene mystery. These elements suit a dragon’s legendary nature.
5. The Fox
Enchanted fox in a misty forest, with glowing eyes and fireflies around, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
I made the fox’s eyes glow to show it’s not an ordinary fox. The fireflies add extra magic without being too obvious.
6. The Castle Princess
Princess in a grand castle hallway, with chandeliers glowing and golden light streaming through windows, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The chandeliers and streaming light create a royal atmosphere. Golden light makes everything feel warm and special.
7. The Knight
Knight in a moonlit glen, with his sword drawn and stars twinkling above, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The moonlight and twinkling stars add mystery to this scene. They create natural highlights on the knight’s armor.
8. The Giant
Giant in a mountain valley, with wildflowers at his feet and a river winding below, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The wildflowers and river help show the giant’s massive size. They give scale to the scene.
9. The Lost Traveler
Lost traveler in an enchanted forest, surrounded by floating orbs and twisting vines, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Floating orbs create an otherworldly feel. The twisting vines make the forest feel alive and slightly threatening.
10. The Swan
Swan in a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by lily pads and golden sunlight, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The crystal-clear water and lily pads create a peaceful scene. Golden sunlight adds warmth and magic.
11. The Brave Child
Brave child in a haunted forest, carrying a lantern that casts a magical glow, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The lantern serves as both a light source and a symbol of courage. It guides the way through darkness.
12. The Sorcerer
Wise sorcerer in a tower surrounded by magical artifacts, looking out at a stormy sky, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The magical artifacts show the sorcerer’s power. The stormy sky adds drama to the scene.
13. The Prince
Prince on a shimmering lake in a boat, with stars reflecting on the water and a full moon above, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Star reflections and moonlight create a romantic mood. The shimmering water adds movement to the scene.
14. The Mystery
Mysterious figure in a dense foggy forest, surrounded by ancient trees and glowing symbols, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Fog and glowing symbols build mystery. The ancient trees give the scene history and depth.
15. The Enchanted Deer
Enchanted deer in a mystical forest clearing, surrounded by glowing mushrooms and fireflies, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Glowing mushrooms create a magical forest floor. Fireflies add sparkle to the air around the deer.
16. The Reading Girl
Young girl in a magical forest with a glowing book, surrounded by curious woodland creatures, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
The glowing book becomes the main light source. Curious animals show the magic of the moment.
17. The Warrior Queen
Warrior queen in a stone fortress, with glowing runes and a magical sword by her side, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Glowing runes add magic to the stone setting. The magical sword shows her power and authority.
18. The Noble Lion
Noble lion in an enchanted jungle, with vines and mystical symbols in the background, in the style of a fairy tale, vibrant colors, magical lighting, fantasy art, dreamy atmosphere, cinematic composition –ar 3:4 –personalize qiz5shk –v 6.1
Mystical symbols make this more than a nature scene. The vines frame the lion and create depth.
Making fairy tale illustrations with Midjourney has become one of my favorite creative outlets. The base prompt with the personalization code I shared helps me create consistent results, but there’s still plenty of room to play and experiment.
Sometimes I’ll switch up the lighting, add unexpected elements, or try new combinations – that’s what makes it fun.
If you try these prompts, don’t feel stuck with my exact words. Change the subjects, settings, or magical elements. Add your own personalization code. Make it yours. The best illustrations often come from mixing familiar elements in new ways.
