How to Create Cartoons Using Midjourney

Cartoons have been a popular staple of media and entertainment for over a century. From classic newspaper funny pages to modern animated shows, cartoons bring humor and fun to people of all ages. With the rise of AI art generators like Midjourney, creating your own original cartoons is now easier than ever.

In this post, I’ll provide tips and techniques for using Midjourney to generate amazing cartoons with just a text prompt. You don’t need any advanced artistic skills – the AI handles the illustration work for you. All you need is your imagination and creativity with words.

We’ll explore making cartoons in different styles, from traditional hand-drawn looks to slick 3D/CGI renders. I’ll share prompts for creating cartoons starring popular fictional characters. You’ll also learn how to mimic famous cartoon art styles from masters like Charles Schulz and Genndy Tartakovsky.

By the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of prompt ideas to start dreaming up your own AI-generated cartoons. Let’s jump in and bring some sketches to life with Midjourney!

Cartoons with Popular Styles

One of the great things about Midjourney is its versatility for mimicking different art styles. This makes it easy to create cartoons with a distinct look and feel. Here are some popular cartoon styles you can prompt Midjourney to generate.

Classic Hand-drawn Look

For the classic Sunday funnies look, use prompts like “black and white sketch of a cartoon cat in the style of 1950s newspaper comics”. You can also reference specific comic strip artists like Charles Schulz or Mort Walker.

Here are some example prompts for generating classic hand-drawn cartoon styles with Midjourney:

• A silly cartoon horse in the style of 1920s rubberhose animation.
• An annoyed cartoon cat chasing a mouse in a 1950s newspaper comic strip style.
• A goofy cartoon father barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs, drawn in Charles Schulz’s Peanuts style.
• A grumpy cartoon dog wearing a cone collar, rendered like classic Hanna-Barbera animation.
• A cheerful cartoon girl playing jump rope with her friends, in the style of Calvin and Hobbes comics.
• An excited cartoon boy unwrapping Christmas presents by a tree, hand-drawn like Dennis the Menace comics.
• A smiling cartoon baby eating spaghetti, ink sketches reminiscent of Rugrats animation.
• A nervous cartoon man sweating as he waits to go on a rollercoaster, drawn with thick uneven black lines like Goofy or Mickey Mouse.

The main elements are specifying “cartoon” in the prompt, naming a specific artist or time period style, and adding fun descriptive details about the cartoon character and scene. This gives Midjourney the context to render hand-drawn, retro cartoon aesthetics.

Comic Book Style

Get the bold colors and dynamic action of superhero comics by describing the scene and adding “in the style of Marvel/DC comics”. For a grittier look, ask for an R-rated or adult comic book style.

Here are some example prompts for generating cartoons in a comic book style with Midjourney:

• An epic battle between a superhero and villain, rendered in a Marvel comics style.
• A quirky scientist character experimenting in their lab, in the visual style of DC’s Batman comics.
• A futuristic cyborg fending off an alien invasion, digitally painted like X-Men comics.
• A teenaged wizard casting a magic spell, inked and colored like Harry Potter comic books.
• A snarky anthropomorphic dog in a noir detective story, drawn like classic Archie comics.
• A angry barbarian warrior ready for battle, rendered with dramatic lighting like Conan the Barbarian comics.
• A cheerful female superhero flying and shooting laser beams, visualized like Supergirl comics.
• A brooding vigilante antihero standing on a rooftop overlooking a city at night, gritty realistic comic book style.

The key prompts are specifying a “comic book style”, naming specific comic series or characters for inspiration, and providing vivid details about the scene, characters, and action depicted. This gives Midjourney the creative direction to render dynamic, graphic novel-style cartoon illustrations.

Anime/Manga Style

Japanese anime and manga have very recognizable features like exaggerated eyes and colorful spiky hair. Use prompts like “Sailor Moon cartoon in manga style” or “Pokemon battle scene anime cartoon”.

Following are some example prompts for generating anime/manga style cartoons with Midjourney.

• A magical girl with long flowing hair, dressed in elegant robes, illustrated in the style of Sailor Moon.
• Two ninjas battling with swords and throwing stars, digitally drawn like Naruto manga.
• A spiky blue-haired teenager piloting a giant robot, rendered in Neon Genesis Evangelion anime style.
• A cute cat-girl waitress winking with sparkling eyes, classic manga aesthetic.
• A brooding samurai warrior staring off into the distance, inked line art reminiscent of Lone Wolf and Cub.
• A cheerful pink-haired girl eating a crepe in Harajuku, colorful Kawaii pop art illustration.
• A determined Pokémon trainer with Pikachu by his side, digitally painted like the Pokémon anime.
• A larger-than-life battle between giant monsters leveling a city, visualized dramatically like Akira anime.

The key is describing characters and scenes that evoke iconic anime/manga themes and adding style references like “in Sailor Moon style” or “classic manga aesthetic”. This guides Midjourney to render illustrations with Japanese animation/comic sensibilities.

3D/CGI Look

Modern 3D rendered cartoons like Rick and Morty have smooth, highly detailed looks. Prompt Midjourney with descriptors like “CGI cartoon”, “3D animated”, or the name of a specific show.

Following are some example prompts for generating cartoons in a 3D/CGI style:

• Two silly clone brothers having an adventure, rendered in 3D like The Adventures of Rick and Morty.
• A sarcastic alcoholic horse facing existential dread, digitally animated like BoJack Horseman.
• A wacky scientist conducting dangerous experiments in his lab, visualized in 3D like Rick and Morty.
• A goofy dad dealing with everyday suburban life, CGI animation style of Family Guy.
• A pug dog going on fantastical dreams and adventures, 3D cartoon aesthetic like The Secret Life of Pets.
• A group of quirky preteen friends hanging out at their treehouse, smooth 3D rendered like Recess animation.
• A memory loss goldfish exploring the world with his friends, CGI animated like Fish Hooks.
• A genius 6-year old girl inventing gadgets and going on missions, 3D cartoon style of Phineas and Ferb.

The key is specifying “3D”, “CGI”, or a particular 3D animated show. Describing exaggerate character features and zany personalities also helps Midjourney create illustrations with vibrant 3D cartoon aesthetics.

Cartoons as we See in Magazines/Newspapers

Midjourney can help you make all kinds of cartoons suitable for publication in magazines, newspapers, and websites. Here are some types of cartoons commonly seen in print.

Editorial Cartoons

These offer satire and commentary on current events. Prompt Midjourney to caricature politicians or illustrate societal issues in an ironic way.

Here are some example prompts for creating editorial cartoons with Midjourney:

• A caricature of a politician as a snake oil salesman, political editorial cartoon.
• Uncle Sam cartoon despairing over mounting national debt and money printing, detailed crosshatching style.
• Satirical cartoon of lawmakers asleep at desks as special interest groups sneak legislation through, ink brush strokes.
• An elephant and donkey arguing in Congress while a figure labeled “climate change” wreaks havoc, thick black outlines.
• Exaggerated corporate CEOs playing Monopoly with the world, using satire to critique capitalism.
• A caricatured billionaire space race cartoon, commenting whimsically on priorities and inequality.
• Cartoon representing social media as an angry monster dividing people, shaded charcoal textures.
• The scales of justice tipping due to greed and corruption, using symbolism as commentary.
• Visual metaphor for a stubborn pandemic with mask debates and misinformation, digital watercolor.

The key is using exaggeration, irony, and symbols to poke fun at issues and provoke thought. Describing specific stylistic flourishes like crosshatching or charcoal textures also adds to the editorial cartoon effect.

Gag Cartoons

These one-panel jokes rely on funny imagery and witty wordplay. Describe an absurd situation or stereotype in detail.

Following are some example prompts for creating funny gag cartoons:

• A pilot sheepishly looking at a plane manual as the plane starts to crash, visual pun cartoon.
• A dog sitting in a burning room saying “This is fine”, using irony and an absurd situation for humor.
• Father time anxiously looking at the year 2022 on a calendar, making light of feeling aged.
• A robot waiter spilling food all over a customer, simple outlined figures tell a funny story.
• Adam and Eve surrounded by talking snakes, playing on literal interpretations of biblical events.
• Santa Claus stuck in a chimney being laughed at by a reindeer, exaggerated reactions.
• Einstein equations surrounding a student saying “I’ll just guess”, poking fun at test taking.
• A man in deep water with an anchor tattoo, creating a silly visual metaphor.
• A cat walking away nonchalantly as chaos ensues behind it, using silly imagery juxtapositions.

The key is prompting unexpected situational humor and visual puns. Describing reactions, ironies, and absurd imagery helps Midjourney render single-panel cartoons with a gag/punchline payoff.

Advertisement Cartoons

Use cartoons to pitch products or services in a memorable way. Prompt silly metaphors and play on words related to the brand.

Here are some example prompts for creating advertising cartoon illustrations with Midjourney:

• A fast cartoon hedgehog mascot running with a pair of sneakers, colorful fun advertisement.
• An energetic dog cartoon happily chasing a ball for a pet toy company, bouncing circles.
• A scrumptious anthropomorphic donut decorated like a clown, colorful illustration for donut shop.
• A smiling cartoon bean mascot holding up a sign for best coffee in town.
• A burly beaver cartoon cutting wood with chainsaw, promoting a lumber company.
• A cheerful tooth cartoon brushing its teeth with toothpaste, minty fresh illustrated ad.
• A stylish cartoon panda posing with sunglasses on, cool illustration for fashion brand.
• A wise cartoon owl wearing a graduation cap and gown, advertisement for online university.
• A silly cartoon ghost scared by its own shadow, promo art for a haunted house attraction.

The key is imagining funny cartoon mascots and scenarios that align creatively with the brand message. Vivid details like sounds, actions, and accessories help craft engaging illustrated advertisements.

Advanced Cartoon Prompting

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques for fine-tuning and enhancing your AI-generated cartoons.

Using Styles of Famous Cartoonists

Reference specific cartoonists in your prompts to match their techniques. Try “cartoon in the style of Walt Disney” or “Peanuts-inspired comic strip”.

Following are some example prompts for mimicking famous cartoonist styles with Midjourney:

• A silly cat cartoon chasing a mouse, rendered in the bouncy exaggerated style of Tex Avery.
• A thoughtful young boy pondering life’s mysteries, illustrated in Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes style.
• A rough and tumble cartoon dog, digitally inked like the characters in Walt Disney’s classic shorts.
• A teenage trio solving mysteries, visualized with the creepy lighting of Edward Gorey comics.
• A future underwater cityscape, imagined with surreal elegant lines like The Jetsons by Hanna-Barbera.
• A nervous bird cartoon blowing steam out of its ears, hand drawn textures reminiscent of Genndy Tartakovsky cartoons.
• A smiling but sinister trickster fox, inked with the Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio style of long snouts.
• A goofy caveman cartoon, colored in solid blocks of vibrant hues like The Flinstones animation.
• A sprawling fantasy kingdom, rendered in the rounded watercolor style of Hayao Miyazaki films.

The key is calling out the famous cartoonist by name and describing subjects that suit their trademark aesthetic and themes. This gives Midjourney guidance to emulate their recognizable drawing and animation styles.

Blending Styles Together

Combine multiple styles in creative ways like “anime rendition of a Rubber Hose cartoon” or “Calvin and Hobbes meetscomic book illustration”.

Here are some examples of prompts to blend different cartoon art styles together with Midjourney:

• Mickey Mouse reimagined as an anime character with exaggerated sparkly eyes.
• Homer Simpson in the visual style of a classic Disney cartoon, with bouncy lively gestures.
• Spongebob Squarepants rendered as a comic book superhero, with bold dramatic lighting.
• Charlie Brown and Snoopy digitally animated in smooth 3D CGI like The Simpsons.
• The Powerpuff Girls reimagined as kawaii manga characters with pastel coloring.
• Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd drawn with the sketchy hand-drawn textures of classic newspapers comics.
• Popeye flexing his muscles as a cartoon superhero in the Marvel comic book style.
• Winnie the Pooh and friends adventuring, colored and shaded like a Tim Burton animation.
• The Flintstones reimagined in anime style with dynamic action lines and visual sound effects.

The key is choosing cartoon characters with distinct styles and prompting Midjourney to crossover them in unusual reimaginings. Describing specific stylistic flourishes helps combine them in creative ways.

Adding Cartoon Effects

Prompt cartoon versions of things like speech bubbles, speed lines, hit sounds (Pow!), and imaginary stars or birds circling heads.

Here are some examples of prompts to add cartoon effects with Midjourney:

• A confused cartoon man with a swirling question mark symbol above his head.
• A cartoon dog chasing a cat with exaggerated motion lines depicting speed.
• An excited cartoon child seeing fireworks, with onomatopoeia words like “Boom!” and “Pow!”.
• A cartoon chef kissing their fingers, with a heart symbol above their head showing delicious food.
• A frustrated cartoon character with jagged bursting lines around them indicating anger.
• A cartoon superhero flying and punching with giant Bolded impact words like “SLAM!” and “WHAM!”.
• A sad cartoon character with raincloud raining down on them to depict their mood.
• Two cartoon characters arguing, with a speech bubble saying “Blah blah blah” for one and “Yada yada yada” for the other.
• A shocked cartoon face with eyes bugging out and jaw dropping comically to the floor.
• A cartoon lightbulb above a character’s head indicating they have an idea, turning on with a “ding!”.

Describe the scene and characters first, then add any visual cartoon effects like motion lines, symbols, onomatopoeia, and speech bubbles to amplify the humor and storytelling. This helps Midjourney render illustrations with extra cartoon flair.

Creating amazing cartoons with Midjourney is incredibly fun and surprisingly easy with the right prompts. In this post, we explored a wide range of techniques for customizing cartoon styles, subjects, compositions, and effects using descriptive text prompts.

The key tips we covered include:

• Mimicking popular hand-drawn, comic book, anime, and CGI styles
• Crafting cartoons tailored for newspapers, magazines, and advertisements
• Advanced prompting strategies like blending styles, adding visual effects, and guiding series

The possibilities are truly endless when prompting AI tools like Midjourney. Don’t be afraid to try wild, wacky, and downright absurd ideas to see what sticks. Saving your favorites allows you to build on successes and refine techniques over time.

I hope these cartoon prompting examples sparked some inspiration!