Here's a practical approach to getting the most out of generative AI tools. Start by establishing your core Elements—think of them as your creative building blocks. For instance, I tagged myself, referenced visual inspiration from specific artistic styles, and defined the output format I wanted.

The magic happens when you layer these elements into your prompts. Instead of vague requests, get specific: combine your personal identifier with the aesthetic reference and the format type into a single cohesive instruction. Something like "creating a selfie-style portrait inspired by [specific visual style] in a particular scene" gives the AI much clearer direction.

This methodical approach transforms how AI interprets your creative vision. By pre-defining your variables and then weaving them together strategically, you move from random outputs to results that actually match your intent. It's about thinking like you're building a system rather than just typing requests.