Top 3 tips for making your designs pop with surreal elements

november 29, 2024

Want to add a touch of dreamlike magic to your designs? As a multidisciplinary designer with a passion for surrealism, I'm excited to share my top three tricks for creating stunning surreal artwork using Microsoft Designer's Image Creator. Let's dive into how you can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary dreamscapes!

1. Master the art of color

The secret to creating a dreamy atmosphere lies in your color choices. There are two powerful approaches:

  • Use pastel color palettes for a soft, ethereal feel:
The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.
  • Stick to monochromatic tones for a unified, dreamlike quality:
The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

For example, try working with:

  • Gentle pink monochromatic schemes
  • Soothing green palettes
  • Ocean-inspired blue tones
  • Mixed pastel combinations
The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

2. Add geometric elements

Nothing says surreal quite like perfectly geometric shapes floating in unexpected places. Consider incorporating:

  • Luminous spheres
  • Reflective metallic orbs
  • Geometric patterns
  • Floating shapes

These elements create visual intrigue and immediately signal to viewers that they're looking at something beyond the ordinary.

The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

3. Include architectural features

Architecture can ground your surreal scenes while still maintaining that dreamlike quality. Focus on single, striking architectural elements like:

  • Sweeping staircases
  • Elegant arches
  • Minimalist patios
  • Clean geometric structures
The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

Putting it all together

Let's see how these principles work together by creating a surreal swimming pool scene:

Base prompt: A minimalist surrealist interior patio. A staircase leads to an archway with water reflecting. A palm tree stands on one side and two spheres sit in front. A clear sunrise, a neutral background with reflections from the ocean, architectural photography, high resolution. Soft pink pastel colors.

The results:

The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

Want to take it further? Try this variation:

Base prompt: A minimalist surrealist interior patio. A staircase leads to an archway with water reflecting. A palm tree stands on one side and two light spheres sit in front. A clear sunrise, a neutral background with reflections from the ocean, architectural photography, high resolution. Soft pastel colors.

The results:

The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

Be specific with your prompts

The more precise you are with your prompt descriptions, the better Image Creator can bring your vision to life. Include details about:

  • Color schemes
  • Specific geometric elements
  • Architectural features
  • Lighting effects
  • Textures and materials
The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

Experiment and explore

Don't be afraid to try different combinations:

  • Switch up your color schemes (try monochromatic green for a calming effect)
  • Play with different materials (like metallic spheres for interesting reflections)
  • Mix and match architectural elements
  • Experiment with various lighting effects

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating surreal art. Each small tweak to your prompt can produce dramatically different results, so don't hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect combination that brings your vision to life.

The Image Creator results for a surreal architectural prompt.

Ready to start creating? Head over to Microsoft Designer's Image Creator and let your imagination run wild. With these three key elements—thoughtful color choices, geometric shapes, and architectural features—you'll be creating stunning surreal artwork in no time!