How to Create AI-Generated Images of Yourself: A Midjourney Hack

Crafting images of yourself using Midjourney can be a bit tricky, as the platform doesn’t have a built-in feature to replicate your face directly into newly generated visuals. However, after experimenting with various methods, I've identified some best practices that can help you create personalized images of yourself in a variety of styles. Follow this guide to bring your unique personality to life through AI-generated images! Let's get started.

1. Transform Your Image (Realistic Approach)

One of the most effective techniques for generating images of yourself in Midjourney is by using reference images. This method is particularly useful if you want to see yourself depicted in a different style, such as futuristic, vintage, or artistic. To do this, you'll need to add the URL of your image at the start of your prompt.

How to Use a Reference Image:

• Upload your image to Discord.
• Right-click on the uploaded image and select "Copy Image Address."
• Paste the copied URL at the beginning of your Midjourney prompt.

Example Prompt:

/imagine prompt: <URL> medium shot of a caucasian woman wearing high fashion clothes and big sunglasses, paris eifel tower background, captured with a Nikon D850 and a Nikon AF - s NIKKOR 70–200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, lit with high - key lighting to create a soft and ethereal feel, a shallow depth of field - v 6.1

Pro Tip: You can use the --iw parameter to control how strongly Midjourney emphasizes the reference image. The default value is 1, but you can adjust it from 0.5 to 2. A higher value means the reference image will have more influence on the output. Note that you cannot edit specific aspects of the reference image; the AI will merge the reference with your text prompt to generate a new image.

Customization Tip: Try incorporating specific backgrounds or settings, like a coffee shop or park, and experiment with different fashion styles by tweaking the details in your prompt.

2. Turn Your Image into a Cartoon, Coloring Book Page, or Illustration

Transforming images of yourself into cartoons or illustrations is not only enjoyable but also a fantastic way to create unique and creative gifts for friends or family. The process is similar to restyling, but with a focus on achieving cartoonish or artistic effects.

How to Convert Your Image:

• Start by placing your image URL at the beginning of the prompt.
• Use keywords that suit the style you want, such as "cartoon," "illustration," or "coloring book."

Example Prompt:

/imagine prompt: [your image link] super cute cartoon portrait, cute eyes, cartoon art, made by Disney, front view, very detailed, solid color background - v 5.1 - iw 0.7

Pro Tip: Adjust the mood or expression by adding details like "cute smile" or "serious expression." Experiment with the --iw parameter to see how it influences the final image. If you don’t achieve the desired outcome on the first try, keep experimenting—sometimes it takes a few attempts. If all else fails, try using a different image!

3. Turn Your Favorite Pet Photo into a Piece of Art

Midjourney isn’t just limited to images of people; you can also create beautiful art from photos of your pets! Whether you want to see your dog as a cartoon character or in a distinctive art style, the process mirrors the steps above.

Example Prompt:

/imagine prompt: [your image link] super cute dog cartoon portrait, cute eyes, cartoon art, made by Disney, front view, very detailed, solid color background - v 5.1 - iw 0.7

Pro Tip: Experiment with various styles and prompts to highlight the best features of your pet. Similar to personal images, the --iw parameter allows you to determine how much influence your original photo has on the final artwork.

Final Thoughts

Creating AI-generated images of yourself or your loved ones on Midjourney is both an artistic and technical endeavor. By following these steps, you can produce images that truly reflect your personality and style. Whether you're transforming your photo, creating a cartoon, or turning your pet into art, Midjourney offers endless creative possibilities. Remember, patience and experimentation are essential to achieving the perfect result. Happy creating!

Bonus

For more examples, hidden tips, and tricks, check out my highly-rated Midjourney Udemy Course (over 2,500 students enrolled). The video course comes with a free eBook containing over 2,499 Midjourney prompts and covers all the material presented in the video course in text format. Get this comprehensive course for just $12.99 instead of $39.99 through the link above.