PromptDervish Cookbook #1 — Everyday Life and Food

Navigating the blank canvas of Midjourney’s prompt box can be intimidating, particularly if you’re new and unsure about what you want or how to say it. With that in mind, I’ve developed a series of “PromptDervish Cookbooks” to act as your creative guide.

These cookbooks are designed not as exhaustive reads but as quick-reference lists. Feel free to skim through, picking up bits of inspiration and practical tips for crafting compelling prompts for your AI-generated art, all accompanied by illustrative examples.

To add a playful touch in line with the “cookbook” analogy, you’ll find some food-inspired concepts too! That said, the ‘seasoning’ — be it your chosen medium (photography, painting, drawing, etc.), perspective, color palette, aspect ratios, or other artistic nuances like stylization or chaos — is entirely up to you. This guide zeroes in on the foundational elements to kickstart your creative process.

Everyday Life

Celebration and Festivals

Types: Birthdays, weddings, public festivals, religious ceremonies, cultural fairs
Settings: Homes, public squares, temples/churches, fairgrounds, concert halls
Activities: Dancing, eating, singing, giving gifts, parades
Mood: Joyous, festive, solemn, ecstatic, reflective
Additional Details: Decorations, costumes, food stalls, fireworks, performers
Examples:

“A joyous public festival in the town square, featuring colorful decorations and bustling food stalls.”

“A solemn religious ceremony in a temple adorned with intricate costumes and reflective mood.”

Commuting

Types: Public transit, car, cycling, walking, carpooling
Settings: Train stations, bus stops, highways, sidewalks, ferry ports
Activities: Waiting, reading, listening to music, people-watching, napping
Mood: Rushed, relaxed, impatient, bored, hopeful
Additional Details: Tickets, backpacks, traffic lights, maps, headphones
Examples:

“A rushed morning at a busy train station, with commuters holding tickets and backpacks.”

“A relaxed ferry ride at sunset, with people listening to music and napping.”

Daily Routines

Types: Morning routine, bedtime, workout, meal prep, chores
Settings: Bedrooms, kitchens, gyms, bathrooms, living rooms
Activities: Brushing teeth, cooking, exercising, vacuuming, showering
Mood: Methodical, rushed, relaxed, exhausted, peaceful
Additional Details: Alarm clocks, toothbrushes, dumbbells, coffee mugs, towels
Examples:

“A methodical morning routine in a cozy bedroom, featuring an alarm clock and toothbrush.”

“An exhausted evening in the living room, vacuuming and tidying up.”

Domestic Pets

Types: Dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters
Settings: Living rooms, backyards, aquariums, cages, patios
Activities: Playing, feeding, grooming, napping, cuddling
Mood: Playful, serene, curious, lazy, joyful
Additional Details: Pet toys, food bowls, leashes, scratching posts, beds
Examples:

“A playful scene in a living room, featuring a dog with its toys and food bowl.”

“A serene patio setting with a curious cat exploring and a scratching post.”

Grocery Shopping

Types: Supermarkets, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, online, specialty shops
Settings: Aisles, checkout lanes, produce section, delivery vans, bulk bins
Activities: Choosing products, paying, bagging, sampling, comparing prices
Mood: Focused, indecisive, busy, relaxed, overwhelmed
Additional Details: Shopping carts, product labels, cash registers, QR codes, reusable bags
Examples:

“A focused shopping experience in a supermarket aisle, featuring a shopping cart and product labels.”

“An overwhelmed individual in a specialty shop, comparing prices and examining QR codes.”

Home Office

Types: Minimalist, cluttered, modern, vintage, dual-purpose
Settings: Spare rooms, corners, garages, living rooms, outdoor patios
Activities: Working, video conferencing, brainstorming, organizing, taking breaks
Mood: Productive, stressed, relaxed, focused, inspired
Additional Details: Desks, computers, stationery, office chairs, corkboards
Examples:

“A relaxed dual-purpose office in a living room corner, featuring a comfy office chair and corkboard.”

Office & Work Life

Types: Corporate, start-up, remote, co-working spaces, traditional
Settings: Cubicles, open spaces, conference rooms, kitchens, balconies
Activities: Meetings, coding, designing, chatting, presenting
Mood: Busy, relaxed, stressful, collaborative, isolating
Additional Details: Whiteboards, coffee machines, swivel chairs, laptops, nametags
Examples:

“A busy corporate office with cubicles, where people are engaged in meetings and presentations.”

“A relaxed start-up atmosphere in an open space with a communal kitchen and coffee machine.”

Street Corners and Back Alleys

Types: Urban, suburban, historic, modern, scenic
Settings: Crossroads, dead-ends, store fronts, hidden passages, cul-de-sacs
Activities: Walking, loitering, photographing, graffiti, busking
Mood: Mysterious, bustling, abandoned, charming, eerie
Additional Details: Streetlights, cobblestones, murals, dumpsters, signage
Examples:

“A bustling urban street corner with neon signage and a street musician busking.”

“An eerie back alley in a historic area, dimly lit with cobblestones and abandoned storefronts.”

Street Food

Types: Tacos, hot dogs, crepes, sushi rolls, smoothies
Settings: Urban corners, food festivals, beachfront, parks, night markets
Mood: Energetic, informal, diverse, exotic, crowded
Extras: Hand-written signs, portable grills, food carts, seating areas, awnings
Additional Aspects: Cash transactions, queues, condiment stations, disposable plates, local ingredients
Examples:

“An energetic urban corner featuring a taco stand with hand-written signs and a diverse queue of people.”

“An exotic food festival in a park, offering sushi rolls and smoothies, with colorful awnings and seating areas.”

Social Scenes

Types: Future social gatherings, imaginary cultures, made-up societies, fantasy events
Settings: Surreal parties, fantastical markets, dreamy festivals, invented civilizations
Activities: Socializing, trading, mythical rites, collective dreaming
Mood: Engaging, diverse, bustling, exotic, interactive
Examples:

“A social gathering where people exchange dreams instead of words.”

“A bustling market where traders barter memories and emotions.”

Urban Street Art

Types: Graffiti, murals, sculptures, installations, stencil art
Settings: Building walls, underpasses, sidewalks, parks, public squares
Mood: Rebellious, inspiring, controversial, vibrant, reflective
Extras: Spray cans, scaffolding, ladders, artist signatures, onlookers
Additional Aspects: Natural lighting, nearby shops, police presence, passerby reactions, documentation
Examples:

“A vibrant graffiti wall in an urban setting, complete with artist signatures and onlookers.”

“A reflective sculpture installation in a public square, capturing passerby reactions and natural lighting.”

Relationships & Emotions

Birthday Party

Types: Milestone, surprise, themed, casual, formal
Settings: Homes, restaurants, outdoor parks, banquet halls, bowling alleys
Activities: Cake-cutting, games, singing, dancing, gift-opening
Mood: Joyful, nostalgic, exciting, intimate, lavish
Additional Details: Balloons, candles, decorations, party favors, guest list
Examples:

“A joyful milestone birthday in a banquet hall with lavish decorations and a large guest list.”

“An intimate surprise birthday at a home setting, with homemade cake and candles.”

Family

Types: Nuclear, extended, blended, adoptive, chosen
Settings: Homes, vacations, reunions, holiday gatherings, picnics
Activities: Eating, conversing, playing, traveling, celebrating
Mood: Loving, tense, joyful, complex, supportive
Additional Details: Family portraits, heirlooms, pets, traditions, old photos
Examples:

Note how the use of “nuclear family” gives a very 1950’s vibe to the image.

“A complex extended family at a reunion, showcasing old photos and various traditions.”

First Dates

Types: Blind, online-matched, set-up, casual, spontaneous
Settings: Coffee shops, restaurants, museums, beaches, parks
Activities: Eating, talking, walking, exploring, people-watching
Mood: Nervous, romantic, awkward, hopeful, flirty
Additional Details: Table settings, menus, shared desserts, first touches, nervous glances
Examples:

“A hopeful blind date at a beachside restaurant with a shared dessert and sunset views.”

“An awkward online-matched date in a busy coffee shop, filled with nervous glances.”

Friendship

Types: Childhood, adult, work, school, long-distance
Settings: Cafes, homes, workplaces, online, vacations
Activities: Talking, gaming, cooking, hiking, shopping
Mood: Comfortable, fun, serious, distant, trusting
Additional Details: Hugs, shared interests, photos, group dynamics, laughter
Examples:

“A distant long-distance friendship, maintained through online gaming and group dynamics.”

Note the influence online gaming has on the style of the generated images.

Lost Love

Types: Breakup, death, separation, unrequited, platonic
Settings: Empty rooms, cemeteries, busy streets, old places, dreamscapes
Activities: Remembering, crying, writing, looking at photos, packing
Mood: Sad, nostalgic, regretful, empty, reflective
Additional Details: Old letters, wilted flowers, empty chairs, teardrops, keepsakes
Examples:

“A nostalgic scene of a cemetery, with old letters and wilted flowers placed on a gravestone.”

“A regretful breakup, showcased through empty chairs and packed boxes in an empty room.”

Parenthood

Types: New parents, experienced, single, grandparents, foster
Settings: Homes, schools, parks, hospitals, playgrounds
Activities: Feeding, teaching, playing, comforting, disciplining
Mood: Loving, exhausting, joyful, challenging, rewarding
Additional Details: Baby gear, family photos, report cards, shared activities, milestones
Examples:

“Loving new parents at home, feeding their newborn amidst baby gear and family photos.”

“Exhausting yet rewarding single parenthood, captured in a playground with multiple children.”

Romance and Relationships

Types: Young love, mature, long-term, fleeting, complicated
Settings: Homes, romantic getaways, common places, workplaces, secluded spots
Activities: Holding hands, arguing, sharing meals, kissing, making plans
Mood: Passionate, stable, tumultuous, sweet, uncertain
Additional Details: Gifts, couple photos, shared spaces, anniversaries, love letters
Examples:

“A passionate young love depicted in a secluded spot, filled with gifts and love letters.”

“A stable long-term relationship, captured through shared spaces and couple photos.”

Sibling Bonds

Types: Older-younger, twins, half-siblings, stepsiblings, close in age
Settings: Homes, schools, shared bedrooms, vacations, family events
Activities: Arguing, playing, supporting, teasing, teaming up
Mood: Loving, competitive, supportive, complicated, fun
Additional Details: Family photos, shared toys, bunk beds, joint projects, old arguments
Examples:

“A loving older-younger sibling relationship, captured through shared toys and bunk beds.”

“A complicated stepsibling bond depicted at a family event, showing both support and old arguments.”

Wedding

Types: Traditional, unconventional, small, big, destination
Settings: Churches, beaches, forests, ballrooms, backyards
Activities: Vows, dancing, eating, toasting, capturing moments
Mood: Joyful, emotional, formal, relaxed, festive
Additional Details: Rings, dresses, guest lists, bouquets, invitations
Examples:

“A relaxed destination wedding on a beach, showcasing a small guest list and festive atmosphere.”

Cuisine & Food

Comfort Food

Types: Mac n’ cheese, fried chicken, soup, stews, casseroles
Settings: Home kitchens, family dinners, local diners, holiday gatherings
Activities: Cooking, eating, serving, sharing, savoring
Mood: Warm, nostalgic, comforting, hearty, casual
Additional Details: Wooden spoons, vintage cookware, handwritten recipes, comfort settings
Examples:

“A warm family dinner featuring mac n’ cheese served in vintage cookware.”

“A comforting local diner experience with fried chicken and handwritten menu boards.”

Culinary Delights

Types: Truffles, caviar, foie gras, artisan cheeses, gourmet chocolates
Settings: Fine dining restaurants, gourmet shops, exclusive events, tasting rooms
Activities: Sampling, pairing, savoring, critiquing, indulging
Mood: Luxurious, refined, exotic, elevated, intense
Additional Details: Silverware, wine pairings, candlelight, presentation plates
Examples:

“A refined sampling of caviar and truffles in a fine dining setting with wine pairings.”

“An indulgent experience of gourmet chocolates in a luxurious, candlelit tasting room.”

Desserts

Types: Cakes, cookies, pastries, ice creams, puddings
Settings: Bakeries, cafes, home kitchens, festivals, picnics
Activities: Baking, decorating, tasting, sharing, enjoying
Mood: Sweet, indulgent, creative, joyful, comforting
Additional Details: Whipped cream, sprinkles, decorative plates, vintage spoons
Examples:

“An indulgent ice cream tasting at home with whipped cream and sprinkles.”

“A joyful festival booth offering an array of cakes with creative decorations.”

Exotic Cuisine

Types: Sushi, tapas, dim sum, curry, kebabs
Settings: Ethnic restaurants, food festivals, travel destinations, home cooking
Activities: Tasting, exploring, sharing, experimenting, learning
Mood: Adventurous, curious, exotic, exciting, diverse
Additional Details: Chopsticks, small plates, various sauces, presentation styles
Examples:

“An adventurous tapas tasting in an ethnic restaurant with various small plates.”

“A curious home-cooked dim sum meal, complete with chopsticks and different dipping sauces.”

Food Trucks and Street Vendors

Types: Tacos, hot dogs, crepes, corn dogs, sandwiches
Settings: Urban corners, food festivals, beachfronts, concerts
Activities: Ordering, eating, chatting, walking, exploring
Mood: Energetic, informal, convenient, diverse, fast-paced
Additional Details: Hand-written signs, portable grills, food carts, condiment stations
Examples:

“A diverse queue of people at an energetic urban corner featuring a taco truck.”

“An informal beachfront setting with a crepe vendor, portable grill, and handwritten menu.”

Fusion Cuisine

Types: Sushi burritos, ramen burgers, Tex-Mex, Spaghetti tacos, Indian pizza
Settings: Trendy restaurants, pop-up shops, food festivals, innovative kitchens
Activities: Sampling, experimenting, Instagramming, discussing, appreciating
Mood: Innovative, trendy, daring, unique, eclectic
Additional Details: Presentation styles, foodie crowds, open kitchens, colorful plating
Examples:

“An innovative sushi burrito dining experience in a trendy restaurant with an open kitchen.”

“A unique Tex-Mex food stand at a festival, complete with colorful plating and daring combinations.”

Gourmet Dining Experiences

Types: Tasting menus, wine pairings, chef’s table, fine cuts, seafood
Settings: Luxury restaurants, wineries, rooftop dining, private clubs
Activities: Eating, savoring, discussing, appreciating, celebrating
Mood: Elegant, intimate, lavish, celebratory, refined
Additional Details: Cloth napkins, sommeliers, food art, view, ambiance
Examples:

“A lavish seafood dinner at a private club with sommeliers and an elegant atmosphere.”

“An intimate chef’s table experience in a luxury restaurant with food art presentations.”

Home Cooking

Types: Meatloaf, casseroles, fresh bread, vegetable stir-fry, homemade pasta
Settings: Home kitchens, family gatherings, potlucks, cozy dinners
Activities: Cooking, tasting, serving, cleaning, enjoying
Mood: Comforting, casual, satisfying, familial, traditional
Additional Details: Aprons, oven mitts, family recipes, kitchen gadgets
Examples:

“A satisfying family gathering featuring homemade meatloaf and fresh bread.”

“A cozy dinner for two with a vegetable stir-fry, served in homely kitchenware.”

International Street Food

Types: Shawarma, arepas, poutine, takoyaki, samosas
Settings: Street markets, food festivals, travel destinations, night markets
Activities: Ordering, tasting, walking, sharing, exploring
Mood: Adventurous, energetic, diverse, exciting, bustling
Additional Details: Street signs, condiments, local currencies, quick bites
Examples:

“An adventurous night market experience featuring diverse options like shawarma and poutine.”

“An exciting food festival where people are walking and sharing bites of arepas and takoyaki.”

Meal Preparation

Types: Meal prep, breakfast making, family cooking, grilling, baking
Settings: Home kitchens, outdoor patios, cook-offs, cooking classes
Activities: Chopping, mixing, boiling, grilling, decorating
Mood: Productive, engaging, educational, satisfying, fun
Additional Details: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, kitchen timers, spice racks
Examples:

“A productive Sunday meal prep session in a home kitchen with organized spice racks.”

“An engaging outdoor family cook-off featuring grilling activities and various mixing bowls.”

In Conclusion

I hope you found this Prompt Cookbook as a valuable resource to unleash your creativity and enrich your Midjourney experience. The sample images you’ve seen throughout this guide were crafted using Midjourney 5.2, featuring default settings without any ‘special sauce’ like stylization or chaos added. This way, the results are a true reflection of what you can expect when you use these prompts as-is on Midjourney. Take them and spice them up any way you like!

Thanks for joining me on this creative journey to the end of the article! If you’ve found this guide helpful and would like to see more, please don’t hesitate to give it lots of claps and follow me.

Full disclosure lists of word ideas generated by AI and edited/curated by me.