Promptor

Nano Banana 2 Promptor

Generate optimized image generation prompts for Nano Banana 2 (Gemini 3.1) from natural conversation context. The skill analyzes what the user wants, applies design intelligence, and outputs a structured JSON prompt ready to paste into Nano Banana 2.

Why This Skill Exists

Nano Banana 2 is a thinking model — it understands creative intent, physics, and composition. It responds dramatically better to narrative descriptions than keyword lists. This skill bridges the gap between what users want ("a cool t-shirt design") and what Nano Banana 2 needs (a richly detailed, design-informed narrative prompt).

Core Pipeline

1. CONTEXT PARSER  → detect/infer dimensions from any input format
2. CATEGORY ROUTER → POD path or Commercial path
3. PROMPT COMPOSER → narrative prompt with design intelligence
4. JSON OUTPUT     → structured output ready for use

Step 1: Parse Context

Accept ANY input format — free-form text, structured fields, or minimal keywords. Extract these 8 dimensions:

10 Supported Categories

Style Inference

When the user provides no style direction, infer the optimal style from context:

For POD categories — read references/niche-modules.md and select the closest niche module based on subject + audience. The niche module defines typography, color, composition, and motif rules. If no niche fits cleanly, default to the niche that best matches the audience's identity signal.

For commercial categories — default to clean, professional photography aesthetic with modern composition. Match platform conventions (Instagram = vibrant/scroll-stopping, LinkedIn = professional, Pinterest = aspirational).

Step 2: Route by Category

POD Path (pod_tshirt, pod_mug, pod_poster, pod_accessories)

For POD categories, apply design intelligence from the reference files:

1. Read `references/niche-modules.md` — select the matching niche module and apply its rules for color limits, negative space targets, typography, composition, and motifs 2. Read `references/design-principles.md` — apply core design philosophy principles 3. Generate a mini design philosophy (2-3 sentences) — a poetic aesthetic direction inspired by the subject/audience that guides the visual tone. Think of it as naming a tiny art movement. Example: "Neon Nostalgia — vivid retro-futurism meets handcrafted warmth, where each element appears labored over with master-level care." 4. Apply the One Idea Principle — the design must communicate exactly ONE thing. If the context implies multiple competing ideas, distill to the strongest single concept. 5. Set background rule — Nano Banana 2 cannot generate transparent backgrounds. Instead:

• If design is predominantly dark → use pure solid white background (#FFFFFF)
• If design is light/colorful → use pure solid black background (#000000)
• Always add: "clean isolated background with sharp edges, no gradients, no ambient shadows, no noise — optimized for AI background removal"

Commercial Path (product_hero, lifestyle, social_media, marketing_banner, infographic, logo_brand)

For commercial categories, apply Nano Banana 2 prompting best practices:

1. Read `references/prompt-patterns.md` — select camera specs, lighting setups, and composition patterns for the category 2. Set platform-specific aspect ratio:

• Instagram feed: 4:5
• Instagram story / TikTok: 9:16
• Facebook ad: 1:1 or 4:5
• Pinterest: 2:3
• Web banner: 16:9 or 21:9
• Email header: 3:1
• General: 4:3 or 16:9

3. For product_hero — add camera hardware language (e.g., "Sony A7III, 85mm f/1.4, studio softbox lighting") as this dramatically improves photorealistic output 4. For marketing_banner — reserve negative space for text overlay, describe composition zones explicitly 5. For lifestyle — add environmental storytelling, atmospheric lighting, contextual props

Step 3: Compose the Prompt

Assemble a narrative-style prompt (not keyword lists). Nano Banana 2 is a thinking model — it performs dramatically better with descriptive paragraphs that explain creative intent.

Prompt Formula

[STYLE DECLARATION] + [SUBJECT DESCRIPTION] + [SETTING/ENVIRONMENT] +
[COMPOSITION & HIERARCHY] + [LIGHTING] + [TYPOGRAPHY if any] +
[TECHNICAL SPECS] + [CONSTRAINTS]

Writing Rules

• Narrative over keywords: "Create a dark gothic illustration of a highly detailed skull intertwined with blooming roses" beats "skull, roses, gothic, dark, detailed, illustration"
• Specific over vague: "weathered ceramic coffee mug with visible glaze cracks" beats "old mug"
• Camera language for realism: Include lens focal length, aperture, camera model when photorealistic output is needed
• Film stock as shorthand: "Shot on Kodak Portra 400" triggers warm tones + fine grain
• Text in quotes: Any text to render in the image must be wrapped in quotation marks with font description: "STAY WILD" in bold condensed sans-serif font, ALL-CAPS
• Design hierarchy language: Describe what the viewer sees first, second, third — this maps to the three-level visual hierarchy (primary 40-60%, secondary 25-35%, tertiary 15-25%)
• Craftsmanship emphasis: For POD designs, include language like "meticulously crafted", "painstaking attention to detail", "master-level execution" — this pushes Nano Banana 2 toward higher quality output
• Prompt length: Aim for 100-250 words. Enough detail to guide the model, not so much that it gets confused.

Anti-Pattern Guards

Before finalizing the prompt, verify it does NOT contain:

• Multiple competing focal points with no hierarchy (the "Shouting Match")
• More elements than the niche allows (the "Kitchen Sink")
• Keyword-stuffed quality modifiers like "4k, ultra HD, masterpiece, best quality" (Nano Banana 2 ignores these; use narrative instead)
• Requests for transparent backgrounds (not supported — use solid bg)
• Conflicting style directions ("vintage but also modern and futuristic")

Step 4: Output JSON

Always output in this exact structure:

{
  "context_analysis": {
    "detected": {
      "subject": "what was explicitly stated",
      "category": "detected category",
      "audience": "detected or null",
      "purpose": "detected or null",
      "style_hints": "detected or null",
      "text_content": "detected or null",
      "brand_voice": "detected or null",
      "constraints": ["detected constraints"]
    },
    "inferred": {
      "niche_module": "selected niche or null (POD only)",
      "color_system": "inferred palette description",
      "composition_template": "selected composition approach",
      "negative_space_target": "percentage",
      "typography_style": "font direction if applicable",
      "aspect_ratio": "W:H",
      "resolution": "4K",
      "background": "solid black/white + reasoning (POD only)"
    },
    "design_philosophy": "2-3 sentence mini art movement (POD only, null for commercial)"
  },
  "prompt_components": {
    "style": "visual style declaration",
    "subject": "detailed subject description",
    "setting": "environment/background description",
    "composition": "layout, hierarchy, eye flow",
    "typography": "text rendering instructions or null",
    "lighting": "lighting setup description",
    "technical": "aspect ratio, resolution, background",
    "constraints": "what to avoid"
  },
  "assembled_prompt": "The complete, ready-to-use narrative prompt combining all components into flowing paragraphs. This is what gets pasted directly into Nano Banana 2.",
  "metadata": {
    "model_target": "nano_banana_2",
    "aspect_ratio": "W:H",
    "resolution": "4K",
    "category": "the category",
    "niche_module": "if applicable",
    "design_rules_applied": ["list of rules that shaped this prompt"]
  }
}

Reference Files

These contain detailed domain knowledge. Read them as needed based on the category:

references/niche-modules.md

Read when: category is any POD type Contains: 10 niche modules (streetwear premium, streetwear hype, anime, rock/metal, hip-hop, skate/surf, vintage/retro, luxury gothic, pop culture, minimalist) with specific rules for typography, color limits, negative space, composition, motifs, and production. Also contains the niche selection decision tree.

references/prompt-patterns.md

Read when: any category (but especially commercial path) Contains: Nano Banana 2 specific prompting formulas, camera/lens specifications by category, lighting setups, platform aspect ratios, text rendering rules, and example prompts for each category.

references/design-principles.md

Read when: category is any POD type Contains: The design philosophy generation system, core mindset rules, visual hierarchy framework, composition systems, anti-patterns with diagnoses, and the One Idea Principle. Distilled from validated streetwear brand analysis.

Important Reminders

• Nano Banana 2 is a THINKING model. Write prompts that explain intent, not just list attributes.
• For POD: always use solid background (black or white) for easy AI removal. Never say "transparent background."
• The assembled_prompt should be a cohesive narrative, not a concatenation of the components.
• Quality comes from specificity and design intelligence, not from quality modifier keywords.
• When in doubt about style, lean toward strategic restraint — "premium design whispers, amateur design shouts."

Design Principles Reference

Table of Contents

1. The One Idea Principle 2. Design Philosophy Generation 3. Visual Hierarchy Framework 4. Composition Systems 5. Core Mindset Rules 6. Anti-Patterns 7. Premium vs Mass Market Markers 8. Identity Signal Framework

---

The One Idea Principle {#one-idea}

Before crafting any prompt, complete this statement:

"This design communicates exactly ONE thing: ________________"

If the statement requires "and" or contains multiple concepts, the concept is not ready. Simplify until one clear idea emerges.

Valid single ideas:

• "membership in anime fandom X"
• "dark rebellious energy"
• "minimal luxury status"
• "nostalgic 90s skateboarding"
• "cute cat lover identity"

Invalid multiple ideas:

• "skulls and flowers and Japanese text" (3 competing ideas)
• "vintage but also modern and edgy" (conflicting concepts)
• "brand logo with illustration and pattern" (3 competing elements)

Why this matters for prompts: When you describe a design with one clear idea, Nano Banana 2 produces a focused, coherent image. When you describe multiple competing ideas, the model distributes attention across all of them and nothing dominates — the result looks amateur.

In the prompt, state the single idea explicitly: "The design communicates one thing: [idea]. Every element supports this."

---

Design Philosophy Generation {#philosophy}

For POD categories, generate a mini design philosophy (2-3 sentences) that serves as the creative north star. This is NOT a layout description — it's an aesthetic worldview.

How to Generate

1. Name the movement (1-2 evocative words): "Brutalist Joy" / "Chromatic Silence" / "Neon Nostalgia" / "Dark Memento"

2. Articulate how the philosophy manifests through:

• Space and form
• Color and material
• Scale and rhythm
• Composition and balance

3. Always emphasize craftsmanship: Include language like "meticulously crafted", "the product of deep expertise", "painstaking attention to detail", "master-level execution" — this pushes Nano Banana 2 toward higher fidelity output.

Examples

"Concrete Poetry" — Communication through monumental form and bold geometry. Massive color blocks, sculptural typography, Brutalist spatial divisions. Ideas expressed through visual weight and spatial tension. Text as rare, powerful gesture. Every element placed with the precision of a master craftsman.

"Chromatic Language" — Color as the primary information system. Geometric precision where color zones create meaning. Typography minimal — small labels letting chromatic fields communicate. The result of painstaking chromatic calibration.

"Analog Meditation" — Quiet visual contemplation through texture and breathing room. Paper grain, ink bleeds, vast negative space. Typography whispered. Each composition balanced with the care of a meditation practice.

---

Visual Hierarchy Framework {#hierarchy}

The human brain processes a maximum of 3 simultaneous hierarchy levels. More = cognitive overload = design failure.

Three Levels

Size Ratios Between Levels

• PRIMARY : SECONDARY = 1.5:1 to 2:1
• SECONDARY : TERTIARY = 1.5:1 to 2:1

Visual Weight Factors (what attracts the eye)

Elements that INCREASE visual weight (describe to make focal):

• Larger size, higher contrast, warmer colors (red, orange, yellow)
• More saturated colors, faces and eyes, readable text
• Isolation (surrounded by negative space)

Elements that DECREASE visual weight (describe to make recede):

• Smaller size, lower contrast, cooler colors (blue, purple)
• Desaturated/muted colors, simple flat areas, partial obscuring

In prompts: Explicitly describe what the viewer sees FIRST, SECOND, THIRD. This translates directly into visual hierarchy.

---

Composition Systems {#composition}

Eye Flow Patterns

Composition Templates

Badge/Emblem — Circular/shield container, arc text top/bottom, central icon, concentric rings. Best for: vintage, Americana, sports.

Statement Typography — Text as sole visual element, 1-5 words max, one word at 200%+ size of others, fill 60-80% width. Best for: slogans, brand names.

Central Illustration — Character/scene 60-70%, text 30-40% (arc above or banner below). Best for: band merch, anime, character brands.

Front/Back Split — Minimal front (left chest 3-4") + elaborate back (12-14"). 1:4 ratio. Best for: streetwear, statement pieces.

Asymmetric — Primary off-center with counterweight. Negative space as active element. Make asymmetry OBVIOUS. Best for: high fashion, contemporary.

---

Core Mindset Rules {#mindset}

These shape the overall prompt approach:

1. Premium design whispers. Amateur design shouts. — Default to restraint. Only go loud when the niche demands it (streetwear hype, pop culture).

2. What you exclude matters more than what you include. — In prompts, specify what NOT to include as much as what to include.

3. Every element must justify its existence. — If you can't explain why an element is in the prompt, remove it.

4. Negative space is an active design choice, not leftover area. — Describe negative space intentionally: "generous empty space surrounding the central mark creates breathing room and luxury perception."

5. One clear idea executed perfectly beats five ideas executed adequately.

6. The design must communicate from 10 feet away in 3 seconds. — The prompt should describe a design with a clear silhouette that reads even when blurred.

7. Restraint signals sophistication. — Fewer colors, fewer elements, more negative space = more premium perception.

8. Typography IS the brand for text-based designs. — When typography is the main element, describe it with extreme precision.

---

Anti-Patterns {#anti-patterns}

Check every prompt against these failure modes:

---

Premium vs Mass Market Markers {#premium-markers}

What Makes a Design Look Premium (encode in prompts)

• Collar-referenced precise placement (not fabric center)
• Maximum 2 complementary font styles
• Restrained color palette (1-3 colors)
• Clear three-level hierarchy
• Generous negative space (40-60%+ depending on niche)
• Typography readable at distance
• Single unified concept
• Intentional grid-aligned placement

What Makes a Design Look Mass Market (avoid in prompts)

• Multiple competing elements with no hierarchy
• Too many colors (5+ without niche justification)
• Crowded composition (under 30% negative space)
• Multiple decorative fonts
• Design that requires explanation
• Generic elements with no niche specificity
• Random placement with no grid logic

---

Identity Signal Framework {#identity-signal}

Every design serves as an identity signal for the viewer/wearer. Identifying the signal type helps craft the right prompt:

Insider/outsider balance: The best designs are recognizable to INSIDERS (target audience) while intriguing (not alienating) to OUTSIDERS. In prompts: "The design should be instantly recognizable to [audience] while appearing visually striking to anyone."

Niche Modules Reference

Table of Contents

1. Niche Selection Decision Tree 2. Quick Reference Tables 3. Module: Streetwear Premium 4. Module: Streetwear Hype 5. Module: Anime/Japanese 6. Module: Rock/Metal 7. Module: Hip-Hop/Rap 8. Module: Skate/Surf 9. Module: Vintage/Retro 10. Module: Luxury Gothic 11. Module: Pop Culture/Fandom 12. Module: Minimalist/Contemporary

---

Niche Selection Decision Tree {#niche-selection}

Use audience + subject + style hints to select the right module:

IF style mentions "minimal" OR "clean" OR "quiet luxury" → MINIMALIST_CONTEMPORARY
IF style mentions "gothic" OR "dark luxury" OR "chrome hearts" → LUXURY_GOTHIC
IF style mentions "vintage" OR "retro" OR "70s/80s/90s" → VINTAGE_RETRO
IF subject is anime character OR Japanese culture → ANIME_JAPANESE
IF subject mentions band OR music genre OR concert → ROCK_METAL
IF subject mentions rapper OR hip-hop OR artist merch → HIPHOP_RAP
IF subject mentions skating OR surfing OR Palace/Stussy → SKATE_SURF
IF style mentions "hype" OR "streetwear" OR subject has skulls/flames → STREETWEAR_HYPE
IF style mentions "essentials" OR "fear of god" OR audience is luxury → STREETWEAR_PREMIUM
IF subject is licensed IP OR fandom OR movie/show → POP_CULTURE_FANDOM
DEFAULT → STREETWEAR_HYPE (most commercially versatile for POD)

Quick Reference Tables {#quick-reference}

Color Limits by Niche

Negative Space Targets

Typography by Niche

---

Module: Streetwear Premium {#streetwear-premium}

Reference brands: Fear of God, Essentials, Represent, Kith Price perception: $80-400

Core aesthetic: Maximum restraint. The garment IS the design; graphics are authentication only.

Prompt directives:

• Describe a clean, minimal composition with generous empty space surrounding a single typographic element or small logo mark
• Color: monochromatic neutrals — black, oatmeal (#E8DCC4), taupe (#9C8B7A), dark grey (#4A4A4A), heather grey
• Typography: clean geometric sans-serif, ALL-CAPS, wide letter-spacing, bold to heavy weight
• Composition: center chest wordmark (60% of designs) or small left chest logo (25%)
• No illustrations, no characters, no graphic elements, no distressing
• Emphasize: rubber print texture, heavyweight premium feel

Avoid in prompt: Full-front graphics, bright colors, illustrations, distressing, multiple text elements, anything that "tries too hard"

---

Module: Streetwear Hype {#streetwear-hype}

Reference brands: Hellstar, Sp5der, Warren Lotas, Broken Planet Price perception: $60-200

Core aesthetic: Bold graphic statements with dark undertones. Rebellion and cosmic significance.

Prompt directives:

• Describe bold, detailed graphic compositions with dark themes
• Color: black dominant + high-contrast accents (blood red #FF2D00, hot pink #FF69B4, cosmic purple #4B0082, bone white #F5F5DC)
• Typography: gothic blackletter, hand-drawn metal fonts, heavy weight. Effects permitted: distressing, chrome, fire, glow
• Composition: front/back split (50%), full front statement (30%), center bold (20%)
• Motifs: skulls, flames, stars, crosses, spiders, webs, religious duality
• Hand-drawn feel even in digital execution
• Puff print, vintage wash aesthetic

Avoid in prompt: Clean minimalism, pastel colors, corporate logos, graphics without attitude

---

Module: Anime/Japanese {#anime-japanese}

Reference brands: Crunchyroll merch, Hot Topic anime, Uniqlo UT Price perception: $25-100

Core aesthetic: Character illustration as dominant element. Fandom membership signal.

Prompt directives:

• Describe character-focused illustrations with dynamic energy
• Color: 4-8 colors, series-accurate character colors, dark backgrounds for contrast
• Typography: clean bold sans-serif for English, authentic Japanese typefaces (NOT faux-Asian)
• Composition: central character portrait (40%), action scene (25%), iconic symbol + text (20%)
• Character must be well-rendered, recognizable, with accurate proportions
• Include dynamic angles, motion lines, energy effects for action poses
• Japanese elements: kanji, katakana (accurately used), cherry blossoms, waves

Avoid in prompt: Poor character proportions, inaccurate colors, faux-Asian "oriental" fonts, mixing series inappropriately

---

Module: Rock/Metal {#rock-metal}

Reference brands: Band merchandise, metal labels Price perception: $25-80

Core aesthetic: Dark, aggressive, macabre. Genre allegiance as identity.

Prompt directives:

• Describe dark, detailed graphic compositions with aggressive energy
• Color: monochromatic dark + single accent (blood red, sickly green, bone)
• Typography: custom lettering, blackletter, distressed sans. Band name always prominent. For extreme metal, slight illegibility is genre-appropriate
• Composition: full front graphic (45%) structure = logo top + illustration center + text bottom. Or front logo + back tour dates (40%)
• Motifs: skulls, demons, occult symbols, bones, flames
• Heavy distressing, grunge textures, worn effects
• Album-specific imagery when relevant

Avoid in prompt: Clean/polished corporate aesthetics, bright cheerful colors, small subtle designs

---

Module: Hip-Hop/Rap {#hip-hop-rap}

Reference brands: OVO, Yeezy, VLONE, Revenge Price perception: $40-200

Core aesthetic: Artist-centric or cultural statement. Status and allegiance.

Prompt directives:

• Color: monochromatic or black + gold/orange. OVO = black/white/gold, Yeezy = earth tones, VLONE = black/orange/white
• Typography: bold sans-serif, custom artist logos, gothic. ALL-CAPS, heavy weight. Chrome/3D/gradient effects
• Composition: center statement logo (40%), photo/portrait based (25%), front/back tour (20%)
• Motifs: artist logos, cultural symbols, luxury references, regional icons
• Premium heavyweight blank signaling

Avoid in prompt: Cartoony imagery, cluttered compositions, generic fonts

---

Module: Skate/Surf {#skate-surf}

Reference brands: Palace, Stussy, Supreme, Thrasher, HUF Price perception: $35-150

Core aesthetic: Irreverent, playful, anti-establishment. Subculture creativity.

Prompt directives:

• Color: varied, more color acceptance than other streetwear. Classic: black/white + primaries
• Typography: hand-drawn scripts, bold sans-serif, graffiti-inspired. Playful and experimental
• Composition: center logo box (35%), full front graphic (30%), photographic/collage (15%)
• Motifs: brand logos, skate/surf imagery, ironic elements, graffiti, unexpected juxtapositions, humor
• Can be experimental and irreverent — breaking rules IS the aesthetic
• Supreme formula: small box logo, massive negative space, power in simplicity

Avoid in prompt: Over-designed corporate feeling, taking itself too seriously, following trends

---

Module: Vintage/Retro {#vintage-retro}

Reference brands: Rhude, Gallery Dept, vintage-inspired lines Price perception: $35-250

Core aesthetic: Nostalgic reference to specific eras. Timeless cool.

Prompt directives:

• Color: desaturated versions of era colors. 70s = brown/orange/yellow/cream. 80s = teal/magenta/purple (faded). 90s = forest green/burgundy/navy/mustard. All colors appear sun-faded, washed
• Typography: era-appropriate fonts, always aged/distressed. 70s = groovy scripts. 80s = neon/chrome. 90s = grunge/sporty
• Composition: badge/crest (35%), concert poster style (25%), Americana commercial parody (20%), varsity athletic (15%)
• Motifs: muscle cars, motorcycles, racing, gas stations, diners, vintage sports
• Heavy distressing simulating decades of washing is critical
• Rhude specialty: Marlboro-style imagery, racing, trucker culture

Avoid in prompt: Clean modern typography, bright saturated colors, non-distressed printing, era-mixing

---

Module: Luxury Gothic {#luxury-gothic}

Reference brands: Chrome Hearts, Rick Owens, Vetements Price perception: $200-1000+

Core aesthetic: Darkness meets supreme craftsmanship. Restraint even in gothic.

Prompt directives:

• Color: strictly monochromatic — black, white, silver/grey ONLY. No accent colors
• Typography: ornate blackletter (Cloister Black), traditional gothic. Mixed case. NO distressing — clean, precise execution
• Composition: centered ornate symbol (40%) at 4-8" (smaller than mass market), typography statement (30%), small left chest (20%). Quality over size
• Motifs: crosses (Latin, Celtic, ornate), skulls (refined execution), fleur-de-lis, daggers, swords, crowns, intricate filigree linework
• Every line must appear hand-crafted with painstaking precision
• Maximum negative space (60-80%)

Avoid in prompt: Crowded compositions, bright colors, cheap distressing, large graphics, irony or humor

---

Module: Pop Culture/Fandom {#pop-culture}

Reference brands: Hot Topic, BoxLunch, licensed merchandise Price perception: $20-45

Core aesthetic: Property recognition paramount. Fandom membership.

Prompt directives:

• Color: property-accurate colors from official style guide, dark backgrounds for contrast
• Typography: property-specific fonts when available, clean legibility prioritized
• Composition: central character/logo (45%), scene/moment (25%), iconic quote (15%), subtle reference (10%)
• Characters must be on-model, recognizable, well-rendered
• Iconic quotes accurately reproduced
• Both mass-appeal and insider-reference variants

Avoid in prompt: Off-model character art, wrong property colors, mixing properties, bootleg aesthetic

---

Module: Minimalist/Contemporary {#minimalist-contemporary}

Reference brands: COS, Acne Studios, A.P.C., art museum shops Price perception: $50-200

Core aesthetic: Maximum reduction. Anti-logo culture. The blank IS the design.

Prompt directives:

• Color: strict monochrome — black, white, grey, cream. Tonal prints (color matches garment)
• Typography: ultra-clean sans-serif (Helvetica Neue, Akkurat). Light to medium weight (300-500). Lowercase or small caps. Very wide tracking (+100-200). Often deliberately small
• Composition: small left chest mark 1-2" (40%), single word centered (25%), abstract geometric (20%). 95%+ negative space for some designs
• Motifs: abstract shapes, single lines, geometric forms, single letters. Bauhaus/Suprematism influences
• What ISN'T there matters most

Avoid in prompt: Any clutter, loud colors, decorative fonts, illustration, prominent brand names, trying to "say" too much

Nano Banana 2 Prompt Patterns Reference

Table of Contents

1. Core Prompting Principles 2. Camera & Lens Specifications 3. Lighting Setups 4. Platform Aspect Ratios 5. Text Rendering Rules 6. Category-Specific Patterns 7. Example Prompts by Category

---

Core Prompting Principles {#core-principles}

Nano Banana 2 is a thinking model that understands creative intent, spatial reasoning, and visual physics. These principles are non-negotiable:

1. Narrative over keywords — "Create a warm lifestyle photograph of a handcrafted ceramic mug resting on a weathered oak table beside an open book" crushes "mug, ceramic, table, book, warm, lifestyle, 4k, masterpiece"

2. Describe the scene, don't list attributes — Write as if directing a photographer or set designer. Explain the creative vision.

3. Specificity creates quality — "Weathered ceramic bowl with visible glaze cracks catching afternoon light" produces dramatically better results than "old bowl"

4. Camera language = photorealism — The model translates real camera specifications into precise visual behavior. Naming a lens focal length is worth more than 10 quality adjectives.

5. Film stock as aesthetic shorthand — "Shot on Kodak Portra 400" instantly communicates warm tones, fine grain, and a specific color science. Other useful references: Fuji Pro 400H (cooler tones), Kodak Ektar 100 (vivid saturation), Ilford HP5 (classic B&W grain).

6. Ignore quality modifiers — Do NOT use "4k, ultra HD, masterpiece, best quality, highly detailed" — Nano Banana 2 ignores these. Quality comes from descriptive specificity, not quality keywords.

7. Prompt length sweet spot — 100-250 words. Enough to guide, not enough to confuse. Start simple, add detail incrementally if refining.

8. Cultural shorthand works — "Wes Anderson color palette" or "National Geographic editorial style" communicates rich aesthetic directions efficiently.

---

Camera & Lens Specifications {#camera-specs}

Use these for photorealistic categories (product_hero, lifestyle, social_media with photo style):

By Purpose

Aperture Guide

• f/1.4-f/2.0 — Maximum background blur, dreamy bokeh. Best for portraits, single-product isolation
• f/2.8-f/4.0 — Moderate depth. Background visible but soft. Good for lifestyle with context
• f/5.6-f/8.0 — Deep focus. Multiple objects sharp. Best for flat lays, group shots
• f/11-f/16 — Maximum sharpness edge-to-edge. Architecture, detailed product arrays

---

Lighting Setups {#lighting}

Product Photography Lighting

Lighting Language for Prompts

Instead of just naming the setup, describe the effect:

• "Soft key light from upper-left casting gentle shadows that define the product's contours"
• "Golden hour sunlight streaming through a window, creating warm pools of light on the surface"
• "Dramatic single-source spotlight with deep shadows creating a sense of luxury and mystery"
• "Even, diffused studio lighting that reveals every texture and detail without harsh shadows"

---

Platform Aspect Ratios {#aspect-ratios}

---

Text Rendering Rules {#text-rendering}

Nano Banana 2 has 95%+ text rendering accuracy. To maximize it:

1. Always wrap text in quotation marks: "MEMENTO MORI" not just MEMENTO MORI 2. Describe the font style, not the font name: "bold condensed sans-serif" not "Bebas Neue" 3. Specify placement: "centered below the main graphic" or "arced along the top edge" 4. Keep text short: Headlines under 5 words render most reliably 5. Specify case: "ALL-CAPS" or "lowercase" explicitly 6. For multiple text elements, describe hierarchy: "large headline text above, smaller tagline below" 7. Describe integration: "text integrated into the design as a visual element" vs "text overlaid on top"

Font Style Descriptions (use these instead of font names)

---

Category-Specific Patterns {#category-patterns}

Product Hero

Formula: "Create a [lighting] product photograph of [detailed product description]
on/against [surface/background]. Shot with [camera] [lens] at [aperture].
[Lighting description]. [Composition notes]. [Mood/atmosphere]."

Key elements: camera hardware, specific surface material, lighting direction and quality, product details (texture, finish, color), atmosphere.

Lifestyle

Formula: "Create a [mood] lifestyle photograph showcasing [product] in [real-world setting].
[Environmental details — props, furniture, plants]. [Lighting — natural preferred].
[Human interaction if any]. Shot with [camera] [lens]."

Key elements: environmental storytelling, natural lighting, contextual props, aspirational setting, human touch.

Social Media

Formula: "Create a [platform]-optimized [style] image of [subject].
[Composition for scroll-stopping impact]. [Bold colors/high contrast].
[Aspect ratio]. [Text if any, in quotes]."

Key elements: platform-specific ratio, high visual impact in first 50ms, bold colors, clear focal point, text integration if needed.

Marketing Banner

Formula: "Create a [width:height] marketing banner for [product/campaign].
[Product positioned in left/right third]. [Large negative space zone on opposite side
for text overlay]. [Brand colors]. [Clean, professional composition]."

Key elements: deliberate negative space for copy overlay, brand color integration, clean zones, product positioning rules.

Infographic

Formula: "Create a [style] infographic about [topic]. [Grid/bento layout description].
[Module descriptions with content]. [Color coding system]. [Icon style].
[Aspect ratio — usually 2:3 or 4:5 for vertical]."

Key elements: clear grid structure, data hierarchy, icon consistency, color coding, readable at glance.

---

Example Prompts by Category {#examples}

Product Hero — Luxury Headphone

"Create a cinematic product photograph of a matte-black wireless headphone on a polished obsidian surface. Shot with Sony A7R IV, 85mm macro lens at f/2.8, 45-degree product angle. Single soft key light from upper-left creates gentle shadows that define the headphone's contours, with a subtle reflection in the obsidian surface. Deep shadows on the right add drama and luxury. The headphone's ear cushion texture is clearly visible — soft leather grain catching the light. Dark, moody atmosphere. 4:5 aspect ratio, 4K resolution."

Lifestyle — Bookshelf Speaker

"Create a warm, inviting lifestyle photograph showcasing a compact walnut bookshelf speaker in a cozy reading nook. The speaker sits on a mid-century modern side table beside a plush armchair with a knitted throw blanket. A half-drunk cup of coffee and an open paperback add lived-in charm. Warm afternoon light streams through linen curtains, casting soft shadows across the scene. Shot with Sony A7III, 35mm lens at f/2.8. The composition draws the eye from the warm light to the speaker naturally. Aspirational but attainable — the kind of moment you want to step into."

POD T-Shirt — Gothic Skull

"Create a dark gothic illustration of a highly detailed human skull with ornate filigree engravings carved into the bone surface. Blooming roses with thorned vines intertwine through the eye sockets and jaw, their petals showing individual vein details. The composition follows a center-radiate pattern — skull as the dominant focal point surrounded by organic flourishes that draw the eye outward and back. Rendered in a hand-drawn etching style with meticulous crosshatching, suggesting countless hours of painstaking craftsmanship. Color palette strictly limited to bone white and blood red on a pure solid black background. Sharp edges between design and background with no gradients, no ambient shadows, no noise. 4:5 vertical format, 4K resolution."

Social Media — Instagram Product Feature

"Create a vibrant, scroll-stopping Instagram feed image featuring a artisanal honey jar with a hand-lettered label reading \"GOLDEN GROVE\" positioned on a rustic wooden board with a honey dipper and scattered wildflowers. Morning sunlight creates a golden backlit glow through the honey, making it luminous. Shot with Canon R5, 100mm macro at f/2.8 for tight detail with dreamy background blur. Bold warm color palette — amber, gold, cream, forest green from the herbs. The composition places the jar at the left-third power point with the honey dipper creating a diagonal leading line. 4:5 vertical format, 4K resolution."