After posting my last blog about 80’s cartoons, I received numerous requests asking for more prompts so people could try them out themselves. This time, I’m working on a video about the Queen of Sheba, also known as Bilkis, and her visit to King Solomon’s home. Below are 5 detailed prompts that you can copy and paste to create your own version:
I have no shame in admitting that I use ChatGPT to help me write prompts. To avoid confusion with previous instructions, I start by opening a new chat. It's important to give an overall idea of the story, including the desired output, time period, and characters. It’s especially helpful to name each important character and provide references for them, so ChatGPT can produce uniform output.
For example, in my video about the Queen of Sheba, there are several characters, and I’ve named each one differently. One of the characters is HudHud, a bird and Solomon’s messenger. I made sure to instruct ChatGPT accordingly to keep the output consistent.
I want to create an animated movie set during the time when Queen Saba (Sheba) met with King Solomon. The animation will be in 2D, following the 80s cartoon style. There will be three main characters:
Hudhud – A bird who serves as Solomon’s informer.
King Solomon – A powerful king who can control jinn, air, and animals.
Queen Saba – A 28-year-old, beautiful queen.
Whenever I mention these characters, I need you to create an exact prompt for each one, including their appearance, colors, textures, attire, and any other details relevant to their description. Do you understand what I mean?
Prompt 01:
Scene Description:
The camera is positioned over the shoulder of the royal advisor, framing the Queen of Saba sitting on her throne, intently listening to the advisor's counsel. The scene has a grand yet intimate feel, with the Queen's face reflecting concern and contemplation as she processes the advice. The advisor’s figure dominates the foreground, while the Queen is the focal point of the background, highlighting her reaction.
🧓 The Royal Advisor:
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Elderly male with long, silver beard.
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Dressed in a sage-green robe with golden trim.
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Holding a wooden staff with a crescent moon carving at the top.
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Positioned slightly in the foreground, with his shoulder and hand visible in the shot.
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Facial expression: calm, hands raised slightly as he speaks.
👑 Queen of Saba:
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Seated on a royal throne made of dark wood and gilded accents.
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Wearing a flowing maroon robe with gold embroidery and a gold diadem on her head.
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Expression: thoughtful, slightly furrowed brow, as she listens attentively.
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Holding a scroll in one hand, the other resting lightly on the arm of the throne.
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Golden light from a nearby window highlights her face and robe.
🏛️ Palace Room Setting:
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The interior of the palace is rich with stone-carved walls and elaborate tapestries.
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Soft golden sunlight filtering in through a large window, casting gentle shadows.
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Decorative bronze vases and scroll shelves in the background.
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A sense of regal quiet, with subtle details enhancing the ancient, royal atmosphere.
🖌️ Style & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D cartoon style:
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Bold black outlines for the characters and objects.
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Flat cell-shading with soft gradients and simple background elements.
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Exaggerated, angular eyes and facial features for the Queen and the advisor.
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Color Palette:
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Warm earth tones for the throne room (browns, golds, amber).
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The Queen in rich reds and gold accents.
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The advisor in sage greens and tan.
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🎥 Camera Angle & Framing:
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Over-the-shoulder shot: the camera is behind the royal advisor, showing his back and shoulder, with the Queen as the primary subject of the shot.
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The advisor’s presence fills the foreground, adding depth and tension to the scene.
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The Queen’s face is clearly visible, showing her thoughtful expression as she listens to the advice.
Prompt 02:
Scene Description:
Inside a majestic royal hall, Queen of Saba is seated elegantly on her ornate golden throne, raised slightly above the ground level. The hall is filled with royal attendants, advisors, noble guests, and soldiers, all standing respectfully. The architecture is grand with tall arched windows, hanging drapes, and pillars adorned with gold and gem accents. The queen looks calm, powerful, and radiant, exuding regal authority.
Queen of Saba:
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Appearance: A stunning 28-year-old queen, with deep brown skin, long black wavy hair flowing behind her golden headpiece.
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Expression: Serene, proud, and commanding, with a soft gaze that carries authority and wisdom.
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Attire: A flowing royal gown of crimson red, deep violet, and gold trims, matching her royal status.
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Jewelry: Golden necklace, earrings, arm cuffs, and an intricately designed crown or tiara.
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Pose: Seated upright on her throne, one hand resting on the throne arm, the other lightly holding a jeweled scepter.
Throne & Hall:
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Throne: Grand, made of gold and polished wood, inlaid with gemstones. Cushioned with velvet, with decorative carvings of lions or vines.
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Hall: Wide space with a high ceiling, marble floor, and red carpet leading up to the throne.
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Pillars: Massive stone columns with golden inlays and carvings, spaced evenly along the walls.
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Windows: Tall arched windows with light streaming through, casting warm rays across the floor.
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Banners: Royal banners of purple and gold hang from the ceiling.
People in the Hall:
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Variety of characters: Royal guards in bronze armor, elderly advisors in robes, noble women in colorful dresses, curious children standing behind their mothers, and soldiers with spears.
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Dress code: 2D-style, solid-color outfits with bold outlines. Turbans, sashes, and gold accessories common.
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Mood: All eyes fixed on the queen, either silently waiting or mid-discussion.
tyle & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D Cartoon Animation Style:
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Bold black outlines
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Flat shading with bright, saturated colors
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Simplified but expressive facial features
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Cartoonish body proportions with fluid design
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Color Palette:
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Gold, ruby red, violet, cream, brown, emerald green for dresses, drapes, and throne.
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Skin tones: Diverse, reflecting people of the Sabaean kingdom.
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Background Details:
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No excessive realism — keep it iconic and animation-ready.
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Stylized decorative elements like golden vines, lotus patterns, or sun symbols on banners and columns.
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🎭 Mood:
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A blend of majesty and mystery.
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The queen is center of power, radiating wisdom and confidence.
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The crowd is hushed and respectful, awaiting her word.
Prompt 03:
Scene Description:
A dramatic aerial wide shot, revealing a vast and diverse battle-ready army. At the heart of the formation stands Prophet Sulaiman’s royal tent, with ranks of human soldiers, majestic animals, and mystical jinn warriors arrayed in perfect order across a grand desert plain, under the open sky.
🧍♂️ Human Soldiers:
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Uniformed in bronze or steel armor, with crested helmets and matching shields.
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Holding spears, swords, and standards bearing the emblem of Sulaiman (stylized star or sun symbol).
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Forming tight rectangular battalions, disciplined and imposing.
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Skin tones diverse, representing different kingdoms under Sulaiman’s rule.
🐘🐎🦁 Animals in Formation:
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Elephants draped in decorated armor, some carrying towers for archers.
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Horses lined in cavalry units, bridled with gold-trimmed harnesses.
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Lions and falcons near Sulaiman’s command post, symbolizing control over beasts.
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Camels with supply packs near the rear lines.
🧞 Jinn Warriors:
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Semi-transparent or glowing forms in blue, green, or purple hues.
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Towering, muscular bodies with ancient armor — chainmail, belts, ornaments from pre-human civilizations.
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Some levitating or holding magical weapons with crackling energy.
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Forming the outer circle of the army, as a mystical defense ring.
🏕️ Landscape & Background:
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Desert plain with scattered stone formations and low hills.
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Camp tents with royal insignias, colored fabrics fluttering in the wind.
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Large banners and flags across the camp, each army division with its own unique symbol.
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Dust clouds swirling at the edge of the army, stirred by movement and animal hooves.
🎥 Camera Angle:
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Bird’s-eye (aerial) view, as if seen from Hudhud flying above.
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The symmetry and scale of the force is the focus — a majestic show of divine power and unity.
🖌️ Style & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D cartoon animation:
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Bold outlines, simplified yet expressive shapes.
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Flat, solid colors with shading to give depth but not realism.
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Character faces drawn with stylized heroic features.
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Color Palette:
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Golden sands, silver/bronze armor, deep blue skies.
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Elephants and horses in earth tones with vivid saddle accents (red, royal blue, green).
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Jinn in glowing ethereal tones — teal, violet, soft gold.
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🕊️ Mood:
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Awe-inspiring, almost supernatural.
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Emphasizing Sulaiman’s divine authority over creation — men, beasts, and unseen forces.
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The calm before the action — a moment of order, scale, and sacred strength.
Prompt 04:
Scene Description:
A wide, cinematic shot of two foreign messengers walking between rows of armed soldiers, heading toward the grand entrance of Salamon’s Home — a monumental palace blending divine elegance and ancient might. Soldiers stand still in honor, forming a corridor of discipline and strength as the messengers move forward, slightly nervous but determined.
🧍♂️ The Messengers:
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Two men from Queen of Saba’s kingdom, in distinct Sabaean attire:
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Long flowing robes in earthy tones — ochre, sand, and teal.
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Gold-threaded sashes and small embroidered emblems of the Sabaean crest.
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One carries a small, ornate chest (tribute gift); the other holds a scroll case.
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Their body language: tense but dignified, eyes scanning the majesty of their surroundings.
🛡️ Sulaiman’s Soldiers:
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Towering lines of soldiers, standing in silence and symmetry.
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Armor: polished bronze and silver chestplates, sun insignias engraved.
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Helmets with red or blue plumes, holding spears upright, feet shoulder-width apart.
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Facial expressions are calm, alert, and reverent.
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Diversity among the soldiers shows a unified global army under Sulaiman.
🏛️ Salamon’s Home (Palace):
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A majestic structure ahead, made of white stone, gold-trimmed columns, and crystal domes.
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Massive entrance gates are open, guarded by lion statues and two large jinn-shaped carvings flanking the stairs.
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Flags and banners in royal blues and golds, flutter in the wind.
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Light beams break through the clouds, shining onto the entrance, giving it a divine glow.
🖌️ Style & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D cartoon style:
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Classic hand-drawn look with bold outlines and flat cell-shading.
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Slight exaggeration in body proportions to emphasize posture and emotion.
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Emphasis on grandeur, symmetry, and cartoon dramatics.
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Color Palette:
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Warm tones for the desert setting (sands, ochres, golds).
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Deep blues and ivory whites for the palace and soldiers.
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Red and violet highlights in banners and royal crests.
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🎥 Camera Angle & Framing:
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Slightly low-angle wide shot, showing the messengers dwarfed by the soldiers and the towering palace beyond.
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Visual focus: the walk of diplomacy — a quiet but tense moment before history unfolds.
Prompt 04:
Scene Description:
An interior palace room, with the Queen of Saba seated across from her most trusted royal advisor, seeking counsel. The room exudes wealth and grace, with incense smoke rising gently. The Queen looks concerned but composed, while the advisor leans in respectfully, offering wise, measured words.
👑 Queen of Saba:
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Age: 28, radiantly beautiful, wearing a flowing royal dress in deep maroon and gold, with fine embroidery.
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Long black hair braided with gold beads and lapis lazuli accents.
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Wearing a gold diadem with a sun symbol in the center.
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Expression: intelligent, worried, curious — listening intently.
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Body posture: slightly leaned forward, one hand under her chin, the other resting on her throne’s arm.
🧓 The Royal Advisor:
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Elderly male with a long silver beard, wearing a sage-green robe with gold cuffs and trim.
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Holds a wooden staff with a crescent moon carving on top.
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Seated on a cushioned stool, facing the Queen with respect.
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Facial expression: calm, wise, thoughtful.
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Hand gestures mid-speech, as if offering caution or strategic insight.
🏛️ Palace Room Setting:
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Intricately carved wood-paneled walls with geometric patterns.
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Tapestries hanging behind the Queen, showing scenes of prosperity and sun worship.
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Incense burners on stands with gentle smoke curling.
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A large open window shows bright desert sun casting warm light onto the floor.
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Gold and turquoise ceramic jars and scroll shelves in the background.
🖌️ Style & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D cartoon style:
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Flat color tones with bold linework.
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Background softly shaded with cell-animation style shadows.
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Characters designed with angular eyes, strong cheekbones, and classic animated expressions.
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Color Palette:
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Warm reds, maroons, and golds for the Queen.
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Earthy greens and browns for the Advisor.
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Muted golden light, textured shadows to show emotional depth.
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🎥 Camera Angle & Framing:
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Medium two-shot from the side, focusing on both faces in profile.
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The Queen slightly higher in frame, emphasizing her rank.
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Advisor leaning in just a bit — a composition that shows power with humility.
"I want you to adjust the prompts and learn how to modify them. There’s no right or wrong way— the more you describe, the better your content will turn out. One thing I’ve learned is that not every AI image generator will provide the perfect result right away.
In this project, I’ve created the images using Artistly.ai and animated them in Animon.ai. It’s all about having fun, and I’m loving it. Every day, I’m picking up new skills! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attach a printable coloring book with this blog, but I’m hoping to create one soon. Keep an eye on this project—I’ll be posting a blog with a downloadable PDF coloring book next time!"
Bonus Prompt:
A dramatic close-up shot of Hudhud, the wise and mystical bird who serves as the divine messenger for King Solomon. The background is a blur of blue sky or warm desert air, drawing all focus to Hudhud's expressive eyes and regal feathers. This shot highlights Hudhud’s intelligence, alertness, and slight weariness from long travel.
🐦 Hudhud – The Bird Messenger:
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A hoopoe bird, stylized in cartoon form, with:
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A fan-like crest of feathers on his head: alternating orange and black.
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Sharp, intelligent eyes, large and expressive in 80s cartoon fashion.
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Long, thin beak curved slightly downward.
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Feathers:
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Chestnut brown body.
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Wings with bold black-and-white striped patterns.
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Slight fluff on the chest to give warmth and personality.
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Facial Expression:
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Eyes narrowed in focus.
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Beak slightly open as if about to speak.
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A visible sense of urgency and mission.
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🌤️ Background (Blurred for Close-Up Effect):
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Option 1: Sky blue gradient, with hints of passing clouds.
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Option 2: Faint sand dunes or palm trees blurred in the distance.
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Option 3: Golden light suggesting he’s just landed at Solomon’s palace or Queen Saba’s castle.
🖌️ Style & Art Direction:
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1980s 2D cartoon style:
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Bold black outlines and expressive features.
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Flat cel-shading with bright color blocking.
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Slight texture on feathers to reflect the animation style of the era.
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Color Palette:
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Orange, black, and white for Hudhud’s feathers.
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Soft blues or warm desert tones in the background.
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🎥 Camera Framing:
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Extreme close-up: shows head, upper chest, and crest prominently.
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Framed slightly from below, emphasizing importance and power.
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Focus on the eyes, showing depth of emotion and wisdom.
FAQ - Creating Animated Videos with AI Prompts
1. What is the purpose of creating prompts for animated videos?
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Prompts help guide AI image generators to produce specific characters, scenes, and settings for your animation. By providing detailed descriptions of characters, environments, and emotions, you can ensure that the generated visuals align with your creative vision.
2. How do I start creating a prompt for a character or scene?
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Start by identifying the key details you want to highlight for each character and scene, such as their appearance, attire, expression, and background setting. Be specific about the colors, textures, and other design elements you want to appear.
3. Do I need to be specific about the time period or setting?
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Yes, mentioning the time period and setting is crucial. For example, if you’re working on a historical character like Queen of Sheba, specifying the ancient setting and the historical context will help the AI create visuals that match that time period’s aesthetic.
4. Why should I include character names and roles?
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Including character names and their roles, such as Hudhud the bird or Queen Saba, helps to maintain consistency across the prompts and visuals. It ensures that AI understands the characteristics and behavior of each character, especially when they interact with other figures in the scene.
5. What tools do you recommend for generating images and animating them?
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For generating images, tools like Artistly.ai are great for creating high-quality visuals based on your detailed prompts. For animation, Animon.ai can help you bring those images to life by animating the generated artwork.
6. How can I modify an AI prompt if the results aren't as expected?
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If the results aren’t perfect, try adjusting your descriptions. For instance, you can add more details about facial expressions, body language, or specific environmental elements. The more detailed and clear your instructions are, the better the output.
7. What’s the advantage of using 1980s cartoon style for animation?
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The 1980s cartoon style has bold lines, flat colors, and exaggerated features, which can make the animation visually striking and easily recognizable. It’s also a fun style that can evoke nostalgia and offer a unique aesthetic for your project.
8. Can I use AI to create a coloring book from the animated scenes?
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Yes! After generating the animated scenes, you can create a coloring book by converting them into black-and-white line drawings. Tools like Artistly.ai can also assist in creating these line art versions. You can then compile them into a PDF format to offer as a downloadable coloring book.
9. How do I incorporate the AI-generated visuals into my video project?
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After generating the visuals, you can use video editing software to compile the images into scenes. You can animate the characters using tools like Animon.ai or manually add movement, transitions, and effects to bring your video to life.
10. Is it important to have a story or narrative before starting the prompts?
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Yes, having a clear storyline or narrative will help you define the scenes, actions, and emotions that should be represented in your prompts. A well-structured story helps the AI understand the flow of events, ensuring the visuals align with the plot.
11. What challenges might I face when creating prompts for AI animation?
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Some challenges include ensuring consistency in character design across scenes, handling intricate details that AI might miss, and ensuring that the AI-generated images accurately reflect the intended mood or theme of the video. It may require some trial and error to perfect your prompts.
12. Can AI be used to create backgrounds and settings as well?
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Absolutely! AI tools can generate detailed backgrounds, such as royal halls or desert plains, based on your prompts. You can specify the architectural style, lighting, and other environmental elements to match the tone of your story.
13. How do I adjust the AI-generated results to fit my specific needs?
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You can modify the prompts based on what needs improvement. For instance, if a character’s attire doesn’t match your vision, be more specific about the fabrics, patterns, and colors. Similarly, for backgrounds, adjusting lighting, textures, and scene scale can help fine-tune the result.
14. Can I share or sell my AI-generated content?
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Yes, as long as you adhere to the usage rights of the tools you’re using (check Artistly.ai and Animon.ai’s terms and conditions). Most AI tools allow you to share and sell your generated content, but it’s always a good idea to review the platform’s rules regarding commercial use.