How to Master AI Art with Leonardo.Ai in 2025 – Step-by-Step for Beginners

In a world where imagination meets technology, Leonardo.ai stands out as one of the most powerful tools for creators, designers, and storytellers. But with so many features—image generation, video tools, customizable models, and ever-evolving AI prompts—it can feel like stepping into a digital renaissance without a map.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious about how to get the most out of this innovative platform, this guide is your gateway. We’ll walk you through the essentials of using Leonardo.ai: from generating stunning images and videos to picking the right models, crafting effective prompts, and even comparing subscription plans to find what fits your creative goals.

So buckle up—you’re about to learn how to wield AI like a true digital artist.

How to Generate Images in Leonardo: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the Image Generator

Click “Get Started” on the landing page

• This opens the image generation workspace.

Click on the “Image” icon

Step 2: Configure Settings

Use the left sidebar to adjust key parameters:

A. Generation Mode

• Fast: Quick results, lower quality (ideal for brainstorming).
• Quality: Balanced speed and detail (best for most projects).
• Ultra: Highest resolution, longest wait time (for final drafts).

B. Image Dimensions

• Choose based on your platform:
  • YouTube Thumbnail: 1280x720px (16:9).
  • TikTok/Reels: 1080x1920px (9:16).
  • Instagram Post: 1080x1080px (1:1).

C. Size

• Small: Low file size (e.g., web icons).
• Medium: Standard for social media.
• Large: High detail (print/posters).

D. Number of Images

• Select 1-4 images per prompt.
  • Example: Choose “3” to generate 3 variations and pick the best result.

Step 3: Write Your Prompt

1. Type or paste your prompt into the text box.
   • Tip: Use descriptive keywords (e.g., “sunset over mountains, digital art, vibrant colors”).
   • Avoid vague terms like “cool” or “pretty.”

Please go to the end of the blog for more details about the prompts. Alternatively, go to this related post of prompts here

Step 4: Generate Your Image

1. Click the “Generate” button (bottom-right of the prompt box).
   • Wait time varies:
     • Fast: 5-15 seconds.
     • Ultra: 1-2 minutes.
2. Review results: Images will appear on the screen.
   • Download, edit, or regenerate if needed.

Pro Tips

• Start with 1-2 images to save time/credits.
• Experiment with sizes: Larger dimensions work best for prints, smaller for social media.
• Combine “Quality” mode with “Large” size for professional-grade outputs.

How to choose the right model to get the optimal image

How to Choose the Right Model/Preset:

1. Match the vibe: Want photorealism? Pick Lifelike Vision. Need whimsy? Illustrative Albedo.
2. Combine presets: Layer Cinematic Kino with Leonardo Lighting for movie-grade drama.
3. Adjust settings: Tweak guidance scale or prompt strength to refine outputs.

Leonardo.AI’s presets simplify creativity—experiment to discover your signature style!

I want to create a realistic image of a lion. What should I do?

I will consider which model/preset is the most suitable. In this case, I’ll choose “Lifelike Vision”.

Now, what prompt should I use? The best way is to go to Deepseek or ChatGPT and ask it to write a prompt. For a full guide about prompts in Deepseek, click here

Once you create the prompt for Leonardo.Ai, copy and paste it as shown in the above image. Then click the purple generate button on the bottom left

The following is the result based on choosing the Lifelike Vision Model and using another AI model to generate the prompt.

1. Phoenix

Style: Bold, vibrant, and dynamic.
Best for: High-energy scenes, fantasy art, or surreal compositions.
Details:

• Emphasizes dramatic lighting and saturated colors.
• Great for creating mythical creatures, sci-fi landscapes, or action-packed scenes.
• Outputs feel “larger than life” with a touch of stylized realism.
  Tip: Use for book covers, game art, or posters where impact matters.

2. Flux

Style: Futuristic, abstract, and experimental.
Best for: Cyberpunk themes, tech concepts, or avant-garde designs.
Details:

• Focuses on geometric shapes, neon accents, and digital textures.
• Ideal for AI-generated tech gadgets, holographic interfaces, or abstract backgrounds.
• Outputs often have a “glitch art” or cybernetic vibe.
  Tip: Pair with prompts like “neon circuitry” or “liquid metal robot.”

3. Anime

Style: Classic Japanese anime/manga aesthetics.
Best for: Character art, comic panels, or vibrant anime scenes.
Details:

• Mimics the cel-shaded look of Studio Ghibli or Shonen Jump.
• Sharp lines, expressive eyes, and dynamic poses.
• Works well for fan art, original characters (OCs), or stylized landscapes.
  Tip: Add terms like “sakura blossoms” or “magic girl transformation” for iconic results.

4. Cinematic Kino

Style: Film-grade visuals with a dramatic, moody tone.
Best for: Movie stills, storyboards, or atmospheric scenes.
Details:

• Mimics the depth and lighting of blockbuster films (think Blade Runner 2049 or Dune).
• Rich shadows, cinematic framing, and realistic textures.
• Perfect for dystopian cities, noir scenes, or epic fantasy shots.
  Tip: Use prompts like “dark forest, fog, cinematic lighting.”

5. Concept Art

Style: Rough, painterly, and ideation-focused.
Best for: Game/movie concept sketches, environment design.
Details:

• Outputs resemble hand-painted storyboards or matte paintings.
• Loose brushstrokes, muted palettes, and a “work-in-progress” feel.
• Ideal for brainstorming creatures, vehicles, or fantasy worlds.
  Tip: Add “mood board” or “speedpaint style” to prompts.

6. Graphic Design

Style: Clean, modern, and vector-inspired.
Best for: Logos, posters, or minimalist illustrations.
Details:

• Flat colors, sharp edges, and geometric precision.
• Great for branding, social media visuals, or infographics.
• Outputs feel professional and commercial-ready.
  Tip: Use prompts like “retro poster” or “corporate mascot, flat design.”

7. Ilustrative Albedo

Style: Soft, whimsical illustrations with texture depth.
Best for: Children’s books, whimsical art, or cozy scenes.
Details:

• Focuses on “albedo” (surface texture/light reflection) for tactile feels.
• Gentle shading, warm tones, and hand-drawn charm.
• Works for fairy tales, cottagecore aesthetics, or dreamy portraits.
  Tip: Try prompts like “watercolor woodland creatures” or “storybook castle.”

8. Leonardo Lighting

Style: Hyper-realistic lighting effects.
Best for: Portraits, product shots, or scenes where lighting is key.
Details:

• Mimics studio lighting, golden hour, or dramatic chiaroscuro.
• Enhances depth, shadows, and highlights for photorealistic results.
• Perfect for fashion photography or atmospheric still lifes.
  Tip: Use terms like “volumetric light” or “cinematic rim lighting.”

9. Lifelike Vision

Style: Ultra-photorealistic details.
Best for: Product mockups, realistic portraits, or nature scenes.
Details:

• Prioritizes accuracy over stylization—think DSLR-quality images.
• Ideal for commercial ads, architectural visualization, or AI headshots.
• Avoids “uncanny valley” with natural textures and imperfections.
  Tip: Specify details like “wrinkles,” “skin pores,” or “weathering” for realism.

10. Perfect Portrait

Style: Polished, studio-quality human portraits.
Best for: Character design, LinkedIn headshots, or fashion models.
Details:

• Optimized for facial symmetry, expressive eyes, and flawless skin.
• Handles diverse ethnicities, ages, and styles (e.g., “vogue editorial”).
• Use negative prompts like “blurry” or “asymmetrical” to refine results.
  Tip: Add “dramatic makeup” or “vintage 1940s hairstyle” for flair.

11. Stock Photography

Style: Generic, versatile, and commercial-safe.
Best for: Blog banners, ads, or corporate visuals.
Details:

• Neutral lighting, simple compositions, and inclusive subjects.
• Avoids niche styles to appeal to broad audiences.
• Great for generating “people working happily” or “generic product lifestyle” shots.
  Tip: Use prompts like “diverse team in office” or “cozy café background.”

How do I generate a video in Leonardo.AI?

It’s easy. You can jump directly from image generation to video generation by clicking the video button. Write a prompt suitable for the video and paste it into the Prompt area. Use the method previously mentioned by using Deepseek or Chat GPT to assist.

Please refer to the image below

Once you click generate, the video will be created. The image will take up more time and tokens compared to generating an image. The tokens available will be based on the plan you are on.

Now we covered how to get into Leonardo to generate an image and video, which covers the core function of the tool. There are, of course, more advanced functions, but we will cover them separately in another blog post.

Which Plan to use?

I’ve been using Leonardo for a few months and find the Apprentice plan is sufficient. You can join and cancel anytime up to the month paid. This depends on whether you choose monthly or yearly. If you are trying it out, choose a plan you can cancel at short notice. There is also a free plan to try out

Here’s a simple comparison between Leonardo.AI’s Free Trial Plan and the Apprentice Plan (first paid tier), designed for beginners:

1. Pricing

• Free Trial Plan: $0/month (no cost).
• Apprentice Plan: ~10–10–15/month (prices may vary).

2. Generations Per Day

• Free Plan: Limited daily generations (e.g., 150 images/day).
• Apprentice Plan: More daily generations (e.g., 300–500 images/day).

3. Image Quality & Features

• Free Plan:
  • Basic image resolution (e.g., 512×512 pixels).
  • Access to standard AI models/styles.
  • Fewer advanced tools (e.g., no upscaling or background removal).
• Apprentice Plan:
  • Higher resolution (e.g., up to 1024×1024 pixels).
  • Premium AI models and exclusive styles.
  • Advanced tools like image upscaling, background removal, and more customization.

4. Speed & Priority

• Free Plan: Longer wait times during peak hours.
• Apprentice Plan: Faster generation speeds and priority access to new features.

5. Commercial Use

• Free Plan: Personal use only (can’t sell images).
• Apprentice Plan: Commercial rights included (sell your creations!).

6. Support

• Free Plan: Basic help via community forums/docs.
• Apprentice Plan: Priority customer support (email/chat).

Who’s It For?

• Free Plan: Great for beginners testing AI art, hobbyists, or casual users.
• Apprentice Plan: Ideal for serious creators, freelancers, or small businesses needing higher volume and quality.

Summary

Choose the Free Plan if you’re just exploring AI art. Upgrade to the Apprentice Plan if you want better quality, more tools, and the ability to sell your work.

Example Draft: “Crafting Perfect Prompts” Section

Write a Killer Prompt
Leonardo.Ai thrives on specificity. Instead of “a beautiful landscape,” try:

Pro Tips for 2024:
✅ Use Keywords, Not Sentences:

"A serene alpine meadow at sunrise, wildflowers in bloom, snow-capped mountains in the background, hyper-realistic 4K photography, soft golden hour lighting, depth of field, trending on ArtStation."

• Bad: “Please draw me a futuristic robot.”
• Good: "futuristic humanoid robot, chrome armor, glowing blue circuits, scifi concept art, intricate steampunk details."

✅ Assign Weights:

• Boost key elements: cyberpunk cityscape:1.3 | neon lights:1.2 | rain-soaked streets:1.5

✅ Negative Prompts Matter:

• Block unwanted results: "deformed, cartoonish, lowres, text, watermark."

✅ Reference Artists or Styles:

• "Anatomical heart, stained glass style, by Alphonse Mucha and HR Giger, vivid colors."

Your Journey with Leonardo.ai Starts Now

Leonardo.ai isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a dynamic creative companion that empowers you to bring your boldest ideas to life. From generating lifelike images and videos to experimenting with different models and refining your prompts, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Whether you’re exploring it for fun, content creation, professional design, or storytelling, understanding the basics is the first step toward mastering this powerful platform. With the right plan in place and a bit of experimentation, you’ll soon be creating work that looks like it came straight out of a dream—or a National Geographic documentary.

Now that you know the foundations, it’s time to dive in. Explore, create, and let Leonardo.ai help you turn your visions into reality.

Related Post:

DeepSeek R1 Made Easy: Master Prompting Like a Pro