Need a social post that pops? A flyer that actually gets picked up? Or a GIF that yells “click me”? The Magical Brief Creator (MBC) has your back!
This guide will show you how to format your prompt for graphic-specific outputs, helping the design team understand your vision and deliver high-quality, on-brand visuals for digital, print, and motion use. Whether it’s digital, print, or a motion asset, your brief is the blueprint.
When to Use This Guide
Use this article when requesting:
Static social media graphics (e.g., Instagram posts, Facebook banners)
Digital ads (e.g., Google display banners, email headers)
Print materials (e.g., flyers, brochures, posters)
Simple motion graphics (e.g., animated GIFs for web or email use)
What Makes a Good Prompt?
Writing clear and concise prompts will help the MBC generate a comprehensive design brief. A good prompt gives our team the what, why, and wow. Here’s how to break it down:
Scope (What are we making?):
Define the general purpose and type of design you need. Are you promoting a product, telling a brand story, solving a customer problem, or announcing a limited-time offer? This gives the team clear context for the asset you're requesting.
Creative Goal (How should it feel?):
Share your desired creative direction. This can include the tone, mood, or any visual inspiration you’d like the design to follow.
Key Message / CTA (What should it say?):
Include specific copy, selling points, taglines, disclaimers, or CTAs. For GIFs, you can also include what text or movement you expect in each frame or sequence.
Any Brand or Additional Guidelines (optional):
Got brand rules? We love them. Add specific brand requirements such as color palette, fonts, logo usage, layout preferences, reference links, or required dimensions.
Best Practices for Writing Graphic Design Prompts
Be clear and concise – A strong graphic prompt is typically 3-5 sentences that outline the purpose, core message, and desired visual tone or mood. Focus on what the viewer should feel or do.
Specify the format and platform – Let the team know if it’s for print, email, social, or web so they optimize accordingly.
Upload key assets and references – Provide logos, product images, or visual inspiration. These guide the creative direction and maintain brand consistency.
Note timelines or time-sensitive messaging – If the graphic promotes a limited-time offer or event, include specific dates or deadlines so the content remains relevant and timely.
Example Prompts:
1. Static Promotional Banner
Scope: Instagram post graphic to promote a limited-time spring sale
Creative Goal: Create a bright, inviting design that feels seasonal and fresh. The tone should be clean, modern, and cheerful—evoking the feeling of spring renewal. Use spacious layout with lifestyle imagery or product shots that feel light and airy.
Key Message / CTA:
Headline: “Spring Refresh Sale – Up to 40% Off”
Subhead: “Limited time only. Online & in-store.”
CTA: “Shop Now”
Brand Guidelines and/or Additional Guidelines (optional):
Use brand pink (#F2A6B3) and green (#A3D9B1) as primary colors. Include a product image from the Spring/Summer collection. Follow a clean, airy layout with plenty of white space. Use the brand’s primary font (Open Sans) and include logo in bottom-right corner. Dimensions should be 1080x1080 px for Instagram feed.
2. Print Flyer for In-Store Promotion
Scope: 8.5x11" printed flyer to promote an in-store beauty event
(Purpose: Announce and drive attendance to a one-day in-store event)Creative Goal: Design should feel elegant and modern, appealing to beauty-conscious shoppers. The mood should be clean, polished, and feminine—inviting walk-in and RSVP attendees. Layout should be organized, with room for event details and a prominent call to action.
Key Message / CTA:
Headline: “Glow Up Day – This Saturday Only!”
Body: “Join us for free skin consultations and exclusive offers.”
CTA: “RSVP at [event website] or call 123-456-7890”
Additional Info: Include event location, date, and time.
Brand Guidelines and/or Additional Guidelines (optional):
Use brand-approved font (Playfair Display for headings, Lato for body). Maintain a modern and elegant visual style. Include space for a QR code linking to RSVP page. Preferred color palette: soft blush tones with gold accents. Ensure logo is placed in the footer. Final design size must be 8.5x11 inches, print-ready (CMYK, 300dpi, with 0.125” bleed).
3. Animated GIF for Email
Scope: Animated GIF header for a marketing email
Creative Goal: The design should feel bold and attention-grabbing to create a sense of urgency. Use fast-paced animation and strong, energetic visual cues that encourage users to act quickly. Ideal tone is promotional and time-sensitive.
Key Message / CTA (GIF sequence):
Frame 1: “Flash Sale Starts Now”
Frame 2: “Up to 50% Off Everything”
Frame 3: “Ends in 72 Hours”
Final CTA (static or last frame): “Shop the Sale”
Brand Guidelines and/or Additional Guidelines (optional):
Use bold typography with red accents to emphasize urgency. GIF should loop seamlessly and stay under 2MB to ensure compatibility across email clients. Maintain brand logo in lower right corner throughout the animation. Preferred dimensions: 600px width for email formatting. Use brand font (Montserrat) and color scheme (red #E63946, white, black).
4. Carousel Graphic for Brand Storytelling
Scope: Instagram carousel (5 slides). Purpose: Tell the story of our sustainability mission to educate and build brand affinity
Creative Goal: The design should feel earthy, authentic, and mission-driven. Tone should be informative and uplifting. Incorporate visual elements that reflect eco-conscious values—think natural textures, soft gradients, or illustrated greenery.
Key Message / CTA:
Slide 1: “Why We’re Greener Than Ever”
Slides 2–4: Short paragraphs about:
Our eco-friendly packaging
Take-back and recycling initiatives
Responsibly sourced raw materials
Slide 5: “Join Our Mission” + CTA: “Learn More at [brand site or link in bio]”
Brand Guidelines and/or Additional Guidelines (optional):
Use our branded green tones (#4CAF50, #A5D6A7), white background, and sans-serif font family (Lato or Open Sans). Include our logo subtly on the final slide. Design should feel cohesive across all frames, with consistent layout and spacing optimized for Instagram’s swipe experience (1080x1080px per slide). Incorporate light, nature-inspired accents like leaves, sunlight, or recycled icons to enhance the message.
Before Submitting Your Brief
Always review the MBC output before submitting. Adjust the copy or add missing details to refine your final brief.
Add or edit details if needed—especially CTAs, dimensions, or text that must appear.
Stay available for follow-up communication with the design team—collaboration after submission helps bring your request to life more accurately.
Need Help?
If you have any questions remember that support is just a click away. Use the chat feature to connect with a Customer Success Representative who can provide real-time assistance.