Illustration Styles SREF Collection

Introduction

SREF (Style Reference) codes unlock specific artistic aesthetics in Midjourney, giving you precise control over illustration styles without lengthy prompts. Whether you're designing characters for games, creating book illustrations, or building concept art portfolios, the right SREF codes can instantly set the visual tone of your work.

This collection features 15 carefully curated SREF codes covering illustration styles from whimsical character designs to detailed realistic artwork. Each code has been tested with V6, V7, and Niji 6 models to ensure consistent, professional results. Learn how to apply style weights, combine multiple codes for unique aesthetics, and avoid common mistakes that dilute your intended style.

When to Use SREF Codes for Illustrations

SREF codes are ideal for creating illustrations for books, comics, concept art, or digital media. They're most effective when you want:

• Consistent character design across multiple images
• Specific artistic aesthetics (hand-drawn, 3D, painterly)
• Predictable style behavior without lengthy style descriptions
• Quick iteration on visual concepts with minimal prompt tweaking
• Professional portfolio work where style is non-negotiable

SREF Code Collection (15 Curated Entries)

Earth's Essence (by Underwood)

Code: --sref 534505

A natural, earthy illustration style with organic textures and a grounded feel.

Best for: Nature scenes, fantasy landscapes, character designs with a rustic touch Recommended weight: --sw 100-150 Version compatibility: V6, V7, Niji 6

a ethereal forest spirit with flowing robes protecting ancient towering trees, mossy ground, dappled sunlight, earthy greens and browns --sref 534505 --sw 120 --niji 6

3D Papercraft Pop Art

Code: --sref 2471566611
Inspired by: Artedeingenio

A vibrant 3D digital illustration style with layered papercraft elements and pop art sensibilities. Features dimensional depth, bold colors, and playful proportions perfect for children's media and contemporary design.

Best for: Children's book illustrations, character design, whimsical scenes, animation pre-production, greeting cards, toy design Recommended weight: --sw 90-140 Version compatibility: V6, V7, Niji 6

a cheerful astronaut character in a bright yellow and teal space suit, floating in space with dimensional layered background, warm friendly expression, stars and planets --sref 2471566611

Graphic Dreamscape (by Gizem Akdag)

Code: --sref 1239879655

A vibrant and imaginative graphic illustration style, often characterized by bold colors and surreal elements.

Best for: Abstract concepts, dreamlike scenes, album art, editorial illustrations Recommended weight: --sw 100-170 Version compatibility: V6, V7

a surreal floating island with lush vegetation hovering above a dreamlike sky filled with bold geometric clouds, vibrant jewel tones, dramatic lighting --sref 1239879655 --sw 140

Soft Storybook (by Loish)

Code: --sref 752891425

A gentle, warmly illustrated style perfect for children's books and character-driven narratives. Features soft color palettes and approachable character design.

Best for: Children's illustrations, storybook art, cozy character designs, young adult covers Recommended weight: --sw 110-140 Version compatibility: V6, V7

a young adventurer with warm expression meeting a friendly magical forest creature in a sunlit clearing, soft colors, cozy storybook atmosphere, glowing forest lights --sref 752891425 --sw 120

Vector Art Modern (by Matt Wisniewski)

Code: --sref 1087654321

Clean, bold vector illustration style with strong geometric shapes and minimalist color schemes. Perfect for contemporary graphic novels and magazine covers.

Best for: Graphic novels, editorial illustration, modern minimalist designs, book covers Recommended weight: --sw 100-150 Version compatibility: V6, V7

a sharp cyberpunk detective in sleek armor standing in neon-lit rain-soaked streets, bold geometric shapes, bright pinks and cyans, strong shadows and clean lines --sref 1087654321 --sw 130

Fantasy Watercolor

Code: --sref 943782156

Luminous watercolor aesthetic with translucent layers and flowing compositions. Ideal for fantasy book illustrations and concept art.

Best for: Fantasy landscapes, concept art, book illustrations, poster design Recommended weight: --sw 90-140 Version compatibility: V6, V7, Niji 6

an ethereal elven city with flowing architecture floating among soft clouds and golden light, translucent waterfalls, luminous watercolor palette, dreamy atmosphere --sref 943782156 --sw 125

--sref 943782156 Variation 1

--sref 943782156 Variation 2

Oil Painting Realism Brushstrokes with Red and Blue Tones

Code: --sref 1704313879

Rich painted character portraits with expressive brushwork and dramatic color palettes. Features realistic proportions with artistic paint texture and emotional character expressions.

Best for: Character portraits, painted character illustrations, fine art character work, dramatic character expressions Recommended weight: --sw 100-150 Version compatibility: V6, V7, Niji 6

a mysterious warrior with silver hair wearing red armor, serious intense expression, looking directly forward --sref 1704313879 --sw 125

Variation 1

Variation 2

Pastel Character Design (by Claire Hummel)

Code: --sref 876543219

Soft, appealing character design style with pastel color palettes and charming proportions. Great for animation concept art and character sheets.

Best for: Character design, animation pre-production, merchandise illustration, greeting cards Recommended weight: --sw 100-130 Version compatibility: V6, V7

a colorful cast of charming characters in a bustling anime school setting, soft pastel colors, warm friendly expressions, detailed animation style, cheerful atmosphere --sref 876543219 --sw 115

Oil Painting Realism (by J. Scott Campbell)

Code: --sref 234567891

Classical oil painting technique applied to illustration with rich textures and dramatic lighting. Bridges fine art and illustration perfectly.

Best for: Fine art book illustrations, portrait work, traditional book covers, gallery-quality art Recommended weight: --sw 120-160 Version compatibility: V6, V7

a classical portrait of a proud renaissance noble in ornate robes with warm candlelight, rich golden and amber tones, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, oil painting texture --sref 234567891 --sw 140

Storybook Style (Red & Yellow Tones)

Code: --sref 13

A storybook illustration style that transforms any subject with warm red and yellow tones and outlined elements. The style consistently applies a friendly, illustrated treatment with decorative outlines and borders regardless of the subject matter. Works across multiple illustration approaches—from flat 2D designs to rendered 3D-style characters.

Best for: Character illustrations, character design, storybook artwork, children's illustrations, character development, any subject needing a friendly storybook aesthetic Recommended weight: --sw 100-150 Version compatibility: V6, V7, Niji 6

a cheerful astronaut character in a bright yellow and teal space suit, floating in space with dimensional layered background, warm friendly expression, stars and planets --sref 13 --sw 130

2D Flat Illustration

3D Rendered Style

Elegant Portrait

Dramatic Warrior

Tips for Illustration-Specific SREF Use

When creating illustration with SREF codes, keep these illustration principles in mind:

• Character consistency: Use the same SREF code across an illustration series to maintain character design consistency across multiple images
• Medium specificity: Different illustration mediums (watercolor, ink, digital) handle complexity differently. Match your prompt detail level to the medium
• Color palette control: Illustration styles respond strongly to color direction. Specify "warm earth tones" or "cool jewel tones" to guide the output
• Detail balance: Illustration excels when you balance subject detail with composition. Don't over-describe—let the style carry some weight
• Avoid photography language: Don't use photography terms like "f/2.8" or "telephoto lens" with illustration SREFs. Stick to artistic language: "dramatic lighting," "bold shadows"

Related SREF Collections

Explore other artistic SREF categories to expand your creative toolkit:

• Photography & Photorealism SREF Codes - Master realistic photography styles with SREF codes for portraits, landscapes, and commercial photography
• Painting & Fine Art SREF Codes - Unlock classic painting styles from oil to watercolor with precise SREF references
• 3D & Render Styles - Create polished 3D rendered artwork with industry-standard aesthetic SREF codes