Meta-Prompting · The AI Advantage

Meta-Prompting

The other day I was having a conversation with

about meta-prompting and how I usually have trouble generating images with words but when I use meta-prompting I get the best results, so I want to share a simple workflow I used to come up with a meta-prompt to generate an image I'm using in a LinkedIn post later this morning.

We drafted a post according to my content engine calendar and then I asked:

"Gee, now I would like a companion visual (quote graphic) saying "Reach is rented. Retention is owned"

Can you draft a prompt to generate this image to match the theme and energy of this post? I would like the quote to be done in a real image of Bodega-style neon light sign (except the lights should be in my hero blue) and I'll attach a reference image but I would like you to come up with an environment that is unique to my post. Instead of a signature like the reference post, I would like my image to be anchored by "Alexander Day" and "The Marketing Mind" like we have been doing in our quote posts recently.

Can you help me come up with a prompt to generate this image?"

I provided the reference image along with the above prompt and then it produced this prompt:

"NEON QUOTE GRAPHIC PROMPT (For Canva / Gemini Flash 2.5 / ChatGPT Image Gen)

Create a cinematic, photo-realistic image of a bodega-style neon sign in glowing Hero Blue (#2684FC) mounted on an aged brick wall.

The neon sign must display the quote:

“Reach is rented.

Retention is owned.”

Design Requirements:

• Use a two-line layout with soft neon glow and realistic light dispersion on the wall.

• The environment should feel like a back-alley creative studio or a hidden workspace — gritty, atmospheric, and symbolic of “building something that lasts.”

• Include subtle objects that symbolize marketing, strategy, or craft:

– stacked notebooks

– a vintage metal desk

– scattered sticky notes

– an old-school tape recorder

– soft shadows from off-screen monitors

• Lighting should feel moody, with Hero Blue neon acting as the primary light source.

• Add faint dust particles in the light beam to enhance realism.

• Slight vignette for cinematic depth.

• No people in the scene.

• Typography of the neon should look handcrafted, like a custom glass tube sign — not a font overlay.

• Add a small branded signature at the bottom in clean white text:

Alexander Day

The Marketing Mind

Overall Vibe:

• Dark, moody, intentional

• A quiet, powerful environment where deep strategy happens

• Something that feels like a metaphor for retention:

steady, intentional, built to last

Format:

• Square (1080×1080) for Instagram

• Also suitable for LinkedIn"

It still didn't quite produce my name and business name in the clean white text it was supposed to but I quite loved the image so I decided to use it as-is. I've attached the image below.

Try this technique if you ever have trouble with generating images. If it didn't work with ChatGPT I could've taken the same prompt to Gemini or Canva. Use this technique and let me know how it goes.

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