DALL-E 3: Creative AI Image Generation for Artistic Visuals
OpenAI's model for stylised illustrations, creative interpretations, and artistic website graphics.
Sometimes you don't want photorealism. You want style. Character. Something that looks intentionally designed rather than captured. That's where DALL-E 3 shines.
What is DALL-E 3?
DALL-E 3 is OpenAI's flagship image generation model. While Google's models excel at photorealism and text, DALL-E 3 is known for creative interpretation - it takes your prompt and adds artistic flair.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 1792x1024 (landscape) or 1024x1792 (portrait) |
| Speed | Standard |
| Reference Images | Not supported |
| Token Cost | 3,000 |
| Best For | Creative interpretations, illustrations, artistic styles |
Important limitation: DALL-E 3 doesn't support reference images. You can't upload existing images for style matching or editing. It's text-to-image only.
When to Use DALL-E 3
Stylised illustrations
When you want something that looks designed, not photographed. Editorial illustrations, concept art, stylised graphics.
Creative interpretations
DALL-E 3 is known for "understanding" prompts creatively. It often adds clever details you didn't explicitly request.
Artistic website sections
- About pages with illustrated portraits
- Feature sections with conceptual graphics
- 404 pages with character illustrations
- Blog headers with artistic flair
Consistent artistic style
DALL-E 3 maintains style well across multiple generations with similar prompts.
When NOT to Use It
- Photorealistic images → Use Imagen 3 or Gemini
- Text in images → Use Gemini 3 Pro Image (Nano Banana Pro)
- Reference-based work → DALL-E 3 doesn't support reference images. Use any Gemini model or Imagen 3
- Editing existing images → Not supported. Use Gemini or Imagen 3
Prompt Examples
// Editorial illustration
An editorial illustration of a person juggling multiple tasks - laptop, phone, coffee, documents - in a modern flat design style. Limited colour palette of coral, navy, and cream. Clean lines, geometric shapes.
// Concept art
Concept art for a futuristic sustainable city. Vertical gardens on skyscrapers, solar panels, green spaces between buildings. Optimistic, bright, Studio Ghibli-inspired colour palette.
// Character illustration
A friendly robot mascot character for a tech startup. Round, approachable design. Soft blue and white colours. Simple, memorable, suitable for a logo or brand character.
// Abstract hero graphic
Abstract flowing shapes representing data and connectivity. Gradient from deep purple to electric blue. Organic curves intersecting with geometric elements. Modern, premium, tech aesthetic.
// Stylised portrait
Illustrated portrait in a modern minimalist style. Bold outlines, limited colour palette, flat shading. Confident expression. Suitable for an about page or team section.
DALL-E 3's Creative Interpretation
Unlike other models that try to match your prompt literally, DALL-E 3 interprets creatively. This can be:
A strength
- Adds clever visual metaphors
- Creates more interesting compositions
- Includes thoughtful details
A challenge
- May not match exact specifications
- Can add elements you didn't request
- Less predictable than literal models
Tip
If you need precise control, use Gemini. If you want creative surprise, use DALL-E 3.
Style Keywords That Work
DALL-E 3 responds well to artistic style references:
Illustration styles
- "Flat design illustration"
- "Isometric illustration"
- "Line art"
- "Watercolour style"
- "Vector illustration"
- "Papercut style"
Art movements
- "Art deco"
- "Bauhaus inspired"
- "Pop art"
- "Minimalist"
- "Abstract expressionism"
Artist-adjacent styles
- "Studio Ghibli inspired" (whimsical, warm)
- "Pixar style" (3D character looks)
- "New Yorker illustration style"
- "Editorial illustration"
Design aesthetics
- "Corporate Memphis" (ubiquitous tech style)
- "Risograph print style"
- "Retro 70s"
- "Y2K aesthetic"
Resolution and Aspect Ratios
DALL-E 3's resolution options:
| Aspect | Resolution | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | 1792x1024 | Hero images, blog headers |
| Portrait | 1024x1792 | Pinterest, mobile-first |
| Square | 1024x1024 | Social media, thumbnails |
Note: Unlike Gemini 3 Pro Image (4K), DALL-E 3 maxes out around 1.8K on the long edge.
Comparison: DALL-E 3 vs Gemini for Illustrations
| Factor | DALL-E 3 | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Creative interpretation | Stronger | More literal |
| Text in images | Weak | Strong (especially Nano Banana Pro) |
| Reference images | Not supported | Supported |
| Predictability | Less predictable | More predictable |
| Artistic styles | Excellent | Good |
| Max resolution | 1792x1024 | Up to 4096x4096 |
DALL-E 3 in ChilledSites
Select DALL-E 3 from the model dropdown.
Token cost: 3,000 tokens per image.
Best for: Illustrations, artistic graphics, creative concepts, any time you want style over photorealism.
Limitation to remember: No reference images. Plan your prompts to be self-contained.
Summary
Use DALL-E 3 when you want:
- Stylised illustrations over photographs
- Creative interpretation of your ideas
- Artistic website graphics
- Character designs and concept art
Skip it when you need text, reference images, or photorealism.