The quick read
- A cover viewed as a small card needs a simpler composition than a full-page illustration.
- First ask whether the image communicates the article’s idea.
Describe the scene
State what should be shown and why it matters. For an article about AI agents, a sequence from a request to a completed task gives the illustrator a narrative. ‘Futuristic AI’ provides far less guidance. Identify the focal point and the relationship between the main objects.
Design for placement
A cover viewed as a small card needs a simpler composition than a full-page illustration. Reserve space only when the final layout actually requires it, and keep essential details away from likely crop areas. Describe a coherent palette and rendering style instead of combining many unrelated visual references.
Review meaning before polish
First ask whether the image communicates the article’s idea. Then inspect visual hierarchy, object consistency and distracting details. Avoid treating generated diagrams or labels as precise technical evidence. A useful experiment is to write a one-sentence caption for the proposed scene before generation; if the caption does not connect to the article, revise the concept. Good image direction makes the visual argument clear before it adds texture, atmosphere or decoration.
Sources & notes
AI-assisted editorial content checked against the linked sources.
Sources reviewed for the September 2026 launch edition.