MidJourney’s “Weird” Parameter: Introduction and Usage

The --weird parameter in MidJourney is a unique and lesser-known feature that allows you to inject surreal, unconventional, and highly abstract styles into your generated images. By using the --weird parameter, you can create images that break away from realism and conventional aesthetic rules, pushing the boundaries of creativity.

This parameter is particularly useful for generating art that feels strange, avant-garde, dreamlike, or otherworldly. It leans heavily toward artistic abstraction, randomness, and unpredictability, making it ideal for experimental or surreal projects.

What Does the “Weird” Parameter Do?

  1. Distorts Logic and Form: The --weird parameter encourages MidJourney to reinterpret the prompt in unexpected and abstract ways, often altering the shapes, textures, and relationships between elements.
  2. Abstract and Surreal Output: The images become less focused on realism or conventional coherence and more focused on creating bizarre, imaginative, or dreamlike visuals.
  3. Adds Randomness: The parameter increases the randomness in how MidJourney interprets your prompt, which can result in unexpected and unusual art styles.
  4. Dialed by Value: You can control the intensity of the weirdness by specifying a value (e.g., --weird 50). Higher values produce increasingly bizarre and abstract results.

How to Use the “Weird” Parameter

To use the --weird parameter in your prompts, simply add it at the end of your prompt along with a value. The value ranges from 0 to 300, where:

  • Lower values (e.g., --weird 10) create slight distortions and subtle abstract qualities.
  • Higher values (e.g., --weird 100 or above) lead to extreme abstraction, surrealism, and unconventional designs.

Example Syntax:

/imagine A futuristic cityscape with neon lights and flying cars, cinematic lighting, ultra-realistic --weird 50

Best Scenarios to Use the “Weird” Parameter

  1. Surreal Art: To create images inspired by surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, or Zdzisław Beksiński.
  2. Experimental Designs: For abstract compositions or experimental art projects.
  3. Dreamlike Worlds: To render dreamscapes, chaotic scenes, or otherworldly visuals.
  4. Avant-Garde Projects: For producing unconventional and high-concept art.
  5. Fantasy Settings: For generating unique, imaginative landscapes or characters with strange and unexpected features.

Tips for Using the “Weird” Parameter

  1. Combine with Other Parameters: Use --weird alongside other parameters like --chaos or --stylize to fine-tune the randomness and artistic style.
    • Example: --chaos 50 --weird 80 --stylize 500
  2. Balance is Key: If your results are too abstract, try lowering the --weird value (e.g., --weird 30) or simplifying your prompt for more control.
  3. Experiment with Prompts: Combine precise prompts with abstract keywords for even more creative outcomes.
    • Example: “A forest with glowing trees and floating crystals, dreamlike, vibrant colors –weird 70”

10 Example Prompts Using the “Weird” Parameter

  1. “A surreal landscape with floating islands and distorted gravity, glowing rivers, abstract colors –weird 60”
  2. “A futuristic city made of liquid metal, twisted skyscrapers, and holographic lights –weird 80”
  3. “A dreamlike desert with melting clocks, vibrant sand dunes, and ethereal skies –weird 100”
  4. “A gothic castle surrounded by spiraling clouds and bizarre flora, cinematic lighting –weird 40”
  5. “An abstract portrait of a woman, fragmented shapes, bright neon colors, and chaotic details –weird 120”
  6. “An underwater world with impossible coral structures, glowing fish, and distorted water currents –weird 70”
  7. “A robotic creature with organic wings, biomechanical design, and glowing veins –weird 90”
  8. “A post-apocalyptic wasteland with alien-like plants, glowing fungi, and twisted metal debris –weird 50”
  9. “A celestial temple floating in the void, illuminated by stars and swirling energy –weird 100”
  10. “A fantasy forest with surreal animals, glowing mushrooms, and bending trees –weird 80”

Key Notes

  • Experimental Feature: The --weird parameter is not designed for realism or practical outputs. It is purely for creative, experimental purposes.
  • Iterative Process: Results with high weirdness values can be unpredictable. Don’t hesitate to tweak the value or modify your prompt to achieve your desired output.
  • Great for Inspiration: Use --weird to explore unconventional ideas and spark inspiration for your creative projects.

With the --weird parameter, MidJourney becomes a powerful tool for generating abstract and surreal artwork. Experiment freely and let the algorithm surprise you with its boundless creativity!