How to Generate Images with a Neural Network: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Need an image for a post or layout, but the designer is busy until the evening? The neural network creates an image from a text description in a couple of minutes: you register with the generation service, choose a model like FLUX 2 Pro or GPT Image 2, enter the prompt, and click "Generate." Below is a step-by-step guide for first-time users, covering common mistakes and a smooth transition to the Vlex AI trial plan.

Neural network image generation is no longer a hobbyist's toy. Marketers create covers, SMM specialists create feed visuals, and developers create icons and mockups. The market offers dozens of models, and it's easy for a beginner to get lost among Kandinsky, FLUX 2 Pro, and Midjourney. Aggregators like Vlex AI combine several models into one interface—without separate API keys and with trial access after registration.

If you're reading this on your phone, don't put off practicing: one short prompt and one generation are more memorable than ten pages of theory. Next, we'll break down what's going on "under the hood," without delving into the code—just what's needed for the first working frame.

What is neural network image generation?

Short answer: This is text-to-image mode, where an AI model draws an image based on your text query (prompt). You describe the subject, style, and mood, and the algorithm selects pixels. The result is not deterministic: the same wording can produce different results, so save the prompts that work.

Recommendation: Start with simple scenes—an object on a table, a landscape, an abstract background. Beginners usually master complex compositions with dozens of objects later, once they understand how the model "reads" the text.

What you need to get started

Minimum set:

• Browser and account in the generation service - for example, Vlex AI (authorization via Google or Facebook according to the official website).
• Text description of the image in Russian or English—most models understand both language pairs.
• 2-5 minutes for the first generation and another 2 minutes to edit the prompt if the frame doesn't work.

A separate graphics editor isn't required at the start. You can download PNG or JPEG directly from the service interface. For commercial projects, please check the terms of use for your specific model later—they vary for FLUX 2 Pro, Midjourney, and Russian platforms.

Step 1: Choose a model

Several image models are usually available on the aggregator. A quick guide for beginners:

• Flux / FLUX 2 Pro - strong photorealism, clear textures, good for product and advertising shots.
• GPT Image 2 - a universal model that can easily hold simple scenes and illustrations.
• Midjourney — expressive "arty" aesthetics; the model is already connected to the aggregator.
• Seedream 4.5 — detailing and variations for design references.
• Nano Banana Pro — quick iterations and experiments with style.
• Remove the plug — expressive "arty" aesthetics; access from Russia depends on the region and account; the model is already enabled in the aggregator.

Recommendation: For your first experiment, use FLUX 2 Pro or GPT Image 2—they're more forgiving of imprecise prompts. If you're looking for a more cinematic look, try Midjourney on your second run and compare with the first.

An alternative for users who only need a Russian-language interface without foreign subscriptions is Kandinsky on GigaChat or Shedevroom from Yandex. They are free with basic limits, but do not provide access to FLUX 2 Pro and Midjourney in a single window. This is why marketers often combine these options: everyday tasks in the Russian service and commercial layouts in an aggregator with several models.

Step 2: Write a prompt

Prompt is the heart of generation. The structure that works for most models:

Prompt formula: subject → style → light → angle → format (aspect ratio)

Mini examples to get you started:

• «"Ceramic mug with steam on a wooden table, soft morning light, macro shot, 4:5"»
• «A minimalist fox logo concept, flat vector, violet-cyan palette, on a dark background.»
• «"Mountain landscape at sunset, cinematic contrast, wide angle, no people"»

A typical mistake is a two-word prompt ("beautiful sunset"). Add details: time of day, weather, shooting style. More on techniques in the article. How to write prompts for image generation.

Step 3: Customize the format and generate

1. Open the image generation section in the selected service.
2. Select a model (FLUX 2 Pro, GPT Image 2 or Midjourney) from the list.
3. Insert a prompt; if necessary, specify the aspect ratio - 1:1 square for avatars, 16:9 for covers, 4:5 for social media.
4. Start generation and wait for the preview - usually 1-3 minutes for the first frame.
5. Save the successful option; if you miss, clarify the prompt and repeat.

In Vlex AI, you can start with a ready-made template from the library (100+ options based on product data), then customize the text to suit your needs. It's faster than writing a prompt from scratch.

Typical mistakes beginners make

The request is too abstract. «The model doesn't understand "make it beautiful." Name the object, the material, the lighting.

Conflicting styles. «"Photorealism + watercolor + 3D render" in one line confuses the internet. Stick to one dominant style.

Ignoring the format. A vertical prompt for a horizontal banner produces a cropped composition. Set the aspect ratio before generation.

One try. Professionals do 3-5 iterations, changing one parameter at a time - this makes it easier to understand what exactly is «breaking» the shot.

Recommendation: keep a note of successful prompts. In a week, you'll have a personal library, faster than any random search.

Tariffs and limits: what to consider

Vlex AI operates a credit system: monthly subscriptions and one-time token packages. Upon registration, you receive a trial balance (20 tokens, according to the billing section at the time of writing). For exact pricing in rubles, please visit the pricing page on the official landing page. Current price: TBD, we do not publish unverified figures.

The product landing page lists the estimated plan capacity (approximately 50–250 images depending on the plan, along with other generation types). A trial access is sufficient for a one-time test; for regular use, compare packages after the first ten frames.

It's important to plan your token spending: a single high-resolution image can cost more than a standard-quality preview. Record successful settings to avoid burning through your quota on repeated experiments with the same prompt. If your team works together, agree on a unified prompt library in advance—this reduces confusion in your brand's visual style.

What's next?

1. Practice on 3-5 simple prompts with one model.
2. Compare the same prompt on FLUX 2 Pro and Midjourney - you'll see the difference in the "character" of the picture.
3. Study 10 Prompt Writing Techniques for consistent quality.
4. For descriptive generation, please visit the page create an image from a description.
5. Register for Vlex AI and take advantage of the trial plan—it's the fastest way to solidify your skills in practice.

Useful materials on the site

If you came from the main page, return to the review on image generation or to the section free generation. A longread will be useful for comparing models. Flux vs Midjourney vs Kandinsky and the page about neural network aggregator.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to generate images for free?

Yes, to a limited extent. Vlex AI offers a trial plan with tokens upon registration; Russian services like Kandinsky on GigaChat and Shedevroom also have free modes with limits. For a series of commercial tasks, you typically need a paid plan or an aggregator with a credit package.

Do I need to install the program on my computer?

No. Most modern generators, including Vlex AI, work in a browser. All you need is an account and a stable internet connection.

How long does it take to get the first picture?

Typically, it takes one to three minutes to register, select a model, enter the prompt, and wait for the render. Complex or high-resolution models may take longer.

Should I write the prompt in Russian or English?

Both options work. For Kandinsky and Shedevroom, Russian is often more convenient; FLUX 2 Pro and Midjourney understand English well but also accept Russian wording. If the results are unclear, try translating the style and lighting keywords into English.

Do I need API keys from OpenAI or other providers?

In the Vlex AI aggregator, models are already connected—separate keys are not required, according to the official FAQ. When working directly with competitors' APIs, keys and billing are configured separately.

What to do if the result doesn’t look like what you intended?

Refine the prompt: add style, remove unnecessary adjectives, and fix the angle. Generate 2-3 more variations, changing one parameter at a time. Vlex AI's ready-made templates help you quickly find a working query structure.

How to choose between a single model and an aggregator?

A single model is suitable if you have a clear style (MJ's illustrations only or Flux's photos only). An aggregator is advantageous when you need to switch between models and pay from a single account—a typical scenario for a marketer or designer with different task formats.