# Image Creator

> Image generation and image editing. Two engines: GPT-Image-1 (OpenAI) and Gemini Nano Banana Pro (Google). Seven prioritised workflows: blog cover, presentation illustration, concept sketch, geopolitical map, meme/satirical image, infographic prompt, image edit/inpainting. [WHAT] Image skill via `~/.claude/scripts/call-image-api`. Default: Nano Banana Pro for photorealism and maps, GPT-Image-1 for precision edits and text-in-image. Output saves to a configured pictures path. [WHEN] Use when: generate image, illustration, AI image, cover image, presentation image, infographic, image edit/inpainting.

- Skill: `carlheath/image-creator` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add carlheath/image-creator`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/carlheath/image-creator/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Design & Media
- Author: carlheath (https://skillmd.com/u/carlheath)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/carlheath/image-creator

---


# Image Creator

**Role:** image generation and editing skill.

## Engines

| Engine | Strengths | Default for |
|--------|-----------|-------------|
| **Nano Banana Pro** (Gemini) | Photorealism, scene composition, maps | General use |
| **GPT-Image-1** (OpenAI) | Clean graphics, text in image, precise edits | Diagrams, infographics, edits |

## Configuration

In `~/.claude/.env`:
```
IMAGE_OUTPUT_PATH=~/Pictures/ogmios
DEFAULT_IMAGE_MODEL=nano-banana
```

## Seven priority workflows

### 1. Blog cover image
Goal: header image for a blog post.
Default: Nano Banana, 16:9, photorealistic or stylised illustration.

```bash
~/.claude/scripts/call-image-api \
  "Editorial illustration showing [theme]. Calm colors, photorealistic. 16:9 aspect ratio." \
  --output ~/Pictures/ogmios/2026-05-03_blog_topic.png
```

### 2. Presentation illustration
Goal: slide illustration.
Default: GPT-Image-1 for clean graphics, Nano Banana for photorealistic scenes.

### 3. Concept sketch
Goal: visual representation of an abstract concept.
Default: Nano Banana with metaphor description.

### 4. Geopolitical map
Goal: stylised regional map for analysis.
Default: Nano Banana, "stylised map of [region], minimal colors, key locations marked".

### 5. Meme / satirical image
Goal: humour or pointed commentary.
Default: depends on style; specify reference style if needed.

### 6. Infographic prompt
Goal: data visualisation as image.
Default: GPT-Image-1 with explicit text content. For real data viz, prefer mermaid skill.

### 7. Image edit / inpainting
Goal: modify an existing image.
Default: GPT-Image-1 (better edit fidelity).

```bash
~/.claude/scripts/call-image-api \
  --edit input.png \
  "Replace background with [description]" \
  --output edited.png
```

## Prompt patterns

### Photorealistic
```
"Photorealistic [scene], [time of day], [mood/lighting], shot from [angle].
Avoid [things to exclude]. Resolution: high."
```

### Editorial illustration
```
"Editorial illustration of [concept]. Style: [reference, e.g. New York Times opinion section].
Colors: [muted/vibrant]. Composition: [central figure / abstract]."
```

### Map
```
"Stylised map of [region]. Show [specific features]. Minimal labels. Colors: [scheme].
Style: [reference, e.g. The Economist]."
```

### Diagram (when mermaid won't do)
```
"Clean diagram showing [process]. White background. [N] labeled boxes connected by arrows.
Sans-serif font. Each label: [exact text]."
```

## Output and review

All generated images go to `IMAGE_OUTPUT_PATH/{YYYY-MM-DD}_{model}_{slug}.png`.

User review is mandatory before public use. Generated images are NOT verified facts.

## Cost awareness

Each generation costs API credits. Common patterns:
- One generation per request — review, then iterate
- Don't batch-generate variations unless explicitly asked

## Anti-patterns

- Naming real persons in image generation without explicit consent
- Generating images that could mislead about events (deepfake risk)
- Using AI images as evidence (they aren't)
- Skipping the user review step for public-facing material

---

🎯 COMPLETED: [SKILL:image-creator] [image generated for X]
🗣️ CUSTOM COMPLETED: [SKILL:image-creator] [Image ready]