The Reference-First Workflow

Most people will use ChatGPT Image 2 the wrong way.

They’ll ask it to “make a carousel” in one giant prompt, get random-looking slides, then blame the model.

The better way is simple:

References → Exact copy → Slide 1 variants → Anchor slide → One slide at a time

This is the workflow I use to make carousel production faster, cleaner, and more repeatable.

The big idea

ChatGPT Image 2 is good at making slides, but only when you give it the right inputs.

The goal is not to ask for a full carousel and hope.

The goal is to build a clear visual brief, create a strong first slide, then use that first slide as the anchor for the rest of the carousel.

That is how you get consistency.

The workflow

Step 1: Pick the idea

Start with one clear idea.

Not a broad topic.

Bad:

AI content creation

Better:

How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels

Even better:

Most people use ChatGPT Image 2 wrong because they ask for the whole carousel instead of building from a visual anchor.

Your carousel needs one sharp point.

Step 2: Write the copy first

Do not generate images before writing the slide copy.

You need to know what each slide is supposed to say before you design it.

Use this structure:

Slide 1: Hook
Slide 2: Mistake
Slide 3: Sauce
Slide 4: Anchor rule
Slide 5: Formula
Slide 6: CTA

Example:

Slide 1:
I Fully Automated My Instagram Carousels Using ChatGPT Image 2
Support:
The workflow is stupidly simple
Bottom note:
Swipe for the workflow
Slide 2:
Most people will use it wrong and give up
Support:
They’ll ask for the whole carousel, get random-looking slides, then blame the model.
Slide 3:
The sauce is the visual brief
Support:
Give it references, exact copy, and tell it what to borrow from each reference.
Slide 4:
Make 3 versions of slide 1 first
Support:
Refine the best one until it becomes the visual anchor.
Slide 5:
Then use the repeatable system
Support:
Visual brief + anchor slide + exact copy + one slide at a time = consistent carousel
Slide 6:
Want all the prompts + setup guide?
Support:
Comment IMAGE and share this with someone who needs it.

Step 3: Collect references

References are the shortcut.

Do not just describe the style from scratch.

Show it the style.

Use 2 to 4 references.

Your references can be:

• Instagram carousels

• posters

• book covers

• website screenshots

• brand graphics

• previous slides you liked

But do not just upload them and say:

Make it like this.

That is too vague.

You need to tell ChatGPT what to borrow.

Step 4: Give references a job

This is the part most people miss.

Each reference should have a role.

Use this:

Reference 1:
Use this for typography and hierarchy.
Reference 2:
Use this for layout and spacing.
Reference 3:
Use this for colour, texture, and mood.
Reference 4:
Use this for pacing and carousel structure.

You can also say:

Borrow:
- typography hierarchy
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- visual pacing
- layout logic
Do not copy:
- exact text
- exact branding
- exact graphics
- exact compositions

That one distinction makes the output way better.

References are not the sauce.

The sauce is telling ChatGPT what to borrow and what to ignore.

Step 5: Create slide 1 first

Do not generate the whole carousel at once.

Start with slide 1.

Your cover slide sets:

• typography

• colour

• layout

• texture

• spacing

• visual hierarchy

• overall design language

Make 3 versions of slide 1.

Pick the best one.

Then refine it until you are happy.

That final version becomes your visual anchor.

Prompt 1: Create slide 1 variants

Copy this prompt and replace the placeholders.

Create 3 different versions of slide 1 for an Instagram carousel.
Use the attached references as visual inspiration only.
Borrow from the references:
- typography hierarchy
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- visual pacing
- layout logic
Do not copy:
- exact text
- exact branding
- exact graphics
- exact compositions
Carousel topic:
[INSERT TOPIC]
Audience:
[INSERT AUDIENCE]
Slide type:
Cover / hook slide.
Slide goal:
Stop the scroll and make people want to swipe.
Text on slide:
"[INSERT HEADLINE]"
Support text:
"[INSERT SUPPORT LINE]"
Tiny bottom note:
"[INSERT BOTTOM NOTE]"
Visual direction:
[DESCRIBE WHAT SHOULD BE ON THE SLIDE]
Style direction:
Make it feel raw, editorial, clear, useful, and highly readable. It should feel designed, but not overly polished or corporate.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random words
- do not copy the references directly
- make each version visually distinct

Example slide 1 prompt

Create 3 different versions of slide 1 for an Instagram carousel.
Use the attached references as visual inspiration only.
Borrow from the references:
- typography hierarchy
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- visual pacing
- layout logic
Do not copy:
- exact text
- exact branding
- exact graphics
- exact compositions
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Audience:
Creators, founders, and operators who want to make better content with AI.
Slide type:
Cover / hook slide.
Slide goal:
Stop the scroll and make people want to swipe.
Text on slide:
"I Fully Automated My Instagram Carousels Using ChatGPT Image 2"
Support text:
"The workflow is stupidly simple"
Tiny bottom note:
"Swipe for the workflow"
Visual direction:
Create a bold, type-led cover slide. Use a stack of carousel frames or slide mockups as a supporting visual. Make the headline the hero. Add subtle texture, utility details, and a strong editorial composition.
Style direction:
Make it feel raw, editorial, clear, useful, and highly readable. It should feel designed, but not overly polished or corporate.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random words
- do not copy the references directly
- make each version visually distinct

Step 6: Refine the best slide 1

After you get the 3 versions, choose the best one.

Then refine it with specific feedback.

Do not say:

Make it better.

Say exactly what needs to change.

Use this:

This is the best direction.
Keep:
- the overall layout
- the typography feel
- the colour treatment
- the texture
- the visual hierarchy
Change:
- [THING 1]
- [THING 2]
- [THING 3]
Do not change:
- the exact text
- the overall style direction
- the core composition
Make it cleaner, sharper, and more scroll-stopping.

Examples:

Make the headline larger and more dominant.

Make the background feel more raw and editorial.

Reduce the clutter and keep one strong focal point.

Make the typography feel less generic and more premium.

Bring back the border, but do not change anything else.

Step 7: Use slide 1 as the anchor

Once slide 1 is locked, use it as the visual reference for every other slide.

This is the key.

Every slide after that should use:

• the original references

• your finished slide 1

• exact slide copy

• specific visual direction

Do not ask it to invent the style again.

Tell it to match slide 1.

Prompt 2: Generate the rest of the carousel

Use this for every slide after slide 1.

Attach the slide 1 as an Image and use this prompt.

Create slide [SLIDE NUMBER] of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
[INSERT TOPIC]
Slide type:
[INSERT SLIDE TYPE]
Slide goal:
[INSERT SLIDE GOAL]
Text on slide:
"[INSERT HEADLINE]"
Support text:
"[INSERT SUPPORT LINE]"
Tiny bottom note:
"[INSERT BOTTOM NOTE, IF NEEDED]"
Visual direction:
[DESCRIBE WHAT SHOULD BE VISUALLY SHOWN]
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Example slide 2 prompt

Create slide 2 of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Slide type:
Mistake.
Slide goal:
Show why most people will get bad results and give up.
Text on slide:
"Most people will use it wrong and give up"
Support text:
"They’ll ask for the whole carousel, get random-looking slides, then blame the model."
Tiny bottom note:
"the fix →"
Visual direction:
Show the idea of random-looking carousel outputs. Use messy slide thumbnails, inconsistent layouts, mismatched type, or a broken carousel system. Keep it clear and readable. The viewer should instantly understand that asking for the whole carousel at once creates inconsistency.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Example slide 3 prompt

Create slide 3 of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Slide type:
Sauce.
Slide goal:
Show that the real unlock is the visual brief.
Text on slide:
"The secret is the visual brief"
Support text:
"Give it references, exact copy, and clear instructions on what to borrow."
Tiny bottom note:
"the input stack →"
Visual direction:
Show an input stack or briefing system. Represent the inputs as cards or modules labeled: references, exact copy, what to borrow. Make it feel like a simple content production system. Keep the headline dominant and the diagram secondary.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Example slide 4 prompt

Create slide 4 of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Slide type:
Anchor rule.
Slide goal:
Show that the first slide should be created and refined before building the rest.
Text on slide:
"Make 3 versions of slide 1 first"
Support text:
"Refine the best one until it becomes the visual anchor."
Tiny bottom note:
"lock the anchor →"
Visual direction:
Show three slide 1 variants side by side or stacked, with one selected as the final anchor. Add small marks, circles, or annotation lines showing refinement and selection. Make it feel like a creative review process.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Example slide 5 prompt

Create slide 5 of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Slide type:
Formula.
Slide goal:
Give people the repeatable system in one simple formula.
Text on slide:
"Then use the repeatable system"
Support text:
"Visual brief + anchor slide + exact copy + one slide at a time = consistent carousel"
Tiny bottom note:
"steal the system →"
Visual direction:
Make the formula the main visual. Use a clean equation-style layout with each part in a separate module or card. Make it feel saveable and easy to screenshot.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Example slide 6 prompt

Create slide 6 of my Instagram carousel.
Use the attached reference carousels as visual inspiration.
Use slide 1 as the visual anchor.
Match slide 1 in:
- typography feel
- spacing
- colour treatment
- texture
- raw editorial mood
- utility details
- visual hierarchy
- overall design language
Do not copy the references directly.
Do not make this slide feel like a new carousel.
It must feel like the same visual family as slide 1.
Carousel topic:
How to use ChatGPT Image 2 to make Instagram carousels.
Slide type:
CTA.
Slide goal:
Get people to comment IMAGE so they can receive the prompts and setup guide.
Text on slide:
"Want all the prompts + setup guide?"
Support text:
"Comment IMAGE and share this with someone who needs it."
Visual direction:
Make this a clean CTA slide. Put the word IMAGE in the center as the main visual element. Make it bold, command-style, and highly readable. Add a subtle message/send illustration or minimal DM cue. Keep it confident and uncluttered.
Format:
4:5 vertical Instagram carousel slide, 1080x1350.
Rules:
- keep the exact text only
- make all text readable
- do not add random extra words
- keep it visually consistent with slide 1
- one clear idea only

Step 8: Final consistency check

When all slides are done, upload them together and ask:

Review these Instagram carousel slides.
Check:
1. Do they feel like one consistent carousel?
2. Does any slide feel visually off-brand?
3. Is the typography consistent?
4. Is all text readable?
5. Does the story flow from slide 1 to the final slide?
6. Which slide is weakest?
7. What should I regenerate?
Give me direct feedback and specific changes.

Do not regenerate everything.

Only fix the weak slides.

Final checklist before posting

Before you post, check:

Does slide 1 stop the scroll?
Does slide 2 create tension?
Does slide 3 reveal the key idea?
Does slide 4 show the anchor rule?
Does slide 5 give a repeatable formula?
Does slide 6 clearly tell people what to do?
Does every slide feel like the same visual family?
Is the text readable on mobile?
Is there one idea per slide?
Would someone save this?

If the answer is yes, post it.

The short version

The whole workflow is this:

1. Write the copy first
2. Collect references
3. Tell ChatGPT what to borrow from the references
4. Generate 3 versions of slide 1
5. Refine the best slide 1
6. Use slide 1 as the visual anchor
7. Generate one slide at a time
8. Check consistency
9. Post

That’s it.

Do not overcomplicate it.

Want the full breakdown?

This guide gives you the basic workflow and prompt templates.

Inside Artemis, I’m sharing the full breakdown of how I built this system, including:

• the exact carousel production process

• my reference-first workflow

• how to choose better references

• how to write better carousel copy

• how to create a consistent visual style

• how to turn this into a repeatable content system

• real examples and carousel teardowns

• deeper prompt stacks and automation workflows

Join here:

[INSERT SKOOL LINK]