Mermay is one of the most beloved art challenges of the year, and coming up with a fresh mermaid idea for every day can be tough. The right prompt can turn a blank canvas into a sketchbook-ready reference in seconds. Below you'll find 8 ready-to-use Mermay 2026 prompt ideas, a step-by-step guide to generating them in Pippit, and answers to the questions artists ask most.
8 Mermay 2026 Art Prompts
- 1
- Bioluminescent Deep-Sea Mermaid
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid with glowing bioluminescent patterns along her tail and fins, deep navy underwater setting, soft blue and teal glow lighting, tiny glowing plankton particles floating around her, atmospheric fantasy illustration style"
A striking option for a moody, glow-in-the-dark deep-sea Mermay entry.
- 2
- Coral Reef Guardian
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid with a tail patterned like vibrant coral, surrounded by colorful reef fish and swaying anemones, bright turquoise water, dappled sunlight filtering from above, vivid tropical fantasy illustration style"
Perfect for a bright, colorful entry that leans into a protective reef-guardian theme.
- 3
- Shipwreck Storm Mermaid
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid swimming through the wreckage of an old sunken ship, dramatic storm light filtering through murky water, tattered fabric and seaweed draped over broken wood, moody atmospheric fantasy illustration style"
Great for a darker, more dramatic take with a strong sense of history and mystery.
- 4
- Freshwater Lake Spirit
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid with a soft green and silver tail, resting on a lily pad in a calm forest lake, surrounded by reeds and dragonflies, warm dappled sunlight, gentle whimsical fantasy illustration style"
A nice change of pace from ocean settings, with a calmer, folklore-inspired feel.
- 5
- Warrior Mermaid
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid warrior holding a coral-forged trident, wearing armor made of shell and scale plating, fierce confident expression, dramatic underwater lighting, dynamic action-oriented fantasy illustration style"
Ideal for artists who want to draw a bolder, action-ready mermaid instead of a purely serene one.
- 6
- Arctic Ice Mermaid
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid with a pale blue-white tail covered in delicate frost patterns, swimming near floating icebergs, cool blue lighting, soft falling snow above the waterline, ethereal winter fantasy illustration style"
A unique cold-water twist that stands out from typical warm tropical Mermay entries.
- 7
- Mermaid with a Sea Creature Companion
Prompt: "An illustrated mermaid swimming alongside a large friendly sea turtle, gentle sunlit blue water, soft flowing hair and tail movement, warm and peaceful mood, charming storybook fantasy illustration style"
A sweet, storybook-style option that's great for a softer, more heartwarming entry.
- 8
- Tide Pool Explorer
Prompt: "An illustrated small mermaid perched on rocks at the edge of a tide pool, surrounded by starfish, hermit crabs, and shallow clear water, warm golden hour lighting, playful whimsical fantasy illustration style"
A charming, smaller-scale scene that works well for a cozy, close-up Mermay piece.
How to Generate a Mermay Art Reference in Pippit
Step 1: Access the AI design tool
- Go to "AI design" under the "Image studio" menu to start creating your Mermay reference.
Step 2: Generate your Mermay art reference
- Click "+" to upload a reference image from your device, if you have a style or color palette you'd like the AI to match.
- Choose from the available AI models (like Nano Banana Pro or Seedream 4.5) depending on the illustration style you're going for.
- Enter your Mermay prompt into the prompt box. Include details on the setting, tail design, and lighting, like in the examples above, for an inspiring reference image.
- Set the resolution and aspect ratio (portrait works well for most mermaid compositions), then click "Generate" (the up arrow icon) to start creating.
Step 3: Export your reference
- Look through the results and pick your favorite.
- Tweak the details in your prompt to generate a few more variations if none of them feel quite right.
- Once you're happy with it, click "Download" to save your reference and use it to guide your own drawing or painting.
FAQ
How do I keep my mermaid design consistent across all of Mermay?
Decide on fixed details, like tail color, hairstyle, or a recurring accessory, and repeat them across every prompt so each day's piece still reads as the same character.
Can I request a less traditional mermaid, like a steampunk one?
Yes. Add specific style keywords like "steampunk mermaid with brass mechanical fin plating" or "robotic mermaid with glowing circuit patterns" to push past a traditional design.
Can I customize these prompts to match my own mermaid character design?
Yes. Add specific details like hair color, tail pattern, or accessories directly into the prompt to make the reference match your existing character.