
Saba Sohail
Wed Jun 04 2025
4 mins Read
In-context learning refers to an AI modelâs ability to observe examples during a session and then generate new outputs that follow the same logic, structure, or style â all without fine-tuning the model weights.
AI Learning from Drawing Experience
Originally coined in language modeling (e.g., GPT writing a story after being shown examples), GPT-4o brings this concept to AI image generation. In ImagineArt, this means you can:
- Feed in a reference image
- Describe a pattern or visual format
- Ask the model to generate more visuals in the same style or layout
It mimics, aligns, and continues the visual logic from context, not memory.
How GPT-4o Uses In-Context Learning Visually
GPT-4oâs multimodal capabilities allow it to process and interpret visual and textual input simultaneously, making it capable of replicating visual themes and structural patterns.
Hereâs how it works:
- When you input a prompt like âcreate a logo similar in style to the last one,â GPT-4o interprets both the textual context and the implied visual structure of your ongoing session.
- If youâve uploaded or previously described an image, it uses that as a guide for stylistic cues, layout structure, or artistic direction.
What GPT-4o Learns âIn Contextâ:
- Style cues: pastel tones, grunge textures, 3D rendering, watercolor
- Layout logic: placement of objects, visual hierarchy
- Visual rules: shadows, borders, alignment, framing
- Semantic categories: e.g., logos, infographics, icons, posters
It doesn't memorize â it adapts during the session.
Practical Examples of In-Context Learning in Image Creation
Letâs look at real creative tasks made better with in-context learning.
1. Visual Style Mimicking for Branding
Need three social media visuals with the same aesthetic? Provide a reference prompt or sample and ask GPT-4o to match the palette, typography, and layout.
Prompt example:
âCreate another Instagram carousel image using the same style as the previous one: beige tones, serif headlines, and a clean layout.â
2. Structured Repetition for Product Assets
Create multiple product mockups that follow the same grid but swap labels, colors, or features.
Prompt example:
âMake a new flat-lay image of a skincare product line, following the same grid layout and lighting as the last one. Change product labels to Aloe Glow and use green as the highlight color.â
3. Infographics and Icon Sets
Ask GPT-4o to design a series of icons or illustrations in a consistent style without needing to explain it every time.
Prompt example:
âGenerate three more icons in the same hand-drawn line art style: a tree, a pencil, and a lightbulb.â
Prompt Strategy in ImagineArt for In-Context Learning
To get accurate and stylistically aligned outputs with in-context learning, hereâs how to structure your interaction with GPT-4o in ImagineArt.
â Use Clear Stylistic Anchors in the First Prompt
Set the base style clearly so the AI knows what to mimic.
- âLogo in pastel color palette, cursive font, minimalist floral designâ
- âA cinematic character portrait in moody lighting with warm tonesâ
â Refer Back to Prior Outputs
Use phrases like:
- âSame style as the previous imageâ
- âUse the same layout but change the text toâŚâ
- âApply the same aesthetic to a new objectâŚâ
This works especially well in the ChatGPT Image model, which remembers context within a generation session.
â Maintain Consistency in Instructions
Avoid switching instructions mid-way. If youâre building a set, repeat visual language even if describing a new object.
Prompt Ideas to Try with In-Context Learning
These sequences will help you test GPT-4oâs ability to adapt visually:
đš Style Transfer for Product Design
- âCreate a lotion bottle with label âGlow Dropâ in a minimal Japanese style.â
- âNow do the same for âHydrate Boostâ with a blue accent but same packaging style.â
đš Character Reuse in Story Scenes
- âGenerate a scene with a girl in a red hoodie reading in a library.â
- âSame girl, now sitting in a park under a tree, reading the same book.â
đš Multi-Slide Presentation Style
- âDesign a title slide for a startup pitch deck: clean layout, navy and coral theme.â
- âCreate the second slide with 3 bullet points in the same style.â
Final Thoughts
In-context learning transforms GPT-4o from a one-off image generator into a stylistic partner. Instead of describing every detail repeatedly, you build momentum â guiding the model to expand your vision visually.
To use GPT-4o image generation in ImagineArt, simply choose the ChatGPT Image model and start with a strong initial prompt or image. The more consistent your guidance, the more visually aligned your results will be.

Saba Sohail
Saba Sohail is a Generative Engine Optimization and SaaS marketing specialist working in automation, product research and user acquisition. She strongly focuses on AI-powered speed, scale and structure for B2C and B2B teams. At ImagineArt, she develops use cases of AI Creative Suite for creative agencies and product marketing teams.