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Aesthetics10 min read

AI Video Aesthetic Guide: Dark Academia, Cottagecore, Minimalist & More

Master the most popular visual aesthetics for AI video. Complete prompt guides for dark academia, cottagecore, minimalist, and 10+ trending styles.

NV

NyanVid Team

Published December 4, 2025

Aesthetics drive engagement. Master these popular visual styles to create content that resonates with specific audiences.

Dark Academia

The Aesthetic

Scholarly, moody, classical education vibes. Think old libraries, autumn leaves, and vintage books.

Visual Elements

  • Warm, muted tones (brown, burgundy, forest green)
  • Classical architecture
  • Books, candles, fountain pens
  • Autumn atmosphere
  • Scholarly settings

Prompt Templates

Library Scene:

Grand old library with towering bookshelves, warm lamplight, dust motes in sunbeams, dark academia aesthetic, scholarly and mysterious atmosphere

Study Scene:

Vintage desk with open books and handwritten notes, candle flickering, rain on window, dark academia, studious and contemplative

Exterior:

Gothic university building on autumn day, falling leaves, overcast sky, dark academia, prestigious and timeless


Cottagecore

The Aesthetic

Rural romanticism, simple living, nature connection. Handmade, wholesome, pastoral vibes.

Visual Elements

  • Soft, warm natural lighting
  • Flowers, gardens, meadows
  • Baked goods, tea, preserves
  • Linen, wicker, vintage kitchenware
  • Butterflies, bees, wildlife

Prompt Templates

Kitchen Scene:

Cozy cottage kitchen with fresh-baked bread, wildflowers in mason jar, morning light through lace curtains, cottagecore aesthetic, warm and wholesome

Garden Scene:

Overgrown cottage garden with blooming flowers, butterfly landing on lavender, golden hour light, cottagecore, peaceful and romantic

Interior:

Rustic cottage interior with handmade quilts, dried flowers, soft natural light, cottagecore aesthetic, simple and charming


Minimalist

The Aesthetic

Clean, uncluttered, intentional. Less is more, with focus on quality over quantity.

Visual Elements

  • Neutral colors (white, black, gray, beige)
  • Clean lines
  • Negative space
  • Simple objects
  • Soft, even lighting

Prompt Templates

Space:

Minimal interior with single statement piece, clean white walls, soft shadows, minimalist aesthetic, calm and intentional

Product:

[Product] on simple surface with dramatic negative space, clean minimalist style, focus on form, sophisticated simplicity

Abstract:

Abstract minimal shapes, soft gradient background, zen-like simplicity, minimalist art, serene and balanced


Clean Girl

The Aesthetic

Effortless beauty, natural glow, put-together but not trying too hard. Health, wellness, simplicity.

Visual Elements

  • Dewy skin, natural makeup looks
  • Slicked-back hair
  • Neutral tones
  • Self-care moments
  • Fresh, healthy glow

Prompt Templates

Skincare:

Minimal skincare moment, dewy glowing skin, soft natural light, clean girl aesthetic, effortless and radiant

Morning Routine:

Peaceful morning routine scene, fresh and clean, neutral tones, clean girl aesthetic, healthy and put-together

Lifestyle:

Aesthetic healthy moment, green juice or wellness item, soft bright light, clean girl vibes, naturally beautiful


That Girl

The Aesthetic

Aspirational routine, productivity, wellness goals. The "best version of yourself" energy.

Visual Elements

  • 5 AM wake-up vibes
  • Workout scenes
  • Healthy meals
  • Productivity setup
  • Journal and planning

Prompt Templates

Morning:

5 AM sunrise morning routine, peaceful productive energy, that girl aesthetic, motivated and inspiring

Workout:

Aesthetic workout moment, athletic and healthy, clean gym or outdoor setting, that girl energy, disciplined and strong

Productivity:

Aesthetic desk setup with planner, healthy snack, laptop, that girl aesthetic, organized and ambitious


Coastal Grandmother

The Aesthetic

Nancy Meyers movie vibes. Linen, light, beach houses, effortless sophistication.

Visual Elements

  • Soft, airy lighting
  • Linen and natural fabrics
  • Beach/coastal settings
  • Light neutral colors
  • Timeless elegance

Prompt Templates

Interior:

Bright airy beach house interior, linen curtains billowing, soft coastal light, coastal grandmother aesthetic, elegant and peaceful

Outdoor:

Peaceful beach scene at golden hour, soft sand, gentle waves, coastal grandmother vibes, serene and sophisticated

Lifestyle:

Elegant coastal moment, fresh flowers, soft natural materials, coastal grandmother aesthetic, timeless and refined


Y2K

The Aesthetic

Early 2000s nostalgia. Cyber, metallic, playful, futuristic-retro.

Visual Elements

  • Bright, saturated colors
  • Metallic and chrome
  • Butterfly and star motifs
  • Low-rise, bedazzled, glossy
  • Tech-futuristic

Prompt Templates

Tech:

Y2K futuristic tech scene, metallic surfaces, bright colored lights, early 2000s aesthetic, playful and cyber

Fashion:

Y2K aesthetic moment, glossy and metallic, bright saturated colors, early 2000s vibes, fun and nostalgic

Abstract:

Y2K inspired abstract, chrome and bright colors, futuristic-retro, early 2000s digital aesthetic


Soft/Cozy

The Aesthetic

Warmth, comfort, hygge vibes. Blankets, warm drinks, rainy days, gentle contentment.

Visual Elements

  • Warm, golden lighting
  • Soft textures (blankets, sweaters)
  • Hot beverages
  • Candles
  • Rain/snow outside

Prompt Templates

Cozy Scene:

Cozy blanket scene with warm drink, soft golden light, rain on window, ultimate cozy aesthetic, warm and comforting

Reading:

Cozy reading nook, soft throw blanket, steaming tea, fairy lights, cozy aesthetic, peaceful and content

Evening:

Cozy evening atmosphere, candles flickering, soft textures, warm tones, hygge vibes, deeply comforting


Vaporwave

The Aesthetic

Retro-futurism, 80s/90s nostalgia, surreal, internet culture.

Visual Elements

  • Pink, purple, cyan colors
  • Greek statues
  • Retro tech
  • Palm trees, sunsets
  • Glitch effects

Prompt Templates

Classic:

Vaporwave aesthetic, pink and purple sunset, retro palm trees, 80s vibes, nostalgic and surreal

Abstract:

Vaporwave digital art, neon colors, geometric shapes, retro-futuristic, internet aesthetic

Scene:

Surreal vaporwave landscape, classical statue, neon lighting, 80s retrowave, dreamy and nostalgic


More Aesthetics Quick Reference

Grunge

Moody grunge aesthetic, dark tones, edgy and raw, 90s alternative vibes, rebellious energy

Fairycore

Magical fairy aesthetic, soft pastels, mushrooms and flowers, ethereal light, whimsical and enchanting

Goblincore

Goblincore aesthetic, moss and mushrooms, found objects, earthy chaotic energy, nature appreciation

Light Academia

Light academia aesthetic, bright scholarly vibes, classical with warmth, golden light, intellectual and hopeful

Romantic

Romantic aesthetic, soft florals, vintage feminine, dreamy and emotional, love and beauty

Indie

Indie aesthetic, warm film tones, eclectic and artistic, vintage with modern edge, creative individual

Old Money

Old money aesthetic, quiet luxury, timeless elegance, understated wealth, refined and sophisticated


Using Aesthetics Strategically

Match Aesthetic to Audience

  • Gen Z: Y2K, Clean Girl, That Girl
  • Millennials: Cottagecore, Minimalist, Cozy
  • Broad appeal: Minimalist, Soft/Cozy, Romantic

Mix for Unique Style

Combine elements: "Minimalist cottagecore" or "Dark academia with cozy vibes

Stay Consistent

Pick 1-2 primary aesthetics for brand consistency.

Choose your aesthetic and start creating content that resonates with your specific audience.

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