Character workshop
Build a useful character reference sheet
Define the few details that must survive every scene change.
What you’ll make
Create a compact visual brief for one original character before generating a story sequence.
Step by step
- Write five fixed traits: age range, face shape, hair, signature clothing, and one distinctive accessory. For example: an adult courier with a square face, short silver hair, a navy coat, and a brass compass. Keep mood and pose out of this list; those should be able to change.
- Start with one front-facing portrait on a plain background in ArtFlame.ai. Use soft, even lighting so the eyes, hairline, and clothing are easy to inspect. Save the strongest result as your reference instead of accepting a portrait with an ambiguous face.
- Where the chosen workflow accepts a reference image, use the approved portrait to request a three-quarter view. Keep the fixed description identical. Generate views separately if a multi-view sheet mixes faces or changes the costume.
- Assemble the approved front, side, and three-quarter views in an image editor. Add written notes for details the model repeatedly changes. A short annotated sheet is more useful than twelve attractive but inconsistent pictures.
Example prompt
Original adult courier, square face, short silver hair, navy canvas coat, brass compass clipped to left lapel. Neutral front portrait, relaxed expression, plain light-gray background, soft even studio light, readable facial features, illustration with crisp shapes.
Review your result
Compare hairline, face proportions, coat closure, and accessory placement at the same zoom. A different expression is acceptable; a different jaw or outfit is a failed reference.
If the first attempt misses
If the face drifts, return to the approved portrait and reduce the request to one new view. Adding more adjectives usually makes it harder to identify which instruction caused the change.
Your next exercise
Create two expressions using the same reference. Record which traits stayed stable, then revise the reference notes before attempting a scene.