🖼️Character Image Guide

Character Image Guide

The Character Image Guide provides visual examples and guidance for creating AI character assets. It shows how combining various elements—such as facial expressions, composition, poses, and backgrounds—can result in richer and more polished images, structured for easy reference, even for beginners.

Basic Guide

✅ Specify Clear Expressions and Variations

Beyond basic expressions, you can add variations using emphasized details (like tears, sweat, blushing cheeks, etc.). Combining expressions with hand gestures (like covering the mouth, holding the face) significantly enhances emotional delivery.

Recommended Prompt Keywords: smile, angry, sad, surprised, confused, nervous, embarrassed, excited

Prompt Examples: a girl, front view, shy smile, soft lighting a boy, angry expression, side view, dramatic shadows a girl, surprised face, hands near cheeks a boy, serious face, eyes narrowed

✅ Utilize Composition and Background Together

First, decide on the situation/scene, then construct the appropriate emotions, background, and pose. Changing the scene's background changes the narrative itself. The location is the situation. Even adding just the silhouette or back view of another character in the background can create tension. Creating a different mood by changing outfits or hairstyles is also effective. Scenes involving interaction with nearby objects/props (cups, bags, smartphones, books, etc.) are also recommended!

Recommended Keyword Combinations: Background: sunset, dark alley, cherry blossoms, bedroom, office, school corridor Pose: sitting on desk, lying down, running, leaning against wall

Prompt Examples: a girl, walking in a forest at sunset, calm smile a boy, side view, standing in the rain, sad expression a girl lying on her bed, looking up, annoyed face a boy running, determined expression, wind blowing

Advanced Guide

✅ Various Angles and Gaze

Even with the same emotion, changing the angle alters the intensity or nuance. Use angle variations to enhance expressiveness. Specifying the direction of gaze is also helpful. Try creating the feeling that the character is looking at someone or gazing intently at something. Angles can also express distance, dominance, or subordination. Experiment with distant camera shots and close-ups. Combined compositions like '3/4 view + eyes looking forward' also look natural.

Recommended Keywords: View/Angle: side view, back view, over the shoulder, 3/4 view, low angle, high angle, top-down, worm's eye view

Prompt Examples: a girl, 3/4 angle, looking over shoulder, confident smile a boy, back view, walking away, nighttime city lights a girl, top-down angle, lying in field, eyes closed a boy, worm's eye view, fists clenched, dramatic pose

✅ Specify Actions Clearly

Defining the entire body—arm position, hand gestures, torso direction, leg shape—makes the difference clear. Specify if the character is holding something, facing something, etc. Even within a limited upper-body shot, subtle changes using hand position, head angle, eye gaze, etc., are possible! Poses linked to emotions, like touching the mouth or looking over the shoulder, are very effective.

Recommended Keywords: arms crossed, pointing, holding cup, hands in pockets, hand on chin, holding umbrella, leaning on wall

Prompt Examples: a boy with arms crossed, angry expression a girl pointing sideways, surprised look a boy holding coffee, tired eyes, office background a girl leaning on wall, hands in pockets, calm smile

✅ Utilize Props and Lighting

Changing the time of day for each image is a good element for variation (morning, noon, evening, late night). Varying the direction or color of light can make the same pose evoke different emotions. Place interactive elements within the scene (e.g., an open window, swaying curtains). Dynamic environmental elements like rain, snow, fog, sunlight, or shadows also change the mood. Consider lighting styles as well (soft light source, high-contrast side light).

Recommended Background Keywords: city at night, classroom, park bench, bedroom, rooftop, train station, convenience store, alley

Lighting/Mood Keywords: neon light, golden hour, sunset glow, candlelight, fog, moonlight, rainy day

Prompt Examples: a girl sitting on rooftop, dusk lighting, nostalgic mood a boy in convenience store at night, surprised expression a girl standing in forest fog, serious face, candle in hand a boy in classroom, leaning on desk, tired smile

✅ Adjust Style and Atmosphere Together

Color changes can imply the theme, world setting, personality, and emotions all at once. Beyond simple color changes, adjusting the overall tone (brightness, saturation, contrast) has a significant impact. Specific color combinations suggest emotions (e.g., red for anger, blue for calm, yellow for energy). Try combining overall styles like pastel, monotone, neon, warm film tones, or grayscale.

Recommended Keywords: red hoodie, blue filter, pastel tone, soft glow, film grain, grayscale, cyberpunk, retro color

Prompt Examples: a girl in red hoodie, soft lighting, smiling a boy in black jacket, grayscale, serious look a girl in pastel dress, soft smile, sakura background a boy in cyberpunk city, neon lights, shocked expression

📋 Practical Keyword Summary Table

📌 Final Guidance

You can use the suggested prompts as they are, or combine them with your own keywords and sensibilities to create even better results.

With just emotion + composition + situation + lighting, you can create brief yet impactful character moments.

Remember that changing just one word can unfold entirely different worlds and atmospheres.

If you're unsure where to start, telling an AI like GPT, "I want to create this kind of scene," is also a good approach.

Simply getting draft ideas or keyword suggestions can help you get the hang of it faster than you think and open the door to creation.

We look forward to seeing the images that showcase your worlds and characters. We support your joyful and free creation!

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Last updated 6 days ago

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