Character Consistency Tutorial

Introduction

• Expansion on character creation using face grid.
• Focus on in-depth creation process.
• Tools: Microsoft Paint, Focus (with various models).

Face Grid

• Original grid: 9 faces (good for cartoons/anime).
• Improved grid: 4 faces (better for realistic images).
• Method: Image search on Google (e.g., "different angle face reference sheet").

Creating a Face Grid

Using Microsoft Paint:

• Copy and paste the image into Paint.
• Use the selection rectangle tool to outline and copy faces.
• Resize the canvas to 1024x1024 pixels.
• Paste and resize faces to fit within the grid (90%).
• Separate boxes with the line tool.
• Save the grid (background removal optional).

Using Focus

• Load the face grid into Focus.
• Set the size to 1024x1024.
• Avoid Focus V2 for realism (use other models like Juggernaut, Realviz, Realistic Stock Photo).
• Simple prompt start: e.g., "Italian female".
• Add details gradually (age, hair, facial features).
• Aim for realism: add phrases like "no makeup, imperfections, blemishes".

Generating Emotions

Using Array Support Function:

• Uncheck random seed.
• Enable disable seed increment in debug settings.
• Generate multiple images with a consistent seed and different prompts (e.g., happy, laughing, angry, crying).
• Enhance emotions with specific phrases (e.g., "hysterically crying").

Inpainting & Detail Fixes

• Use the same model for inpainting as for generating the images.
• Fix one set of eyes at a time.
• Save images after editing.
• Split the grid into separate images using image software (e.g., Microsoft Paint).

Using Generated Faces

1. Face Swap:
   • Load images into face swap.
   • Expect likeness, not exact match.
   • Keep settings high (weight at 0.9-1).
   • Use different angles for better consistency.
2. Outpainting:
   • Use a close-up image and expand using inpaint/outpaint settings.
   • Drag down the image, select directions, and generate.
3. Night-time Shoots:
   • Use the same process with darker images for evening/night-time pictures.
4. Poses:
   • Find high-resolution reference images on Google.
   • Use inpaint to correct issues (mask face area).
   • Advanced settings: enable mixing image prompt within the inpaint box.

Photoshop Integration

Blending Specific Faces:

• Create a transparent image of the face and overlay it on a photo.
• Correct color and lighting as needed.
• Use detail settings in Focus to blend edges.
• Low denoise for minor corrections.

Reverse Process (Blank Canvas Outpaint)

• Use a face on a blank canvas.
• Mask the face and invert the mask (debug settings).
• Select directions and generate to expand around the face.
• Adjust prompts as necessary.
• Watch for mask issues (activate/unactivate invert mask as needed).

General Tips

• Use appropriate weights and stop at settings for desired angles and likeness.
• Works with all image types (realistic, comic book, anime, etc.).
• For non-human faces, gradually build new form using grid and prompt.

Conclusion

• Practice and experimentation are crucial.
• Use these methods to develop consistent character images with realism or creative stylization.
• Continuous learning and adaption of techniques.