# Character Design

> Create consistent characters with `vg generate`: reference and expression sheets, outfit variants, identity-preserving edits, character-to-video.

- Skill: `kyh/character-design` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add kyh/character-design`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/kyh/character-design/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: kyh (https://skillmd.com/u/kyh)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/kyh/character-design

---


# Character design with `vg generate`

Use this skill when the user wants to create, refine, or preserve a character.
Load the reference files when needed:

- `references/anchor-system.md`
- `references/prompt-patterns.md`
- `references/examples.md`

Load `model-catalog` alongside this skill for default endpoint choices.

The main objective is consistency. Keep the character anchor stable and change
only the requested scene, expression, outfit, camera, or action.

## Inputs to collect

Only ask for missing inputs that affect identity or model routing.

- Character type: realistic human, stylized, anime, mascot, fantasy, sci-fi.
- Identity anchor: age range, face shape, hair, eyes, build, posture, marks.
- Style: photographic, 3D, illustration, manga, comic, game concept art.
- Needed outputs: portrait, full body, turnaround, expression sheet, outfit
  set, action still, video shot, edit of an existing character.
- References: source image, approved design, costume, pose, style board.
- Consistency level: exploratory, pitch-ready, production continuity.
- Model preference: `model-catalog` defaults unless the user names one.

## Genmedia workflow

Follow the standard workflow in the [`generate` skill](../generate/SKILL.md): resolve endpoint → inspect schema/pricing → upload references → run (stills inline, video `--async` + `status`) → download to `./outputs/characters/{request_id}_{index}.{ext}`. Default endpoint IDs are in the Model routing section below; routing details live in `model-catalog`.

## Character anchor

Create a short immutable anchor before generating.

```text
CHARACTER ANCHOR:
[name or codename], [age range], [face shape], [eye shape and color],
[nose and lips], [skin tone and distinguishing marks], [hair color, texture,
style], [body build and posture], [signature clothing or silhouette],
[style target]
```

Then add a variable block for the current shot.

```text
SHOT VARIABLE:
[expression], [pose/action], [outfit changes if allowed], [environment],
[camera/framing], [lighting], [mood]
```

Never rewrite the anchor casually. If a result changes identity, strengthen the
anchor or switch to a reference/edit workflow instead of adding more style
words.

## Model routing

- New character concept with maximum consistency: use `openai/gpt-image-2`.
- Premium but cheaper image option: use `fal-ai/nano-banana-pro` or
  `fal-ai/nano-banana-2`.
- Fast exploratory drafts: use `fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b`.
- Consistent sheet from an approved character: use `openai/gpt-image-2` first;
  if editing an existing image, inspect `openai/gpt-image-2/edit`.
- Outfit variations and character edits: use `fal-ai/nano-banana-pro/edit`,
  then `openai/gpt-image-2/edit`, then
  `fal-ai/bytedance/seedream/v5/lite/edit`.
- Expression sheet: one approved face reference, multiple controlled
  expression prompts.
- Character video: approved still frame first, then
  `bytedance/seedance-2.0/image-to-video` for final quality.
- Fast video drafts: use `xai/grok-imagine-video/image-to-video`.
- Talking avatar or lip-sync: use `veed/fabric-1.0`,
  `veed/fabric-1.0/text`, or `fal-ai/creatify/aurora`.

## Quality bar

Reject or retry when:

- Face shape, eye spacing, hairstyle, marks, or body build drift.
- Outfit changes when the prompt says only expression or pose should change.
- The sheet mixes styles across panels.
- Hands or props distract from the requested design task.
- Video motion changes age, face, costume, or silhouette.

Return downloaded paths and include the anchor used so future prompts can reuse
the same identity.