Popiai-skill/content-creation/video-prompting/references/workflows/character-sheets.md

Character Sheet Workflow

Overview

Character Sheets are a key tool for maintaining character consistency in MV production. By generating standardized character reference images, you ensure uniform character appearance across all subsequent scenes.

Character Sheet Types

1. Turnaround Sheet

Shows the character from multiple angles: front, 3/4 view, side, and back.

Prompt template:
"Character turnaround sheet of [character description], showing front view, 3/4 view, side view, and back view. [clothing description]. Clean white background, consistent lighting, full body, character design reference sheet, anime/realistic style."

2. Expression Sheet

Shows the character in different emotional states.

Prompt template:
"Expression sheet of [character description], showing 6 different emotions: neutral, happy, sad, angry, surprised, contemplative. Same angle (front-facing), consistent lighting, bust shot, clean layout, character reference sheet."

3. Pose Sheet

Shows the character in different action poses.

Prompt template:
"Pose reference sheet of [character description] in [clothing description], showing 4 dynamic poses: standing, walking, sitting, [specific action]. Full body, clean white background, consistent proportions, action reference sheet."

Workflow

Step 1: Define Character Description

Write a detailed character text description including:

• Body type: Height, build (slim, athletic, curvy...)
• Facial features: Face shape, eye color, hairstyle and hair color
• Clothing: Detailed outfit description
• Aura: Overall impression/vibe

Example:

A young Chinese woman in her mid-20s with delicate features. She has long straight
black hair reaching her waist, almond-shaped dark brown eyes, and fair skin.
She wears a modern hanfu-inspired outfit: a white silk top with subtle floral
embroidery and a flowing navy blue pleated skirt. Elegant and ethereal presence.

Step 2: Select Generation Model

Style Requirement	Recommended Model	Reason
Realistic characters	Kling (face mode)	Strongest facial consistency
Anime characters	Midjourney (--niji 7)	Highest anime quality
Concept design	Gemini / OpenAI	Fast iteration
Stylized	Kontext	Can convert from photos to style

Step 3: Generate Character Sheets

1. Generate the front-facing base image first:

   "Portrait of [character description], front-facing, neutral expression, soft studio lighting,
   clean background, character reference, high detail"
   

2. Using the base image as reference, generate turnaround sheet:

   image_paths: [base image]
   prompt: "Character turnaround sheet based on this character..."
   

3. Generate expression sheet:

   image_paths: [base image]
   prompt: "Expression sheet of this same character..."
   

Step 4: Verify Consistency

After generation, check:

• Are facial features consistent across all angles?
• Is the hairstyle logical from all angles?
• Are clothing details maintained consistently?
• Are body proportions stable?
• Is the overall style unified?

Fix inconsistencies using Kontext or Kling.

Step 5: Output for Downstream Use

Character sheet applications:

• Video first frame generation: Use Kling face mode + scene description
• Storyboard generation: Use as character reference images
• Lip sync: Provide front-facing close-up as first frame

Photorealistic Character Design

When "real-person photo" quality is needed for character design:

Prompt template:
"Professional photography headshot of [character description], [expression],
shot on Canon EOS R5, 85mm f/1.4 lens, natural window light,
clean neutral background, magazine quality portrait, photorealistic,
8K detail, skin texture visible, catchlight in eyes."

Key elements:

• Specify camera and lens parameters to increase realism
• Describe light direction and quality
• Mention skin texture and catchlight
• Use photography terminology rather than painting terminology

MV Character Design Best Practices

1. Prepare for lip sync: Front-facing character close-ups should have mouth slightly open or in a speech-ready state
2. Multiple outfits: If the MV has scene changes, prepare corresponding outfit versions for each scene
3. Emotional range: MVs require rich expressions — ensure the expression sheet covers all emotions in the song
4. First-frame friendly: Character image composition should work as a video first frame (leave room for motion)
5. Save all prompts: Record the prompt used for each generated image for easy reuse and adjustment