character-design

name	character-design
description	Build consistent character designs and character media with `vg generate`. Use this for original characters, reference sheets, expression sheets, outfit variations, identity-preserving edits, and character-to-video workflows.

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: 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.

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.

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.