| 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.mdreferences/prompt-patterns.mdreferences/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.
