/character-design

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

Character design with genmedia

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-routing` 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: use `model-routing` defaults unless the user names a model

or the job needs a quality/cost tradeoff decision.

Genmedia workflow

1. Start from routed endpoint IDs.

   genmedia models --endpoint_id openai/gpt-image-2 --json
   genmedia models --endpoint_id fal-ai/nano-banana-pro/edit --json
   genmedia models --endpoint_id bytedance/seedance-2.0/image-to-video --json
   genmedia models --endpoint_id veed/fabric-1.0 --json

Use text search only as fallback discovery for an unsupported role:

   genmedia docs "consistent character generation" --json
   genmedia models "image editing character consistency" --json

2. Inspect schema before each endpoint run.

   genmedia schema <endpoint_id> --json
   genmedia pricing <endpoint_id> --json

3. Upload references.

   genmedia upload ./character-reference.png --json
   genmedia upload ./costume-reference.png --json

4. Run stills or sheets with download.

   genmedia run <endpoint_id> \
     --prompt "<anchor + variable prompt>" \
     --image_url "<reference url if supported>" \
     --download "./outputs/characters/{request_id}_{index}.{ext}" \
     --json

5. Run video async.

   genmedia run <endpoint_id> \
     --prompt "<anchor + shot action>" \
     --image_url "<approved character frame if supported>" \
     --async \
     --json

   genmedia status <endpoint_id> <request_id> \
     --download "./outputs/characters/{request_id}_{index}.{ext}" \
     --json

Use only schema-supported fields. If the model supports seed, reference image, image strength, multiple image inputs, or negative prompt, use them deliberately and record what was used.

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.