Create a character reference sheet
Establish a fictional character with a face close-up and front/back costume views before planning scenes.
Tools: An image generator with image-reference editing; the recorded examples use Codex built-in image generation.
What to provide
- A fictional adult character description, a base outfit and a visual style.
Example Recorded test output
Input
Exact default-input expansion recorded on 30 October 2026: Create one landscape 3:2 character reference sheet for a fictional adult: a 35-year-old woman with medium-brown skin, dark-brown eyes, an oval face, a broad nose and short black tightly curled hair. Outfit: a plain ochre field jacket with two square front pockets, a charcoal crew-neck shirt, dark olive straight trousers and brown ankle boots; no jewelry or bag. Render in grounded photorealistic editorial imagery with natural skin and fabric texture. Use a uniform light-gray studio background and soft, even neutral lighting. Arrange three clearly separated panels with generous margins: left, a straight-on face-and-shoulders close-up with a neutral closed-mouth expression; center, a front standing costume view cropped from the base of the neck to below the boots; right, a complete rear standing view from head to boots. All panels depict the same character and the same outfit. Keep facial proportions, hair color, body build, fabric colors, footwear and visible accessories coherent between views. Show clothing construction clearly, with relaxed arms away from the torso. Keep the entire boots visible. No story setting, action, dramatic color cast, injuries, weapons, logos, labels, lettering or watermark. This is a production reference sheet, not a movie poster. No reference image supplied.
Output
The output shows the requested face close-up, front costume view and complete rear view, on gray backgrounds with readable garment details. The center panel includes a sliver of chin above the neck crop. This is one generated reference sheet, not evidence of continuity across shots.

Tool settings
Recorded run: 30 October 2026. Built-in image_gen tool; no model name, seed or quality control exposed. Opaque background. Saved PNG 1536 x 1024, landscape 3:2. Composition instructions are in the template, not guaranteed settings.
Improve the result
- Generate a separate side-profile reference using the approved sheet, preserving the same identity and outfit. This variation has not been tested.
Use the right reference
Review each panel before approving the sheet as a master. Add a separate expression or profile only when a planned shot needs it.
What this test covers
The output shows the requested face close-up, front costume view and complete rear view, on gray backgrounds with readable garment details. The center panel includes a sliver of chin above the neck crop. This is one generated reference sheet, not evidence of continuity across shots.
Only the displayed default inputs were run. Changed inputs, suggested follow-ups and video generation have not been tested.
Read the character continuity workflow for state naming, shot planning and checks before animation.