The Transformation of AI Image Generation
The widely used AI image generating service Midjourney has made a significant breakthrough by implementing one of its most requested features: the ability to consistently recreate characters across new images.
This advancement is crucial in the realm of generative AI imagery, where traditional AI image generators have faced challenges due to their reliance on diffusion models, which strive to interpret user input and generate images pixel by pixel based on that input.
However, a common issue with generative AI applications, including Midjourney, has been the inconsistency of responses. These systems tend to produce different outputs for each prompt, even if some keywords or prompts are repeated.
The Power of Consistent Characters in Generative AI Imagery
Consistency in character portrayal is highly valuable for narrative continuity in visual mediums such as films, novels, graphic novels, and comics. Achieving this continuity with generative AI has proven challenging until now.
Midjourney has introduced a new tag, “–cref,” which users can add to their text prompts in the Midjourney Discord. This tag aims to match the facial features, body types, and clothing of the character based on a URL provided by the user.
As this feature evolves and becomes more refined, Midjourney has the potential to transition from a mere novelty or ideation tool to a professional-grade resource.
Utilizing Midjourney’s Consistent Character Feature
The tag “–cref” functions best with previously generated Midjourney images. Users can generate a new character by including this tag in their prompts along with a URL of a previously created character.
By combining character references and adjusting the reference “strength” using the “cw” tag, users can control how closely the new image replicates the original character. Lower “cw” values introduce more variance, while higher values maintain fidelity to the reference character.
Artists and creators are already testing this feature, and Midjourney users are encouraged to explore its capabilities. The founder, David Holz, provided detailed instructions on using the “Character Reference” feature for character generation.
Midjourney’s introduction of consistent character generation marks a significant step forward in the field of AI image generation. By enabling users to maintain character continuity across various scenes and settings, this feature opens new possibilities in creative storytelling and visual expression.
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