Style References & Consistent Characters

One of the biggest challenges in AI image generation is maintaining visual consistency across multiple images. This lesson teaches you how to use style references and character consistency techniques to create cohesive visual projects.

Midjourney Style References (--sref)

The --sref parameter lets you reference an image URL to match its visual style:

a warrior in golden armor --sref [image URL] --sv 100

How --sref Works

1. Upload a reference image to Discord
2. Copy the image URL
3. Add --sref [URL] to your prompt
4. Adjust strength with --sv (0-1000, default 100)

--sv Value	Effect
--sv 0	Very subtle style influence
--sv 100	Default, balanced style transfer
--sv 500	Strong style matching
--sv 1000	Maximum style adherence

Multiple Style References

You can blend multiple styles:

enchanted forest --sref [URL1] [URL2] --sw 50 50

Each URL gets a weight (--sw) controlling its influence.

Midjourney Character References (--cref)

The --cref parameter maintains character appearance across images:

a woman reading a book in a library --cref [character image URL] --cw 100

Character Weight (--cw)

--cw Value	Effect
--cw 0	Only matches face
--cw 50	Face and some clothing
--cw 100	Full character appearance (default)

Building a Consistent Character

Step 1: Generate your base character:

Step 2: Use the result as a --cref for all subsequent images:

Step 3: Place the character in different scenes while maintaining consistency:

DALL-E 3 Character Consistency

DALL-E 3 doesn't have --cref, but you can maintain consistency through detailed descriptions:

The Character Bible Approach

Create a detailed character description and reuse it across prompts:

Then for the next scene:

Tips for DALL-E 3 consistency:

• Keep the character description identical across prompts
• Mention distinctive features (the silver streak, the pendant) every time
• Specify clothing if you want outfit consistency
• Use "same character as before" in conversational follow-ups

Style Consistency Across a Project

Creating a Style Guide

Before starting a multi-image project, define your visual style:

Midjourney Style Lock with --sref

1. Generate one image you love
2. Use its URL as --sref for all project images
3. Keep --sv consistent (e.g., always 200)

DALL-E 3 Style Lock

In ChatGPT, say:

"For all images in this conversation, use this style: soft watercolor illustration with muted pastel colors, visible brush textures, and a dreamy, ethereal quality."

ChatGPT will attempt to maintain this style throughout the conversation.

Practical Example: Children's Book Characters

Here's a complete workflow for creating consistent characters:

Step 1 — Character Sheet:

Step 2 — Scene 1:

Step 3 — Scene 2:

Key Takeaway

Consistency is the hallmark of professional AI image work. In Midjourney, use --sref for style and --cref for character consistency. In DALL-E 3, maintain detailed character descriptions and use conversational context. For any multi-image project, start by defining a style guide and character bible, then reference them in every prompt.