Reference Images
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Lesson 5 of 8

Reference Images

A reference image can anchor composition, identity, palette or style more reliably than text alone.

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Why this matters

A reference image can anchor composition, identity, palette or style more reliably than text alone.

Identity

Preserve who or what the subject is.

Composition

Reuse layout and spatial relationships.

Style

Guide palette, texture and rendering character.

Understand the working model

Decide what the reference is for. If you want identity consistency, say that appearance should be preserved while pose changes. If you only want composition, avoid accidentally forcing the reference style too.

The strongest workflow separates fixed properties from editable properties. Write them down before generating so each iteration changes only what you intended.

Example
Use the reference for character identity and wardrobe. Change only the background to a bright modern office. Preserve face shape, hair and clothing colors.
Practice

Apply the pattern above to one real task you already do. Keep the first version small enough that you can inspect every input and output.

Common mistake

Do not say “make it like this” without explaining which properties should stay the same.

Key takeaway

Use references intentionally: specify what they anchor and what is allowed to change.

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Consistency

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