BIG Midjourney Update - CONSISTENT CHARACTERS

Future Tech Pilot
12 Mar 202411:29

TLDRMidjourney, a prominent AI image generation platform, has introduced a highly anticipated feature: consistent characters. This allows users to create a series of images featuring the same character across different scenes, such as a journey through New York or Egypt. To utilize this feature, users need to input a character reference (CRF) into their prompts, which can be done by clicking on the character's image and dragging it into the prompt box. The system also provides a character weight (CW) parameter, allowing users to adjust the influence of the reference image on the generated output, with a range from 0 to 100. While the feature is not perfect and may not replicate the character's outfit exactly, it opens up a plethora of creative possibilities. Users can also create shortcuts for their character references to streamline the process. The video also touches on the limitations of using personal photos as character references and demonstrates how to combine character and style references for unique results. Additionally, the tutorial showcases how to create quick photo shoots with different aesthetics and styles, and how to use these features on the Midjourney website. The host, Nolan, also mentions the launch of his online Midjourney beginner course, which offers comprehensive learning resources for those interested in mastering the platform.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 **Character Consistency**: Midjourney has introduced a feature for generating images with consistent characters across different scenes.
  • 📸 **Triggering the Feature**: To use the feature, type 'CRF' (Character Reference) into the prompt followed by the image link of the character.
  • 👗 **Outfit Limitation**: The feature may not perfectly replicate the character's outfit if it's not specified in the prompt.
  • 🔄 **Character Weight (CW)**: A new parameter 'CW' allows users to adjust the influence of the reference picture on the generated image, with a value between 0 and 100.
  • ✂️ **Shortened Links**: Once an image is generated, the link is shortened, making it easier to use in future prompts.
  • ⏩ **Efficiency Tip**: Set a shortcut for the character image link in Discord to quickly insert it into prompts without typing the full link each time.
  • 🚀 **Turbo Mode**: Midjourney offers a 'Turbo Mode' that generates images at a much faster pace, although it is more expensive.
  • 🚫 **Self-Image Limitation**: Using personal photos as character references won't work as expected; the feature works best with native Midjourney images.
  • 🌟 **Combining References**: Character and style references can be combined for unique image generation, although results may vary.
  • 🌌 **Creating Photoshoots**: Users can create varied photoshoots by listing different aesthetics in the prompt and using the character reference feature.
  • 🛠️ **Website Interface**: On the Midjourney website, users can drag and drop images to set them as character references and input additional parameters directly into the prompt.

Q & A

  • What is the new feature released by Midjourney that allows for consistent characters?

    -The new feature released by Midjourney is called 'consistent characters', which enables users to generate images with the same character in each scene.

  • How do you trigger the consistent characters feature in Midjourney?

    -To trigger the consistent characters feature, you need to type 'CRF' into the prompt, followed by 'character reference', and then click on the picture and drag it into the prompt box, ensuring there is a space between 'CRF' and the image link.

  • What is the character weight (CW) parameter used for in Midjourney?

    -The character weight (CW) parameter in Midjourney is used to influence the weight of the reference picture. It accepts a value between 0 and 100, allowing users to control how much the reference picture influences the generated image.

  • How can you save time when using the consistent characters feature by setting a shortcut?

    -You can save time by setting a shortcut for the character reference image link in Discord. You type '!p option set' into the prompt box, then paste the image link in the 'value' box and name the shortcut in the 'option' box. After setting, you only need to type the shortcut in your prompt to expand it into the image link.

  • What is the limitation of the consistent characters feature regarding the character's outfit?

    -The limitation of the consistent characters feature is that it may not accurately replicate the character's outfit if it was not specified in the prompt. The character might still appear in their traditional attire even if the user did not instruct it.

  • Can you use your own face as a character reference in Midjourney?

    -No, using your own face as a character reference in Midjourney will not work as expected. The character reference works best with native Midjourney images and behaves similarly to an image prompt when using an outside picture.

  • What is the turbo mode feature in Midjourney, and how does it differ from the standard mode?

    -Turbo mode is a recent feature in Midjourney that generates images at a much faster pace, approximately 3.5 times faster than the standard mode. However, it is more expensive, costing about twice as much as the standard mode.

  • How can you combine character reference with style reference in Midjourney?

    -You can combine character reference with style reference by typing 'D-SRF' followed by the style reference image, and then 'D-CRF' with the character reference image in the prompt. You can also adjust the style weight (D-SW) and character weight (D-CW) to control the influence of each reference.

  • What is the process to create a quick photoshoot with different aesthetics using the consistent characters feature?

    -To create a quick photoshoot, you type a prompt with the character's portrait, followed by a comma and an open squiggly bracket. Inside the bracket, list different aesthetics like 'chibi', 'Chic', 'modernist', etc., close the bracket, and include the character reference and other parameters like 'D-AR 1x1' with a character weight (CW) of zero.

  • How do you use the character reference feature on the Midjourney website?

    -On the Midjourney website, you click on the character image and drag it into the prompt box. When hovering over the picture, select the option on the left for character reference. Then, type any additional information you want in the prompt and hit enter to generate the image.

  • What is the special introductory offer for Nolan's Midjourney beginner course?

    -The special introductory offer for Nolan's Midjourney beginner course is available for the first week after the course's release. The price is expected to increase as the course continues to be updated with new content.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introducing Consistent Characters Feature

The video introduces a new feature by Mid Journey called 'consistent characters,' which allows users to create images with the same character in each scene. The feature is triggered by typing 'CRF' (Character Reference) into the prompt followed by an image link. The video demonstrates using the feature with a character named Eliza, generated from a specific prompt. It also discusses the limitations, such as the character's outfit not changing according to the prompt, and introduces a 'CW' (Character Weight) parameter to influence the reference picture's impact on the generation. A tip is given on how to create shortcuts for character images to save time when generating prompts.

05:02

🔍 Character Weight and Style References

The video explains the use of 'character weight' in more detail, showing how setting it to zero allows Mid Journey to focus only on the character's face. It also explores the possibility of using one's own face, which is not recommended as the feature works best with native Mid Journey images. The video demonstrates combining character reference with style reference to generate images in various artistic styles. It also introduces a new feature called 'turbo mode,' which speeds up the generation process at a higher cost. Lastly, the video shows how to create a quick photoshoot with different aesthetics using the character reference feature.

10:02

🚀 Using Character Reference on Mid Journey Website

The video concludes with a demonstration of how to use the character reference feature directly on the Mid Journey website. It guides viewers on how to drag an image into the prompt box and select the character reference option. The video also covers additional parameters that can be included in the prompt and emphasizes the importance of setting the character weight to zero for different outfits to match the scene. The video ends with an invitation to check out the Mid Journey beginner course for more in-depth learning.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Consistent Characters

Consistent characters refer to the ability to generate images with the same character appearing in each scene. This feature is significant as it allows for the creation of a narrative or continuity across different images, which can be used for storytelling or creating a series of related scenes. In the video, the feature is demonstrated by generating images of a character named Eliza in various settings.

💡Character Reference (CRF)

Character Reference, abbreviated as CRF, is a command used in the prompt to instruct the image generation system to include a specific character in the generated images. It is a key part of the consistent characters feature and is demonstrated in the script by using an image of Eliza as a reference for future generations.

💡Style

Style in the context of image generation refers to the visual aesthetic or artistic technique applied to the output image. The script mentions various styles such as 'cinematic', 'stylize 300', and 'graphic novel', which influence how the character and scenes are depicted in the generated images.

💡Character Weight (CW)

Character Weight is a parameter that can be adjusted between 0 and 100 to influence how much the reference picture affects the generated image. A higher value means the system will try to include more details from the reference picture, while a lower value will focus more on the character's face. This is used to fine-tune the consistency of the character's appearance across images.

💡Style Reference (SRF)

Style Reference, denoted as SRF, is similar to Character Reference but is used to apply a specific visual style to the generated images. In the script, it is used in conjunction with Character Reference to create images that combine a desired character appearance with a specific artistic style.

💡Turbo Mode

Turbo Mode is a recently introduced feature that accelerates the image generation process, making it significantly faster than the standard mode. However, it is mentioned to be more expensive. The script illustrates the speed of Turbo Mode by showing how quickly results can be obtained.

💡Photo Shoot

A photo shoot, in the context of the video, refers to the creation of a series of images with different aesthetics or styles using the consistent characters feature. The script demonstrates this by generating a variety of images featuring a character named Chicago Kelly in different styles, simulating a quick photo shoot.

💡Aesthetics

Aesthetics in the script refer to the various visual styles or themes that can be applied to the character in the generated images. Examples given include 'chibi', 'Chic modernist', 'old Hollywood', 'film Noir', 'constructivism', and 'data bending collage'. These aesthetics are used to create a diverse set of images in a photo shoot.

💡Parameter

Parameters are specific values or settings that can be adjusted in the image generation process to control the output. In the video, parameters such as 'D-AR 1x1' for aspect ratio and 'CW' for character weight are used to customize the generated images according to the user's preferences.

💡Shortcut

A shortcut in the context of the video is a user-defined term that is associated with a longer command or a specific image link. It is used to simplify the prompt input process. For example, the character Eliza's image link is assigned the shortcut 'Eliza 1', which can be used in prompts to quickly reference her character.

💡Midjourney

Midjourney is the name of the image generation system being discussed in the video. It is the platform that provides the features and parameters for creating images with consistent characters, styles, and aesthetics. The script provides an overview of how to use Midjourney to generate images that meet specific creative requirements.

Highlights

Midjourney has released a new feature called 'consistent characters'.

Users can now create images with the same character in each scene.

The feature allows for a variety of settings, such as New York or Egypt, and different styles like cartoons.

To trigger the feature, type 'CRF' into the prompt followed by the character reference.

The character's outfit may not change even if not specified in the prompt due to the feature's current limitations.

A new parameter 'CW' (character weight) can be used to influence the importance of the reference picture.

Character weight ranges from 0 to 100, allowing for more or less emphasis on the reference image.

Using a shortcut for the character reference image link can save time and simplify the process.

The character reference feature works best with native Midjourney images rather than outside pictures.

Combining character reference with style reference can produce unique and vibrant results.

The new 'turbo mode' in Midjourney offers faster generation speeds at a higher cost.

The feature is not perfect and may require experimentation to achieve desired results.

Creating a photo shoot with different aesthetics is possible by using a character reference and specifying various styles.

The character weight can be set to zero to focus only on the character's face, disregarding the outfit.

The 'show prompts' option can help users understand the permutations they are about to create.

On the Midjourney website, users can drag a picture into the prompt box to use it as a character reference.

The tutorial provides a method to create an easy photo shoot with a character using various aesthetics and styles.

The introductory offer for the Midjourney beginner course is available for a limited time, with updates to reflect service changes.