In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create stunning character transformations, from the initial concept to the final, polished result. By following these detailed instructions and hands-on examples, you’ll learn how to breathe life into your creations with ease and precision.
Step 1: Choose Your Character’s Foundation
Start by selecting the primary character who will serve as the basis for the transformation. This represents your character in its original form, so choose a clear portrait where the full face is visible.
Step 2: Design the Transformation Creature
Next, imagine a creature that will inspire the character’s transformation. You can get creative—consider mythical beings like dragons, animals, or even cosmic entities. In this example, we’ll use a dragon to symbolize the transformation, envisioning the character infused with its powerful essence.
Step 3: Set the Creature as a “Style Reference”
Click on the “Image” button on the left of the prompt bar and select “Style Reference.”
Step 4: Upload or Select the Creature Image
You can either upload the creature’s image from your computer or select it from your recent generations.
Step 5: Maximize the Style Reference
Set the “Style Reference” to its maximum strength. This ensures all the creature’s details are carried over into the next phase of the transformation.
Step 6: Generate the Transformation Image
Now it’s time to create an image of the transformation, focusing solely on the creature-inspired version of your character. Experiment with styles to suit your vision. For example, I used the “Illustrative Albedo” preset and the following prompt:
“Proud warrior princess wearing dragon armor, with dragon wings, holding a large glowing sword. Imposing presence, metallic sheen, confident gaze, crackling with energy.”
Step 7: Combine All Elements
It’s time to merge everything together. In the “Image Guidance” section, add the creature image as a “Style Reference” at maximum strength. Then, upload the original character portrait as a “Character Reference” on high strength. Finally, add the transformation pose image using “Content Reference” on mid strength. To further guide the generation, you can use a prompt similar to the one used in Step 6.
Step 8: Refine and Select Variations
You’ll now have the opportunity to generate multiple variations. Review the options and choose the one that best fits your vision.
Step 9: Final Touch – Upscale the Image
Complete the process by upscaling the selected image. Your character transformation is now complete!
Now that you know the process, it’s time to experiment and develop your unique styles to create the ultimate transformations for your characters. To explore more possibilities, check out the Leonardo.Ai Image Guidance guide here.
This guide was crafted by our amazing Discord user, Vinic.