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This guide walks you through modifying character facial expressions using Scenario's powerful inpainting tools. Whether you're creating game assets or animated portraits, having control over your character's expressions brings life and emotion to your creations. We'll explore two approaches: one using AI-only adjustments and another incorporating sketching for finer control.
Adjusting a character's expression can transform static designs into dynamic, engaging visuals. The ability to modify expressions gives you control over emotional storytelling and character development without starting from scratch. Whether you're creating game characters or refining illustrations, Scenario provides precise tools for expression adjustments.
For quick expression adjustments, you can use a first approach using just a mask and a prompt:
Select the image you want to edit and click "Retouch" to open the Canvas editor.
This loads your image into the Canvas with the original prompt (if generated in Scenario) preloaded, giving you a solid starting point for modifications.
Apply a mask over the specific facial areas you want to change, such as the mouth or eyebrows. Keep the mask focused on just those features for precision.
Refine the prompt to describe the new expression, using clear emotional terms. For example, change "neutral face to angry expression" or “joyful."
Click "Generate" to process the transformation based on your description.
Scenario will create several options for the masked area. Select the best result, remove the mask, and merge layers if necessary to finalize your edit.
This method is ideal for straightforward expression changes when you don't need to make structural modifications to the face.
For more precise control over expressions, sketching provides additional guidance:
Open the Canvas and add a new layer before sketching by clicking "Add layer" in the right panel.
This non-destructive approach keeps the original image intact, allowing for easy adjustments and multiple iterations.
Use the Sketch Tool to refine facial features, such as raising eyebrows for surprise, or narrowing eyes for suspicion.
The Color Picker (shortcut: C) helps match original tones for natural blending. Focus on defining the key features that communicate the desired emotion.
Mask the sketched areas and refine the prompt to reflect the new expression.
Adjust the image-to-image influence to control how closely the AI follows your sketch:
20-30 is ideal for retaining original details while incorporating your changes
Higher values will make the AI follow your sketch more literally
Click "Generate" to apply the transformation based on your sketch.
Review the options, select the best result, remove the mask, and merge layers if needed to complete your expression change.
This method gives you precise control over subtle details like the curve of a smile or the arch of an eyebrow.
Once you're satisfied with the modified expression:
Click "Export" in the top-right corner to prepare your final asset.
Choose to save to your Scenario gallery or download directly to your computer.
For animation sequences, repeat this process for each frame, maintaining consistency in facial structure while varying the expressions.
When creating a series of expressions for the same character, save your successful edits as reference images for future modifications.
For subtle emotions, make smaller adjustments to key features rather than dramatic changes to the entire face.
Experiment with different influence values to find the perfect balance between your artistic direction and the AI's interpretation.
With these techniques, you can quickly adjust character expressions to match any scene or emotion. Whether using AI-driven modifications or manual sketches, Scenario gives you the flexibility to create natural, expressive characters.
For more advanced applications, try creating a sequence of expressions that can be combined into simple animated portraits.
Upload an Image: Scenario API Documentation - POST /assets
Inpainting Generation: Scenario API Documentation - POST /generate/inpaint
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Quentin