magic-building/PROJECT_STANDARDS.md

Project Standards - Fantasy Universe Visual Guidelines

Universal Quality Requirements

Technical Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 1024x1024 pixels for all generated images
• Format: PNG for final images, JPEG acceptable for iterations
• Aspect Ratios:
  • Character portraits: 3:4 or 1:1
  • Location shots: 16:9 or 3:2
  • Scene compositions: 16:9 or 2:1 cinematic
• Quality Level: Professional, publication-ready imagery

Visual Consistency Markers

Character Requirements

• Facial Features: Must remain identical across all generations
• Body Proportions: Consistent height, build, and physical characteristics
• Distinguishing Marks: Scars, tattoos, birthmarks must appear consistently
• Hair: Color, texture, length, and style must match established descriptions
• Clothing Style: Character-appropriate attire reflecting their role and world

Location Requirements

• Architectural Style: Must align with established world-building guidelines
• Color Palette: Consistent environmental colors and lighting
• Scale and Proportions: Realistic and consistent building/landscape sizes
• Signature Elements: Unique identifying features that make locations recognizable

Art Style Guidelines

Primary Visual Style

Fantasy Realism with Cinematic Quality

• Photorealistic rendering with fantasy elements seamlessly integrated
• Rich, saturated colors with dramatic lighting
• High contrast and depth of field for visual impact
• Professional photography composition principles

Lighting Philosophy

• Golden Hour Preference: Warm, dramatic lighting for most scenes
• Atmospheric Lighting: Volumetric effects, god rays, and environmental ambiance
• Character Lighting: Three-point lighting setup for portraits
• Location Lighting: Natural environmental lighting with enhancement

Color Palette Framework

World-Specific Palettes

Urban/Civilization Areas:

• Primary: Warm earth tones (browns, golds, bronze)
• Secondary: Deep blues and purples for magical elements
• Accent: Bright metallics (gold, silver, copper)

Natural/Wilderness Areas:

• Primary: Rich greens and earth browns
• Secondary: Sky blues and cloud whites
• Accent: Seasonal colors (autumn reds, spring yellows)

Magical/Mystical Areas:

• Primary: Deep purples and midnight blues
• Secondary: Ethereal whites and silvers
• Accent: Glowing energies (electric blue, violet, gold)

Character Design Standards

Consistency Requirements

• Unique Identifier System: Each character must have 3-5 distinctive features
• Feature Hierarchy: Primary (face, hair), Secondary (clothing, accessories), Tertiary (posture, expressions)
• Evolution Guidelines: Characters may age or change, but core features remain constant

Clothing and Accessories

• Cultural Appropriateness: Attire must reflect character's origin world/culture
• Functional Design: Clothing should serve the character's role and activities
• Material Consistency: Fabrics and textures appropriate to world's technology level
• Symbolic Elements: Rank insignia, cultural symbols, personal totems

Expression and Pose Guidelines

• Personality Reflection: Facial expressions and body language must match character personality
• Scene Appropriateness: Emotions and reactions suitable to narrative context
• Dynamic Composition: Avoid static, lifeless poses
• Interaction Awareness: Characters should appear naturally integrated into their environment

Location Design Standards

Architectural Consistency

• Cultural Cohesion: Buildings reflect the civilization that created them
• Material Logic: Construction materials available in the world/region
• Scale Realism: Proportions appropriate for intended inhabitants
• Functional Design: Structures serve clear purposes within the world

Environmental Integration

• Geographic Logic: Landscapes consistent with established world geography
• Climate Consistency: Weather and seasonal effects appropriate to region
• Ecosystem Coherence: Flora and fauna suitable to the environment
• Magical Integration: Supernatural elements naturally woven into the environment

Scene Composition Standards

Storytelling Through Imagery

• Narrative Clarity: The image should advance or illustrate the story
• Emotional Resonance: Visual mood matches narrative tone
• Character Focus: Clear protagonist/subject hierarchy
• Environmental Storytelling: Background elements support the narrative

Technical Composition

• Rule of Thirds: Strategic placement of key elements
• Depth Layers: Foreground, midground, background clearly defined
• Leading Lines: Visual elements guide viewer attention
• Framing: Natural frames within the scene enhance focus

Quality Assurance Criteria

Mandatory Checks

1. Character Recognition: Can established characters be immediately identified?
2. Location Verification: Does the location match established descriptions?
3. Style Consistency: Does the image align with world visual guidelines?
4. Technical Quality: Professional-grade execution and clarity?
5. Narrative Appropriateness: Does the image serve the story?

Rejection Criteria

• Character features don't match established descriptions
• Location elements contradict world-building guidelines
• Art style deviates from established visual framework
• Technical quality below professional standards
• Narrative disconnect with established story context

Iterative Improvement Framework

Version Control

• V1: Initial generation following base prompt
• V2: First iteration addressing primary issues
• V3: Refinement focusing on consistency and quality
• Final: Approved version meeting all standards

Improvement Priorities

1. Character Consistency (highest priority)
2. Location Accuracy
3. Style Alignment
4. Technical Quality
5. Narrative Enhancement

Documentation Requirements

• Archive successful prompts for pattern recognition
• Document failed approaches to avoid repetition
• Maintain consistency logs for character and location evolution
• Track style guide refinements and updates

Special Considerations

Cross-Scene Continuity

• Characters must appear consistent across different locations
• Locations must maintain their identity across different scenes
• Time progression should be visually coherent (aging, seasonal changes)
• Magical or supernatural elements should follow established rules

Cultural Sensitivity

• Fantasy cultures should be internally consistent
• Avoid real-world cultural appropriation in costume and architecture
• Respect the internal logic of created civilizations
• Maintain dignity in character representation

Technology Integration

• Use available tools (reference images, style guides) effectively
• Leverage prompt engineering best practices
• Maintain backup and version control
• Document successful workflows for replication

This standards document serves as the foundation for all visual generation within the fantasy universe project, ensuring consistent, high-quality imagery that supports and enhances the narrative experience.