OCOPD If you're building a brand, writing a graphic novel, or pitching a storyboard, having a single consistent character across multiple images is non-negotiable. I spent the last month testing Midjourney's --cref (Character Reference) parameter for a commercial client. Here is the workflow I developed to guarantee consistency every single time.
Understanding the Basics: --cref and --cw
The --cref tag allows you to link an image URL, telling Midjourney to base the character's facial features, hair, and clothing on that reference. The --cw (Character Weight) tag controls how strongly the reference is applied.
--cw 100(Default): Copies the face, hair, and clothing exactly.--cw 0: Focuses ONLY on the face. Useful when you need to change the character's outfit.
The Workflow I Use
1. Create the Base "Turnaround" Sheet
Before you generate specific scenes, you need a flawless reference. I generate a character sheet showing the character from multiple angles on a neutral background.
A character concept art sheet of a 25 year old woman with short pink bob hair, wearing a yellow raincoat. Showing front view, side profile, and back view. White background, flat lighting --ar 16:9 --v 6.0Upscale the best result. Copy the image URL.
2. Placing the Character in a Scene
Now, we drop the character into a new environment. If I want her to keep the yellow raincoat, I leave the weight at default (100).
A 25 year old woman with short pink bob hair, wearing a yellow raincoat, walking down a rainy cyberpunk street at night, neon lights reflecting in puddles --cref [IMAGE_URL] --ar 16:9 --v 6.03. Changing Outfits (--cw 0)
If my client needs the same character but at a formal gala, the yellow raincoat has to go. This is where --cw 0 shines.
A 25 year old woman with short pink bob hair, wearing an elegant black evening gown, standing in a grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers --cref [IMAGE_URL] --cw 0 --ar 16:9 --v 6.0💡 Pro Tip: Even with
--cref, you MUST still describe the character's core features (age, hair color, style) in the text prompt. Midjourney uses the text prompt to guide the pose and expression, and the image reference to refine the textures and micro-details.
Troubleshooting Blends
Sometimes, the reference image bleeds its background or lighting into the new generation. If this happens, I recommend cleaning the background of your reference image in Photoshop (making it pure white) before feeding it into the --cref parameter. This isolates the character data perfectly.