Reference Guidance

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I recommend that all my clients spend a few minutes on this guidance. This guide is there to help you with making suitable references.

Why use this guide?

Having a good reference is crucial for a commission. In my previous experiences, I have encountered many people who were unsure about what makes an ideal reference image and what the artist expects to see from their pictures. Using inappropriate references often results in both the artists and the clients having to put in extra effort, which may delay the commission's starting time. In this guide, I will cover all the essential factors that you should consider when taking your reference screenshots. In this article, these topics will be discussed:

The Basics
Background
Lighting
Camera Angles and The Character
Recommended Studios

The Basics

Ensure you stick to the same glamour and hairstyle in your references.
Use GPOSE when taking a screenshot.

Background

An ideal background is a studio. A simple background is the best option and helps artists to focus on your character without distractions. If you can, try to find a studio when taking references. If you wouldn't mind travelling, I have some recommended studios for you. Please refer to the section - "Recommended Studios" below.

Alternatively, find a location that doesn't have many objects or people in the background. You may untick "PC" from character settings in GPOSE to remove the other players

Lighting

Regardless of your character's skin tone, please do not take your screenshots in the evening or a dark room! Our aim isn't to create an artistic picture but to see everything without trouble. Medium brightness or neutral lighting is the best.

Usage of a shader is a welcome addition, but not mandatory. Shader is there to help brighten your screenshot and enhance the contrast or vibrance. Avoid using shaders that could drastically affect screenshot colour (or, make the details even harder to see).

Camera Angles and The Characters

Before taking your screenshots, please ask yourself - what type of commission I'm requesting. Full body or half-body or bust? Depending on your choice, your camera angles would be different, too.
Please make separate screenshots for character feature references (including clothing, hair and facial) and pose references.
Two general rules:
- Include as many details as possible (close-up of parts).
- Show front, side and back views( you may skip back views if your pose doesn't require it).