Do you need a model for character illustration but are you frustrated that most models always default to anime characters? Do you seek a slight touch of realism but not too much? Do you want a model that can handle women and men alike? A model that is not NSFW-focused per sé but doesn't result in Barbie/Ken-like mutilations when you're in need of more skin?

After almost a year of experimenting with PDXL merges, I started experimenting with Illustrious. And now, low and behold:

AWESOME ILLUSTRIOUS

(a Stable Diffusion Illustrious model for quality character illustration enthusiasts)

Features:

• Beautiful high quality illustrated characters

• A more western comic-like style that differentiates from most Anime/Hentai/Manga models

• A hand-picked blend of merged checkpoints and LORAs

• Both SFW and NSFW supported

Variants:

• 2D: a version that combines semi-realistic appearance with that typical 2D aesthetic

• SemiReal: a version for those who prefer more detail and more realism

Recommended settings

• cfg 3-5 (low is more matte, high gives more detail and more gloss)

• 30-40 steps

• Recommended scheduler:

  • Euler A for 2D

  • DPM++ 3M SDE for SemiReal

• Normal scheduler for simple scenes, Beta scheduler for complex and detailed scenes

• Works well for both txt2img and img2img

• Keywords: artbook illustration, stylized digital art, cel shading, but not necessarily needed since v4

• Tip: Don't use score words, it's not a pony model!