So you want to make a LORA but aren’t sure where to start? Well let’s begin simply from…
Step 1. Decide what type of LORA you want to create, and what you want it to do for you.
If you feel confident you’ve got this and are ready to create skip this section and move on to Step 2. This section is mostly for those still not sure about LORAs, or who are just curious and looking for ideas. If that sounds like you read on.
Whether you are thinking about creating your first or hundredth LORA it all begins with a Theme. The Themed LORA aka a Character or Style LORA is probably the most basic, and easiest, LORA to curate images for since you’re starting with an idea in mind. Our goal is to manifest that awesome idea as a visual representation, an AI generated image. Take a look at my 1) STARGATE-SX and 2) BAREFOOT BACCHAE LORAs as prime examples. Both were created around solid central themes: 1) a retro-futuristic Sci-fi series with a Stargate vibe. 2) the historical Bacchae female character of Ancient Greece.
I curated the source images by creating original images. Mostly. (I threw in a couple of screen caps for the Stargate LORA.) Yes, it took days. Probably weeks, subjectively, to create and source them. Why so long? Because we want the best images possible. Not every image you create will be usable. Of course you will have to establish your own standards. Personally I try to use only images with the correct number of hands and toes that require as little in-painting as possible. Clear character facial features, especially the eyes, are also good, but I can’t stress the importance of realistic looking images, or the correct number of fingers and toes.
Yes, toes. There’s a reason, beyond the happy accident of naming my first LORA Barefoot Comix Anime Girl, that I call some of by LORAs “Barefoot”. The reason is simple, they often contain source images where characters are barefoot or in so-called ‘foot centric’ poses. Same with hands. Hands aren’t usually a problem, but feet seem to come out looking wrong in too many images. So I try to find or create images with solid good looking feet. This is probably easier for Character LORAs as you can just search for “[Actress Name] Feet”. Just be sure Safe Search is turned on. Trust me, your eyes and brain will thank you.
That’s actually how my first LORA came about. An effort to provide a useful corrective style LORA. I figured, by compiling barefoot anime style images and illustrations, and making a LORA that might be a useful corrective style LORA. Did it work?
Check out the gallery of images for any of the BAREFOOT COMIX ANIME GIRL LORAs. You decide.
To really get an idea of what is possible I humbly suggest checking out the LORAs created by the following Tensorians:
@Calinepadraigin https://tensor.art/u/774825513653961520
@TT210 https://tensor.art/u/766259832742236088
@Realistic AI Portraits https://tensor.art/u/797858349520640926
@Bloody669 https://tensor.art/u/614212488610944584
@Marlok https://tensor.art/u/632364738390630312
I have quite a few of the above Tensorians fine LORAs in the “My Starred” tab. Some I have used more than others. All are excellent examples of the diverse styles and types of LORA you can create. Hopefully, as you peruse the galleries and look at LORAs, something will inspire you. Once that spark lights the Muse’s fire you’ll be ready for…
Step 2. Curate quality source images for model training.
(PART 3 link here: https://tensor.art/articles/877381456781910512)
