Model style guide
The same prompt produces different pictures on different models - Not better or worse, different. Knowing each one's temperament saves more credits than anything else on this site, including a well-structured prompt.
The two models in practice
They differ in speed, in how much structure they hold, and in what they do when a prompt is vague.
Anima Turbo
Ten steps, low guidance, about ten seconds. Loose and fast. Fills gaps in a vague prompt with its own defaults - Excellent for exploring, unreliable for precision.
WAI Illustrious
Twenty-eight steps, Karras schedule, guidance around seven. Slower and more literal. Holds anatomy and fabric together, and follows an explicit prompt closely.
The catch
Illustrious being literal means a vague prompt returns something flat. It gives you what you asked for, not what you meant.
The two-stage workflow
Explore cheaply, finish expensively. This is the whole method.
- Explore on Turbo until composition and character are right, using the studio settings you already know.
- Note the seed. Without it you cannot continue, and character consistency depends on it entirely.
- Reproduce on Illustrious for the final. The seed carries between models.
Match the model to the difficulty
Simple work does not need the slow model. The model catalogue lists what is currently available.
| Job | Model |
|---|---|
| Single portrait, simple background | Turbo - The difference is marginal |
| Two figures, detailed clothing | Illustrious - Clearly visible |
| Hands prominently visible | Illustrious, and occlude them anyway |
| Exploring an idea | Turbo, always |
Common questions
Does the seed transfer between models?
Yes, and composition stays broadly similar. That is what makes the two-stage workflow work.
Is the slower model always better?
No. On simple compositions the difference is small and not worth the wait.
Which should a beginner use?
Turbo. Fast feedback teaches prompt behaviour far quicker than slow renders do.
Where to go next
This guide pairs with the model catalogue, try both and prompt structure.