Finally figured out how to create 8-directional character pose sheets

the prompt

Use in Codex / ChatGPT:

"Create a single image showing the same character in 8 facing directions.

Subject: Anime style sorcerer woman

Layout:
- arrange the character in a 3x3 grid
- leave the center grid cell empty
- place exactly 8 full-body character views in the outer cells
- one character per cell
- each character centered in its own cell
- equal spacing between all characters

Critical orientation rule:
- every character must face outward away from the empty center cell
- each sprite must point toward its own outer edge or outer corner of the canvas
- interpret directions only relative to the image canvas, not the character’s own left or right side

Exact facing directions by cell:
- top-left: back-left diagonal view, facing toward the upper-left corner of the image
- top-center: back view, facing straight toward the top edge of the image
- top-right: back-right diagonal view, facing toward the upper-right corner of the image
- middle-left: left side view, facing straight toward the left edge of the image
- middle-right: right side view, facing straight toward the right edge of the image
- bottom-left: front-left diagonal view, facing toward the lower-left corner of the image
- bottom-center: front view, facing straight toward the bottom edge of the image
- bottom-right: front-right diagonal view, facing toward the lower-right corner of the image

Very important visual distinction:
- the top row must show the back-facing set
- the middle row must show the side-facing set
- the bottom row must show the front-facing set
- bottom-center must clearly show the face and front of the outfit/body
- bottom-left and bottom-right must clearly be front diagonals, not back diagonals
- top-left and top-right must clearly be back diagonals, not front diagonals

Consistency requirements:
- all 8 views must show the exact same character
- keep the same clothing, colors, proportions, scale, and design details in every view
- keep the same silhouette and overall design in every view
- the front of the character must point in the exact direction assigned to each cell
- diagonal views must be true diagonal rotations
- do not mirror or duplicate views
- do not swap left and right directions
- each view must be full-body and clearly separated

Style:
- clean 2D game art
- non-pixel art
- smooth shapes
- simple cel shading
- readable silhouette
- plain or transparent background
- no text
- no labels
- no arrows
- no UI"