Stylized representation

Consistent choices in form, color, and detail create the appearance.

Visual traits

• Consistent transformation
• Selective detail

Expected changes

• Form and detail are more likely to change consistently
• Nonliteral features are more likely to cohere

Definition

A representational level that deliberately reselects form, color, detail, and proportion to create a consistent appearance. Particular art style, era, subject, and medium are separate choices.

In more detail

It prioritizes consistency of choices over literal observation. The features changed and their degree can be adjusted separately.

Includes

• Representation that changes appearance through consistent choices

Excludes

• A particular art style or era
• Mere proportional exaggeration
• A request specifying only realism level

What this does not imply

• A particular art style, era, or subject
• A particular medium
• A fixed choice of realism or symbolic depiction

Variability

Stating the direction and strength of stylization separately makes results more consistent.

Usage

• Specify only consistent transformation
• Specify art style and subject separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish it from a named art style

Typical uses

• Unify appearance choices
• Coherently combine nonliteral features

Possible failure modes

• Choices lack consistency and become miscellaneous
• It is replaced by a particular named art style