Visual Style Guide Skill
Purpose
Define the show's complete visual language, including global aesthetics, shot conventions, consistency rules, and negative prompts for image generation.
Trigger
CANON_DB.json is initialized with story data.
Inputs Required
- •
CREATIVE_BRIEF.md(aesthetic keywords) - •
CANON_DB.json - •
SHOW_BIBLE.md
Outputs Produced
- •
STYLEGUIDE_VISUAL.md- Complete visual style reference
Process
Step 1: Establish Global Aesthetic
From CREATIVE_BRIEF.md aesthetic keywords, define:
Primary Style Category:
- •Photorealistic
- •Stylized/Animated
- •Hybrid
- •Period-specific
Reference Artists/Films (for AI understanding):
- •Visual touchstones that inform the look
- •Specific cinematographers or directors
- •Art movements or periods
Step 2: Define Color Language
Primary Palette:
- •3-5 core colors that define the show
- •Their emotional associations
- •When each is emphasized
Color by Context:
| Context | Dominant Colors | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist scenes | ||
| Antagonist scenes | ||
| Intimate moments | ||
| Action/tension | ||
| Resolution/calm |
Color Grading Style:
- •Overall color temperature
- •Shadow color bias
- •Highlight treatment
- •Saturation level
Step 3: Define Lighting Style
Lighting Philosophy:
- •Naturalistic vs. Stylized
- •Key light preferences
- •Shadow density
- •Motivated vs. Expressive
Standard Lighting Setups:
| Scenario | Setup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dialogue (day interior) | ||
| Dialogue (night interior) | ||
| Exterior day | ||
| Exterior night | ||
| Emotional close-up | ||
| Action/tension |
Step 4: Define Shot Taxonomy
Standard shot types for this production:
| Shot Type | Description | When to Use | Framing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishing | Wide, shows full location | Scene opening | Include context |
| Wide | Full figures in environment | Action, geography | Room to move |
| Medium | Waist up | Standard dialogue | Most common |
| Medium Close | Chest up | Intimate dialogue | Emotional focus |
| Close-up | Face only | Emotion beats | Eye-level typical |
| Extreme CU | Detail (eyes, hands) | Emphasis | Selective use |
| Over-shoulder | From behind one character | Dialogue coverage | Shows relationship |
| Two-shot | Two characters in frame | Relationship focus | Balance composition |
| Insert | Object/detail | Information | Brief duration |
| POV | Character's view | Subjective moment | Match eyeline |
Step 5: Camera Language
Movement Philosophy:
- •Static preference vs. motivated movement
- •Handheld usage
- •Dolly/tracking preferences
- •Crane/high angle usage
Standard Movements:
| Movement | Purpose | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Push in | Increasing tension/intimacy | Key revelations |
| Pull back | Reveal, isolation | Surprise, loneliness |
| Track | Following action | Movement sequences |
| Pan | Survey environment | Establishing |
| Static | Stability, observation | Dialogue default |
Step 6: Composition Guidelines
Framing Conventions:
- •Rule of thirds application
- •Headroom standards
- •Looking room for dialogue
- •Power dynamics through height
Visual Hierarchy:
- •How to draw attention
- •Focus/blur usage
- •Foreground/background relationships
Step 7: Character Visual Rules
For each major character, define:
Locked Visual Anchors (must appear in every image):
- •Specific physical features
- •Signature colors
- •Consistent accessories
Allowed Variations:
- •Outfit changes
- •Expression range
- •Lighting adaptation
Prohibited Elements:
- •Things that would break character
- •Anachronistic elements
- •Inconsistent features
Step 8: Location Visual Rules
For each key location:
Establishing Requirements:
- •What must be visible to identify location
- •Time-of-day variants
- •Weather variants
Consistency Elements:
- •Fixed architectural features
- •Prop placements
- •Lighting characteristics
Step 9: Global Prompt Components
Always Include:
code
{{GLOBAL_STYLE_KEYWORDS}}
{{QUALITY_MARKERS}}
{{ASPECT_RATIO_PREFERENCE}}
Never Include:
code
{{GLOBAL_NEGATIVE_PROMPTS}}
Step 10: Quality Standards
Technical Requirements:
- •Resolution targets
- •Aspect ratio standards
- •Format preferences
Consistency Metrics:
- •Acceptable character variation
- •Lighting consistency requirements
- •Color accuracy tolerance
Style Guide Format
markdown
# Visual Style Guide: {{SHOW_TITLE}}
## 1. Overview
[Quick summary of the visual identity]
## 2. Global Aesthetic
[Style category, references, mood]
## 3. Color Language
[Palette, meanings, grading]
## 4. Lighting
[Philosophy, setups, standards]
## 5. Shot Taxonomy
[Types, usage, framing]
## 6. Camera Language
[Movement philosophy, conventions]
## 7. Composition
[Framing rules, visual hierarchy]
## 8. Character Visual Rules
[Per-character anchors and variations]
## 9. Location Visual Rules
[Per-location consistency requirements]
## 10. Prompt Components
[Global inclusions and exclusions]
## 11. Quality Standards
[Technical requirements]
## 12. Reference Images
[Key reference images for AI guidance]
Notes
- •This guide is reference for all visual generation skills
- •Update as visual references are created
- •Serves as the "visual constitution" of the show
- •All image prompts should align with these rules
- •When in doubt, refer to this guide