|| THE STYLE DATABASE || GOODBYE STYLE, HELLO COMBINATION!

[candycrack]

THE STYLE DATABASE
[ KEEPING AT STYLISH SINCE DECEMBER 2006 ]

Welcome to THE STYLE DATABASE, a guide to all the styles found in Avatar Talk. This thread is here to help everyone new and old to understand the various styles found in the at and what exactly goes into every style. While this thread is here to give you information about all the various styles fond in AT, it is also here to help you become a more informed rater by giving you a more in depth look of the diversity of styles found here in Avatar Talk.

People often create threads related to one aspect of "style". We've seen numerous matching threads, non-matching threads, powerclash threads and more. Sadly most of these threads eventually die and are often one sided and based on one persons or a select few opinions. Which is where this thread stands out from the rest. This thread is a collection of suggestions, ideas and styles from various members of the community. This thread is open to taking suggestions, ideas, and tips from anyone who would like to contribute to it's growth.

While this guide is here to inform everyone of different styles found in the AT, some members of the community may still hold a bias or dislike towards certain styles. If you happen to be one of these people, simply ignore users asking for rates of a style you don't like. If you don't like it for personal reasons, their is no point to be rude or down rate someone simply because you don't like the style they selected.

Another thing to keep in mind is common courtesies of rating. Be polite and offer both constructive criticism and suggestions when needed. No one likes to be bashed for not knowing any better or for being new. People come to the AT to ask for help and seek assistance, something every AT'er should know as we all had to start somewhere. For more information on rating in general make sure to check out the Avatar Talk 101 Sticky.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE STICKIES OF THIS FORUM

The Mission?
To help everyone understand the different types of avatar styles and how to rate them. People are always asking questions and making comments about things related to different styles of avatars. How do I rate that? How do I achieve -insert specific style here-? I don't know how to rate that type of avatar? Whats the point of that style? Your avatar sucks because it doesn't match! Well people should not feel this way, and should not be asking these questions or making these statements. Just like in real life people have different taste in fashions, Avatar Talk is no exception.

This thread is here to help people learn a little more about all the styles found in AT. In the process of learning more about all these styles, hopefully this thread will also help you to become a more informed rater. This thread is not here to change how you dress or how you rate. This thread is here to give you all the information about the various styles in AT that we can possibly cram into one thread. Hopefully those who take the time to read this will not only learn something new, but also gain the knowledge needed to give more constructive rates.

UPDATES

09.15.10
New tips have been added to the half & half section.

09.03.10 Goodbye STYLE, Hello COMBINATION.
Due to the fact that everyone I have ever talked too seems to tell me a different version of what style is. I have re-defined the "style section" listed here as "combination". If you want to declare you have a style avatar feel free, but you won't be finding them here.

08.15.10 Some models have been updated, not many but some. More updates to the models will be coming in the future. If you have posted and didn't make it please feel free to try posting again. All the special body types now have 5 models instead of 4. A few tips were also added to the half & half section.

02.09.10: Models have been updated, some old ones have remained and some new ones have been added. To those of you who didn't get an avatar posted, remember you can keep trying.

01.29.10 Well it's been a few months since this thread received any updates. It's time to start working on updating some models and adding some new information.

New Special Mention: Cyber Punk

05.26.09: New tips added to the backwards section. (Guide now only missing two examples)

05.19.09: Holiday Avatars added to the special mentions section. Models should be up soon. Introducing new Avatar Help aspect to thread.

05.08.09: Scenic Avatars added to the special mentions section.

05.06.09:
Has successfully migrated over all the information from the "HOW DO I RATE THAT THREAD". To introduce a new era of A super thread. Times are a changing and a fresh start was needed with more information and more examples.

NAVIGATE
POST 01: YOU ARE HERE
POST 02: Thank You's / Avatar Help
POST 03: Matching
POST 04: Non Matching
POST 05: Clutter
POST 06: Complex Clutter
POST 07: Themed
POST 08: Monotone / Monochrome
POST 09: Cosplay
POST 10: Combination
POST 11: Abstract Blobs
POST 12: Simple
POST 13: Sensual
POST 14: Half & Half
POST 15: Special Mentions

[candycrack]

THANK YOUS

This thread would not of been possible with out help and support from the AT community. A big thank you to everyone who showed support, posted avatars and gave comments and opinions.

SPECIAL MENTIONS
[Vomit King] - For inspiring me to re-make my old how do I like that thread. By adding more tips and expanding on the existing idea.
Fluff Monster - For doing some spell/grammar check on some of the original aspects of this thread.
Page Boy - For writing various aspects of the cosplay section. As well as, her various suggestions and overall ideas for the thread.
Patrician - For writing the majority of the complex clutter & Note on "No Skin" avatars information.
Whisperingsorrow - For writing the majority of the monotone section, as well as the notes on shade spectrum and rainbow avatars.
Klip - For writing the majority of the simple section.
Tsivy - For writing the majority of the clutter section.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN TIPS
0-DCB | [.TwilightRain.] | Industrial Rainbow | Sher!ock | [~Swift~] | Old Man Vee | Knights Jester

PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN SUGGESTIONS / GENERAL HELP.
aquaticstone | Le Ronnie | Kyaro | midnight kiss | Last of 9

MODELS
While time passes, overall looks need to be updated to keep up with the current times some users may end up not being featured anymore. This section is here to thank all those users who have at one point in time or another have been a model in this thread.

PREVIOUS MODELS
TicTacsAreGoodForYou, Ratt Scabies, a m p l i f y x t a s y, Sylwithia, Katolincat


SPECIAL MENTION
R.I.P: HOW DO I RATE THAT - December 2006 - May 2009. This thread had a good run and lots of support from everyone. However the time has come to build something bigger and better.

Interested In Helping Out?
Have a tip? Have a suggestion? Disagree with something? Think we missed something? Please feel free to voice your opinion and offer any information you wish to help make this thread better. This thread will always be open to new suggestions and opinions from all members of the AT community as it is meant to be an on going project.

WE NEED TIPS!!

MODELS

HAVE YOU RECENTLY MADE AN AVATAR YOU THINK IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING?
Then post it! I will be updating models on a more regular basis in order to keep up with newer trends, items and layering. However, in order to do this I need avatars better then the ones already posted! Not every avatar that get's posted will end up on the front page, but it never hurts to try.

AVATAR HELP
This is not a thread to get rated in. However, if you are struggling with an avatar or want to try out a different style and have some questions, feel free to ask. I'm sure one of the many lurkers will be happy to reply.

[candycrack]

MATCHING

Because matching is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it is no surprise that matching avatars are the most popular style found in the Avatar Talk. Over the years the Avatar Talk's vision of matching has evolved over and over again. What once started off as a basic concept has evolved into an art of balance and flow, leaving us with an aesthetically pleasing overall look.

Color Balance: Color balance is perhaps the most important part of matching avatars. Your overall color choices should be evenly distributed evenly throughout the head, torso, & legs. Not all colors are available in all of these regions, this should be taken into consideration during creation and rating.

Weight Balance: Weight should be evenly distributed throughout the avatar. Heavy items should be combined with other heavy items and petite items should be paired with other petite items. (Example: If you're using a large head item, a bulky pair of pants/big skirt, a tail, chunky shoes, or a large hand held would help prevent you from looking as if you're about to topple over.)

Shades: Exact shade matching has come to be an important aspect of making a flawless matching avatar. Even while Gaia's item selection will continue to grow, it will still leave restrictions on matching the shades exactly. The most important issue with shades is they should be as close as possible. Often times they will correct each other a tad once the avatar is saved.

Flow: The overall flow should be a combination of balancing colors, weight & shades. The items should come together in harmony and not show any sign of conflict. (Ex. If one section appears noticeably darker than another this would be a disruption of the overall flow.)

Items: Items should compliment one another. Using too many contrasting patterns or textures can often cause problems with the flow and overall appeal of a look.

GENERAL TIPS

• Making a Matching Avatar is defined by balance. You should bring a sense of balance to everything or nothing will work(or at best it'll semi-work but something will seem unbalanced and unattractive). Even if your main goal in a matching avatar is to match the colors, an avatar is nothing without a pleasant aesthetic value.

FEMALE MODELS: candycrack, [love.bites], chrom0, Bebbo, [~Swift~]
MALE MODELS:Captain Enthusiasm, iymcool, (Omnimoderate), [K!ng], Forgotten Mysteries 2

[candycrack]

NON-MATCHING

Oddly enough in the beginning originality and matching is what ruled the Avatar Talk when it was first created. With the lack of items and numerous shades exact matching was hard to achieve and hardly existed. In today's Avatar Talk non-matching avatars have become the underdog, as they do not fit typical Avatar Talk standards. They do not require a perfect balance of color, nor do they flow in the same way as a matching avatar would. Non matching avatars have their own set of rules, and are truly an art form all of their own.

Color: Look to see if the colors all blend together. The majority of the time, the look will focus on a specific color or color palette to bring in balance and flow to the look. The options for colors are endless but you should always see a common ground somewhere.

Shades: Non-matching is all about shades. Unlike matching avatars, non-matching avatars use various shades from various color palettes (Rainbow, Bold, Earth Tones, Warm Colors, Cool Colors, just to name a few). These shades should all blend together to prevent any one item from standing out too much.

Balance: Balance can and should be found in non matching avatars. This is normally done by spreading multiple shades of one color evenly throughout the avatar. However, one can also take a color and disperse it evenly throughout the avatar by means of accessories. (Typically this method works best with neutral colors like, black, white, grey or brown.)

Flow: Look to see that there is some type of overall color palette and a type of balance. While these avatars don't flow like most avatars that depend on matching, you should see consistency in the overall color pallet, shape and some sort of shade balance should be visible.


A NOTE ON "RAINBOW" AVATARS
A rainbow outfit is just that, the act of translating the rainbow spectrum into a Gaian avatar. A rainbow avatar may follow the spectrum starting from any color and may go in either direction. The challenge is in more than just finding items of the specific color in the specific area. Keeping order is another main part, if order is not kept the avatar simply becomes a non matching avatar. A good rainbow avatar adheres to texture matching, and will keep all colors in a consistent tone and shade/hue motif. A rainbow avatar may be broken up with white or black as well; these will often adhere to the matching/distribution rule. Skin should also be distributed to some degree.



GENERAL TIPS

• While the style is called Non-Matching this does not mean items should be tossed on at random. Textures, Weight, Colors, Flow, Shades and Balance all play an important part when it comes to Non-Matching.
  
  
• While non matching doesn't call for exact shades to match, colors from the same pallet should be evenly distributed in the look to help bring balance and flow to the overall look.
  

EXAMPLES

• Many people assume non-matching avatars do not contain any matching elements at all. This would be incorrect. Non-Matching avatars often have similar shades and at least one accent color which is distributed evenly to help bring balance and flow to the look.
  
  
  >> >> >>
  
  
  PHASE ONE: Brown Hair / Tan Bustier / Brown Pants. All These Items are shades of brown and help bring in balance and flow.
  
  PHASE TWO: White Flower / Cream Gloves / Cream & White Sandals. All Shades of white, which also help bring in flow and balance to the avatar.
  
  PHASE THREE: Green Skirt, Goggles Green/Yellow/Silver / Purple Scarf / Belt. The green elements bring in another sense of balance. The scarf now becomes a focal point and introduces texture and more color to the avatar.
  
  PHASE FOUR: Accessories & Handhelds for finishing touches. Accessories at this point are pretty much whatever you would like to add on (Which is one of the fun aspects of non matching). You can easily add on some of your favorite items, just make sure the smaller things don't stand out too much. (For example adding hot pink bracelets would disrupt the balance and flow of the look).
  
  While this example is a little more "matchy" then some who make non-matching avatars it provides a great starting point for those who wish to try non matching. Once you can master the basics you will be able to use fewer colors and possibly even items to bring balance to your creations. Keep in mind the overall color palette as well, this example uses a "muted color palette" and doesn't mix in bright and bold colors.
  

FEMALE MODELS: candycrack, Tastick, Tastick, Blunder Bee, candycrack
MALE MODELS: TvivT, Balo, xMiLknCoOkIeSx, Last of 9, Le Ronnie
RAINBOW MODEL:spyroinc

[candycrack]

CLUTTER

This is definitely not a style not for the weak of heart. Every month gaia expands it's amount of items by various means. With these new items, a variety of new shapes, poses, colors and layering options emerge. This is great news for your everyday Clutterer. Clutterers aim to fit as much on their avatar as they can. These people normally achieve placing well over 40 items onto their avatar in a way which most can't even comprehend.

Items: The items are simultaneously the most important part and the least important part. Since the point of these avatars is to obscure the items on the avatar, the actual items that are used are not important. However, the items used must fit together, they must balance one another in shade, tone, size, texture, etc. Specific items should not stick out, or take over the avatar. Also, having items with different textures and linear qualities within a clutter avatar helps to create flow and interest. Ask yourself, do the items within the avatar stand out, or do they become a pixelated mass?

Shape: Shape can play an important part in clutter. In clutter avatars, both the shapes made by various items within the avatar and the overall shape of the body is essential. A good clutter avatar will not have loose odds and ends sticking off of the form of the avatar, the avatar should be balanced, if small shapes are used within the head and upper torso, are small shapes used on the legs and feet? Is the upper area much heavier then the lower? Does the form flow together nicely?

Color: While in clutter avatars color does not need to match, it still plays a very important part in the overall composition of the avatar. Colors should flow together, and shades of dark and light, bright and dull should be balanced. When looking at a clutter avatar, ask yourself if the colors blend or if they are splotchy. Do the colors go well together? Just because it is clutter doesn’t mean that any random color goes, has the creator created a cohesively toned avatar?

GENERAL TIPS

• Clutter is a sort of controversial form of avatar making, although lately it has gained more respect within the AT. Remember, just because something is cluttered, doesn’t mean that it should disregard aesthetic values. It should look good overall, pleasing to the eye, there should be flow, and balance, and attention paid to details. It is important to remember that these avatars are not just random items thrown on, they are carefully constructed.
  
  
• While tossing on every plushie, MC or EI you own will make your avatar look cluttered, it will also make you look tacky. Instead of tossing on all of these items at once use a few of your favorites and work in other common items as well.

FEMALE MODELS: Ancient TV, aquaticstone, The Procreator, Galax-c, Tsivy
MALE MODELS: Tsivy, Sutori, Tsivy, Last of 9, Born of Lilith

[candycrack]

COMPLEX CLUTTER

Complex clutter combines both the matching and clutter worlds. With the constant increase of items, it was no surprise that members of the Avatar Talk community were able to combine these two worlds. Creating a look with not only a ton of items and/or accessories, but matching it as well is no easy task. These avatars use complex layering and accessorizing techniques to create a well balanced, intricate, eye-pleasing masterpiece.

Color Balance: Color balance in complex avatars is fairly similar to that of matching avatars. It is still essential to have theme colors be distributed evenly along the three main areas of the body: head, torso, and legs. Multiple colors, even colors only a few shades different, are completely acceptable if not encouraged because it can mask certain color deficiencies in the outfit given Gaia's limited selection of clothes.

Weight Balance: Weight should be distributed in the avatar similar to a circle or a square (evenly). Symmetry and congruence make the avatar seem like it has more volume, which is ideal for this type of avatar. It is not unusual for complex clutter avatars to have multiple versions of the same item because this helps to bring about the symmetry and congruence.

Shades: As mentioned before, multiple shades are a boon to complex avatars. It is not a critical flaw if you cannot match the same cherry reds because Gaian items that match shade for shade and few and far in between. It is possible to slack off with shade matching by adding another similar shade and spreading that out if possible. Don't be surprised if you see three different blues on one avatar.

Flow: Flow can be a lot of different things. It can be matching; it can be having a definitive and distinct shape. Since flow is a fairly subjective thing, it is easier to spot when things don't have flow. For example, when one area of the avatar appears to be heavier than the others, when colors clash and the avatar appears as sections and not as a whole unity, and when colors are unevenly distributed.

A NOTE ON "NO-SKIN" AVATARS.
So called "no-skin" avatars are essentially avatars that cover every bit of skin available on the avatar's body. Some people do this in order to enhance the effect of the other colors on their outfits. This is especially useful when creating monotone outfits. No-skin avatars are prevalent among people who make complex clutter avatars because, in order to cover all the skin on the avatar, a person often needs to use extensive layering. In the case of an extensively layered no skin avatar then you may use the above guidelines for complex avatars while keeping in mind that every bit of skin must be covered expertly. The layering to cover the skin must be necessary to the layering of the overall outfit. For avatars that are not so extensively layered then you may follow the guidelines in the "matching avatars" section while still keeping in mind that the skin must be covered expertly without hindering the theme, matching, or flow of the outfit.

GENERAL TIPS

• There is a very real and often misunderstood distinction when it comes to complex clutter avatars and clutter avatars. In short, it should be clear that complex clutter avatars are coordinated and specifically designed. They are not merely made by equipping on items with your eyes closed. The following is not a step by step guide to rating so much as guidelines.
  
  
• The appeal of complex clutter avatars lie in the amount of detail to attention that is put to making a single outfit. There is a challenge to layering in complex clutter avatars that may not be seen in other types of avatars. Some people also find these types of avatars more interesting to look at and easier keep for longer periods of time. A lot of conventional things about outfit making goes out the window when making complex avatars so don't be shocked when you see complex avatars break some of AT's unspoken taboos.
  
  
• Complex clutter is based on using multiple colors with at least one accent color. Balance is key and layers are taken to the full advantage to have a full look. Textures also help give the avatar a sense of flow.

FEMALE MODELS: [.TwilightRain.], [Techi], `J i r a i y a, chrom0, BlA5tFiRe
MALE MODELS: DAFT-BOT, [~Swift~], Tsivy, Quiet Judgements, DarkDejaVu

[candycrack]

THEMED

Themed avatars are exactly what they seem a "Themed Avatar". Themed avatars continue to grow in popularity as gaia introduces more and more theme specific items. Themed avatars tend to convey a specific and distinctive overall look. Themed avatars can range from pirates to princesses and everything between. The choices of items and colors should help to set the "theme" or overall look of the avatar.

Color: Color choices should be appropriate for your theme. (Example: If you were going for a pirate look, you wouldn't choose a bunch of neon colors). The colors overall should look cohesive and flow nicely with one another.

Item Selection: Again are the item choices appropriate to the theme? Do they match the time period and or style of the theme? Do they flow together and work well to create a cohesive and overall look? These are important questions you should ask yourself when rating a themed look. However, keep in mind gaia does lack in certain areas of items so the final question you must ask yourself is are the best item options used for this look?


A NOTE ON COMICAL AVATARS
Comical Avatars have been around for a long time but as gaia releases more items to help boost the popularity of these avatars more and more have been seen. Comical avatars are made to get a laugh they can range from parodies of people to just a funny themed avatar. These avatars should be rated not only to their overall appeal but to their comical aspect as well. If the avatar doesn't make you laugh or at the very least put a smile on your fave then it didn't quite reach it's goal.




GENERAL TIPS

• Overall look is perhaps the most important aspect to a themed avatar. The overall look of the theme will be the overall factor in deciding if you failed horribly or achieved the theme you were going for. If you find yourself rating a themed avatar where it is hard to tell exactly what the theme is offer item suggestions on how they can make the look more appropriately themed.
  
  
• Pirates do not carry around bio-mechanic weapons and Ninja's do not wear hot pink. If your going to do a themed avatar item accuracy is key.
  
  
• Matching isn't needed for themed avatars. When working with themes some users often add on items just to match. The problem with this is that these items often do not relate to the theme, and end up ruining the "themed" aspect of the avatar.
  
  
• Facial expressions, handhelds, and details play an important part in finishing off a themed look. These items can often make or break a theme so choose wisely.
  
  
• Always remember that a themed avatar is a character not an amalgamation of items. It should look as such.

FEMALE MODELS: Windgracy (Picnic Gone Wrong), Vivid Fizz(Marionette), [Vomit King ] (Spousal Abuse), Windgracy (Fortune Teller), Vivid Fizz (Pirate)
MALE MODELS:[Vomit King] (Exterminator), [Wild]Fang(Voodoo Doll), Last Of 9 (Archeologist), Last of 9(Monk), [Wild]Fang (Poke Trainer)
COMICAL MODEL: Ryu Ktu (Obama - Ice Warrior)

[candycrack]

MONOTONE / MONOCHROME

Monotone is the strict use of a specific color, or the avoidance of color altogether. Monotone is a sketchy subject as both its components have their downsides. Color monotone is a noted rarity in the AT whereas black and white monotone (monochrome) are generally found unappealing and overdone. Monotones generally follow the rules of matching avatars with a few monotone-specific qualities.

Shade Balance: Shade Balancing is the equivalent to a matching outfit's Color Balance. It is the distribution of specific shades and hues across the outfit with primarily goal of accentuating each shade in the three core area: the head, torso, and leg/feet area, and fine tuning it from there. A good monotone avatar should display an equal distribution of any specific shade or hue of the color being worked with, obviously avoiding the introduction of any new color which may be on an item to the greatest extent and/or work to block out any "introduced color" with fine tuned layering. Often, the only color exception to be made is with the skin, which should be evenly balanced if it is not completely covered.

Weight Balance: The balance of weight is an important tool towards overall appeal and flow as is in most other styles of avatars. Monochrome weight balance can be executed as either the distribute or exclusion of "heavy" throughout an avatar, or through symmetry, as it would be with a Complex Clutter outfit.

Variance Balance: Isolated areas of high variation between shades can be unpleasing on the eye if they stand alone. If an item with an intense variety of shades is introduced it's pattern should be replicated to an extent throughout the outfit.

Flow; Texture/Luster: The items of the monotone avatar work together to accomplish a specific texture gradient, or at least do not work counterproductive to one another.

A NOTE ON "SHADE SPECTRUM" AVATARS
A shade spectrum outfit would be the "rainbow avatar" of the Monotone world. It is an endeavor of blending the shades in a linear fashion down an outfit, such as going dark shades to light hue and vice versa, or dark at the top to light in the middle to dark at the bottom, and vice versa.


GENERAL TIPS

• If one is doing a one colored avatar it is important to use many contrasting shades or one shade. There must be distinction. One shade is much more difficult, but to mismatch barely will make it look like a bad attempt.
  
  
• When making an avatar with white an blacks(and everything in between) the item choices are very important. B/W combo is one of the simplest to accomplish because the items are in such an abundance, so when one pulls of an interesting monochrome it just makes it that much more interesting. Generally there are 3 main factors in this type of mono, either A) Style B) Flow or C) Textures, or even on rare occasions, D) all of the above.

FEMALE MODELS: Florentine, xMoonStarsx, Maeve of Connacht, Maramas, Knights Jester
MALE MODELS: The Bagel, Doxycyprofen, C3SAR, Silence the Blade, Balo

[candycrack]

COSPLAY

Cosplay avatars are a fairly straightforward approach to avatar building, but definitely challenging. Cosplays are similar to themed avatars in the sense that matching is a low priority in the overall goal of an accurate look. Un-like simply choosing a theme, the idea is to create an avatar based off a specific character, person or thing. Cosplay avatars underwent a significant increase in popularity with the release of the Avatar Arena. In fact this change was so significant that they now have an arena all to themselves.

Accuracy/Translation: Probably the most important aspect of cosplay avatar is they accuracy of the outfit, which is usually based off a reference of some sort, either an image or description. The most difficult part of cosplay avatars is being limited to Gaia items, which don't always match up with the style or complexity of the cosplay. It's not unlike translating one spoken language into another, the most literal translation might not always work so in some cases it is still necessary to be innovative and be approximate in order to capture the original feel. In some cases, the cosplay may simply be an interpretation of a character whose appearance can be more varied (ex: Puss in Boots), other wise, the avatar may simply be about how easy it is to guess the character.

Originality: Originality plays two roles; in concept and execution. First, how original is the cosplay itself? It is natural to see certain characters cosplayed more often than others based on the popularity of the character and how easy it is to cosplay. Certain items sets on gaia are based heavily upon or resemble items from a series (ninja headband, kill admin sets, pixie) and so we often see those cosplays being done over and over again with the same item. Item choice is another way cosplays can achieve uniqueness, even over done cosplays. The Link cosplay above uses a very over-done idea, but it's execution stands out because the users sacrificed some of the accuracy for a look that is slightly more authentic-looking. Otherwise the avatar may simply have come up with a very original cosplay idea. It is sometimes interesting to see how someone is able to push the limits and still be recognized.

GENERAL TIPS

• An avatar is an avatar and even a cosplay avatar should be interesting to look at. Usually if the cosplay is adequately accurate and original, it will be successful. If the avatar is too accurate, it may be boring, if it is too original it the cosplay might simply be unrecognizable or too far a stretch. In some cases, the idea for the cosplay is simply too common, too boring, too obscure or too complex.

FEMALE MODELS: Tekar (Daria), chrom0 (Lady GaGa), Maramas, (King Julian), Kuyusi (Plague Doctor), Lady Windgrace (Belle - Beauty & The Beast)
MALE MODELS: Last of 9 (Invisible Man), Mr Meow Meows (Veiwtiful Joe), II Capt JackSparrow II (Captain Jack Sparrow), l ShishkaBerry l (Cheshire Cat), Last of 9 (Newton)

[candycrack]

COMBINATION

Combination avatars are pretty much just what the title says, a combination. These avatars typically break from the rules of other styles by combining another style or two within them.

There are many avatars that don't fit perfectly into a predefined style and just because they don't does not mean they are bad. Simply tossing together items does not make your avatar a combination avatar, it takes a great deal of balance of the styles being combined to pull it off just right.

Colors: The overall choice of colors can make or break an avatar, even though a combination avatar would break from typical matching guidelines, a balance of colors should still play an important part.

Color Balance: Color balance should still be visible in some aspects. While you will not need to balance an exact shade, you should balance the overall colors to keep the look cohesive.

Items: Items are free reign when it comes to combination. Since you are combining styles an elements there are no rules here. However, remember to keep a consistent flow and balance to the shape and weight of the items.

Weight/Item Balance: Weight & Item balance is pleasing to any look. The items should work together, and prevent any section of the avatar from looking too cluttered or to bulky in comparison to others.

Flow: Do the items all compliment each other? How about the colors? The Weight? If they do great, if they don't you have bad flow. All the aspects of your avatars should work together, since typical rules do not apply here, flow ends up being a big factor in these types of looks.

GENERAL TIPS

• Is everything working together to make a stunning, cohesive and unique avatar? This is the most important question to ask yourself when rating a combination avatar. Since combination avatars do break away from the norm, overall appeal becomes the biggest determination factor in deciding what a good combination avatar is.
  

FEMALE MODELS: Aiko Afriel, candycrack, candycrack, Iokia, Aiko Afriel
MALE MODELS: open, slutfayse, iAkenemo, DarkDejaVu, Last of 9

[candycrack]

ABSTRACT BLOBS

This is a fairly new style in the AT and is a type of avatar that does not reflect the human form. Using the combination of a blob-like shape, and a flow of colors -- the end avatar is not necessarily an avatar anymore, but a "blob" per say that's meant to be interpreted by one's free will.

Abstract Blobs can be easily confused with theme -- but the key thing to differentiate the two is that an abstract blob can be interpreted in many ways and does not look like an avatar anymore while a themed avatar is based off a specific theme that is portrayed by dressing one's avatar in "costume."

Also different from matching. One criteria of an Abstract Blob is that it's backwards and kneeling. One can create a matching avatar that's backwards and kneeling. The key point in differentiating in the two is that one is strictly matching (look at the Matching Avatars post) and the other has more flow and a blend of colors.

CRITERIA FOR AN ABSTRACT BLOB:
- backwards kneeling round blob-like shape
- can be read with multiple interpretations
- flow of color (minimum of 2 colors used)

GENERAL TIPS

• While matching is not necessary, a sense of continuity and flow is extremely important throughout the entire avatar. Without a sense of continuity, you may end up looking just like you threw on a bunch of items. Just like (most) abstract art, an abstract blob still needs to be creative and artistic (i.e., in an avatar way).

A NOTE ON STANDING
Standing makes hiding the human shape much more of a challenge, then simply kneeling. While standing abstract avatars are rare to see they are possible. With more items being released more frequently combination's to make standing blobs have become much more of a possibility. Hopefully we will be seeing many more of these in the future.




FEMALE MODELS: Sock God, AT n00b, Sher!ock, Iokia, midnight kiss
MALE MODELS: Forgotten Mysteries 2, 0-DCB, .[.Le-Ronnie.]., Ryu Ktu, Last of 9
STANDING MODEL:Sir Baka

[candycrack]

SIMPLE

Simple avatars are just as the title says: simple. Simple looks are often overlooked in the AT because they are considered boring or "easy to make". If you are going to go for a simple look it is your job to not fall into the category of boring or easy. A simple look should use a minimal amount of items to create a big impact.

Flow: How does the avatar move from one part to the next? Is there anything at all that makes your eyes stop, and not see the avatar in it’s full glory? If so determine if the flow is disrupted by color, weight or just poor layering and offer suggestions on how to fix it.

Accessories: Usually almost absent in simple avatars… are they used in a way not to draw much attention to themselves, as if to add to, but not become gaudy? Do they fit the look the creator is looking to reach? If many accessories happened to be used this may not be a bad thing, as long as they do not distract from the overall look. If too many accessories are used in a way in which they draw attention to themselves, make suggestions on which ones can be removed without hurting the overall look.

Color: While color balance is not necessarily needed in a simple look, a pleasing color pallet is. If the simple avatar is not using a matching color scheme, colors should blend together in a cohesive manor and stick to a overall similar pallet.




A NOTE ON REALISTIC AVATARS
Realistic avatars hardly differ from simplistic avatars, the overall aspect is the same. Item choice plays an important part in realistic avatars. Items on a realistic avatar should resemble those of real life as closely as possible. One or two fantasy items may be added on, due to a personal preference of the creator but they should be minimal to the overall look.



GENERAL TIPS

• Simple does not mean plain or boring. It is possible to use more than five or seven items and still have a simple yet interesting avatar.
  
  
• Remember the overall aspect of a simple avatar is the fact that it is simple, and simple is not to be confused with boring. Often people will down rate a simple avatar just because they find it boring, however if the avatar itself is unique, and appealing it really should not be down rated just for it's use of minimal items.
  
  
• Theme, Is there one? Can you tell right off the bat what it is? If not, then there is probably no theme, or a poorly executed one… Keep this in mind. If they do happen to have a theme keep not only this section in mind, but the section on themed avatars in mind as well.
  
  
• Item and Color choices should have some depth and shading to them. Combining a limited number of plain items with plain items will result in a plain avatar.

FEMALE MODELS: Page Boy, Shadee, The Telekinetic Spork, [love.bites], Iokia

MALE MODELS: Old Man Vee, Old Man Vee, Rat Scabbies, lHibou, O-m-n-i-m-o-d-e-r-a-t-e
REALISTIC MODELS: .Some.Other.Mercy. & P A N N S I E

[candycrack]

SENSUAL

Sensual avatars are the art of dressing skimpy. Sensual avatars lack a certain amount of clothing often using only undergarments or swimsuits as the main clothing choices. What makes sensual avatars so interesting and intriguing is the way these avatars need to use accessories. Unlike other styles were accessories are often just finishing touches, sensual avatars depend on them for balance, flow and completing the overall look of the outfit.

General Principals: Sensual avatars typically fall into matching, non matching or monotone/monochrome. Instead of repeating all the info for these categories here as well, please keep in mind to follow the general guidelines of what to look for in these categories while applying it to the rating method for a sensual avatar.

Clothing: Clothing plays a minimal part to sensual avatars, so when rating a sensual avatar you should infact look at the lack of clothing. If the avatar is fully clothed it is not a sensual look. Clothing choices should give help achieve the sensual feel for the overall look.

Accessories: Since clothing is kept to a minimum in regards to sensual avatars accessories are used to complete the look. The accessories become responsible for achieving the overall balance and flow. They should help balance both color and weight, and complete the overall flow of the look.

GENERAL TIPS

• Due to the lack of clothing that sensual avatars contain, choice of accessories are key for making or breaking these types of avatars. Use to many unrelated accessories and you start to look tacky, use to few and you look dull. Try to keep the accessories related in color, theme and/or texture to achieve the best overall look.
  
  
• Tattoo's can be a great way to incorporate color, texture and personality into a sensual avatar. However, tattoo's have limitations when it comes to style. Not all tattoos go with all skintones, nor with all accessories. Just because you like a tattoo doesn't mean it will always work with these types of looks and the other items you have chosen.

FEMALE MODELS: [love.bites], Aifo Afriel, candycrack, LittleRaverJoey, Fluff Monster
MALE MODELS: Underworld Torrent, Balo, Silence the Blade, [ Vomit King ], SykoSilver

[candycrack]

HALF & HALF

Half & Half avatars which were once a rarity in the Avatar Talk, have started to become more noticeable. These avatars still seldom pop up but when they do they tend to make a big impression. While half & half avatars are most common to be split Horizontally they can also be done vertically or diagonally.

GENERAL TIPS

• Despite the fact that the avatar is comprised of two different halves, one must still take into account the overall flow of the avatar. Overall the two sections should work together to create a strong and appealing overall look.
  
• The split rather horizontal, vertical or diagonal should be distinct. Items should not hang into either side.
  
• Hermes/Mercury's moon sash is not required to make the split for diagonal half and half avatars.

The Importance of Similarities

• Similarities between the two halves will help the avatar flow together. For example if one half matches, the other should match as well to help keep flow and balance. This may not always be the case but it is a good starting point, especially if you are new at working with these types of avatars.
  
• Sides should be similar. If one half is cluttered and detailed, so should the bottom be. The exclusion to this should be if the top is aimed to be a clutter av, and the bottom a different style.

FEMALE MODELS: sdrawkcab, Kinny Fear, Knights Jester, Galax-C, Knights Jester
MALE MODELS: Last of 9, SilverFalco, [Wild]Fang, Shahdee, iymcool

[candycrack]

SPECIAL MENTIONS

This section is dedicated to other widely popular styles found in the AT. These styles either effect other various styles or can fall under numerous categories listed above (If not both).

ANIMAL
While some may believe animals should have their own category the fact is they can fit into numerous categories. Since animal avatars only require the use of an animal item they can fall into any category from matching to clutter, and everything in between. Their only distinction is in fact the use of animal inspired items.

GENERAL TIPS

• When trying to achieve an animal look and feel please do not just toss on matching ears and a tail. Incorporate the animal items you wish to use by blending them into your overall look.

BACKWARDS
Backwards avatars while somewhat related to the abstract blob approach are actually very different. Abstract blobs focus more on creating a unique shape, normal backwards avatars stick to the human shape/form. These avatars should be rated accordingly to the section they would typically belong to (Matching, Non-Matching, Monochrome, ect...)

GENERAL TIPS

• With backwards avatars layering can be a tricky subject. What you see might not be what you get when you save. Something may end up layering under something else and your layering is ruined. You will need to experiment with different backwards layering rather than relying on your knowledge of forward facing layering.
  
  
• When it comes to backwards avatars achieving good layering is hard. Items were meant to be seen from the front originally, and forward facing avatars are the popular choice. When working with backwards items pay attention to the shapes, and details of your items as these two things can often make or break a backwards look.
  

**Here's a helpful link to a guide of how some various objects look backwards. 180 Degrees. Focuses on Hair & Skin but includes a few other "fun" items as well.

CYBER PUNK
Cyberpunk is a term combined from cybernetics and the style of punk. This is a science fiction genre from a near future age. Cyberpunk is highly noted for its influence of technological advances and using this technology to manipulate the human body. Being Cyberpunk means you have cybernetic body parts and associate your style in separation from one's own image of mainstream society in often times over dramatic ways. (Referece Thread)

GENERAL TIPS

• Attempt to modify the body with some sort of cybernetics and make this the main focus of your avatar while adding a semi futuristic flair of clothing.
  
• Cyberpunk is not the same as future robotics. To be cyberpunk you must meld together humanity and cybernetics.
  
• Cyberpunk is usually paired with a post apocalyptic flair, but doesn't always need such.

GLITCHES
Glitches come and go like the wind around gaia. Every once in awhile one may stick around for a bit, however more sooner then later it will be gone. Glitches are just a fun thing that pop up around the site and are quite fun to some avatar makers. Making a great glitched avatar help's leave a lasting impression and memory of the specific glitch. Normally glitches are taken very lightly and rated on their amusement and creative use of the glitch.

GENERAL TIPS

WARNING: The Exploiting of explicit avatar glitches can get your avatar reset. So no showing off your uncovered naughty parts, got it? Please keep in mind glitched avatars are also not allowed in the Avatar Arena.

HOLIDAY
Holidays come and go just like in real life. With Holiday events and festive items many Gaians dress for the occasion. Holiday looks are a fun way to show off holiday spirit and get involved with the Gaian festivities.

GENERAL TIPS

• Major holidays such as (Christmas, Easter & Halloween) often bring us an influx of new holiday items. While new items are always exciting it is not exciting to see them all tossed on once they come out. Break them apart and play with different pieces.

POWERCLASH
Powerclash has been around for a long time in the Avatar Talk Although many users still do not quite know what it is. Powerclash is the technique of applying many different contrasting colors in a way that is appealing and balanced. These types of avatars typically use 3 or more bright colors to create a bright and fun overall look.

GENERAL TIPS

• Powerclash does not mean a combination of blinding colors tossed together. It does however mean, the use of multiple bright colors that come together in harmony to create a bold and powerful look.

SCENIC AVATARS
Scenic Avatars have become more popular as more background items have been released into gaia. Scenic Avatars are a creative expression in which one doesn't use the chibi form and transfers themselves into a lovely landscaped picture. Scenic avatars will sometimes involve an animal type item as well. What makes these avatars so distinct however is that they completely eliminate the use of the chibi base of our avatars.

GENERAL TIPS

SETS
Once recognized as the biggest no-no in the AT, sets have started to become more widely accepted in avatar creation. In recent store updates more and more sets have been released that don't even look like sets or just seem to belong together.

GENERAL TIPS

• The key to working with items from a set is making it so they no longer look like a set. It's perfectly acceptable to use some set items to create a unique look, just make sure the items are broken up and mixed in with other various items to complete the look.
  
  
• Wearing a set and then accessorizing it with other non-set items is not creative or original.

SPECIAL BODY TYPES
Long gone are the days where only humans roam gaia, we have now added Imps, Centaurs and more to the mix. Many people are unaware of how to work with these items because they create new challenges, for flow and balance. The biggest challenge however is not being able to use all of your items with these body types. While you can't tell a centaur they are unbalanced for not being able to decorate there body. You can focous on the areas they are able to equip items. The overall color pallet, item selection and flow are key factors to creating a stunning special body type look.

GENERAL TIPS

STEAMPUNK
Steampunk is s a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. In terms of avatars steampunk looks tend to be very mechanical and old fashioned. To find out more about steampunk specifics check out Wikipedia.

GENERAL TIPS

• When dressing in this style remember that it is not about perfect matching or color balance. This style is very distinctive and doesn’t need to rely on matching to be pulled off well.
  
  
• While it may be tempting, don’t go throwing on every item that has been deemed Steampunk. Having a TM, Techno Mage, Brass Raver Goggles, and monocle tossed on doesn’t make the avatar original and a key point of the style is originality.
  
  
• Textures are very important. Having a rough or gritty look to the avatar will help it feel more authentic. Playing around with layers and item stacking is strongly encouraged.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to throw some colors in to the mix! A lot of people stay away from color, choosing to go with all brown hues, but color will help add pop and personally to your avatar. Remember, a lot of Steampunk is based off the latter half of the 1800’s and bright colors were very popular for the females of that time (the rich ones, anyway).
  

ANIMAL MODELS: Old Man Vee, Sher!ock, xXAce Of ClubsXx, [Wild]Fang, Bilious
BACKWARDS MODELS: sher!ock, [~Swift~], sher!ock, Old Man Vee, Iokia
CYBER PUNK MODELS: Shahdee, Sutori, candycrack, Last of 9, Shahdee
GLITCH MODELS: Boopy, C3SAR, C3SAR, MajorBullisticBrigham, C3SAR
HOLIDAY MODELS: Aiko Afriel, Quiet Judgments, candycrack, Last of 9, candycrack
POWERCLASH MODELS: Vlinder, Imperial Shockies, Phenomenon, Qwanna, Slutfayse
SCENIC AVATARS: Knights Jester, C3SAR, sher!ock, 0-DCB, Maramas
SET MODELS: [.TwilightRain.], Valgav, candycrack, Phoenix Goliathane, candycrack
SPECIAL BODY TYPES MODELS: Miss Oddly Charming Rhea, Iokia, chron0,Old Man Vee, Harley Queen
STEAMPUNK MODELS: Old Man Vee, Jibo Phoenix, Old Man Vee, Aiko Afriel, Phoenix Goliathane