Welcome to Gaia! ::

While this guide is here to inform everyone of different styles found in the AT some may still hold a bias or dislike of 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.

Interested In Helping This Thread Become Even More Helpful?
Have an idea for improving a section? Think some important information is missing? Have an idea for something new to be added? If so please send me a PM, or post in the thread.

I'm always open to new ideas and suggestions as I do wish to keep this thread involved with the AT community.

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. I would like to thank the following people who contributed beyond what was expected.

fluff monster - For being my spelling/grammar checker.
Kyaro - For Suggesting an addition about sets.
Page Boy - For writing the cosplay section. As well as, her various avatar contributions, and suggestions and overall ideas for the thread.
Patrician - For writing how to rate complex clutter & Note on "No Skin" avatars. Also for suggesting some information on rating paired avatars.
Whisperingsorrow - For writing the monotone section, as well as the notes on shade spectrum and rainbow avatars.
Klip - For writing the simple section.
.[.Le-Ronnie.]. - For the suggestion of abstract blobs.
midnight kiss - For writing the abstract blob section
Tsivy - For Re-writting the clutter section.

*Complete list of model thank yous can be found at the bottom of this thread.



( 12.11.08 )
+Swapped out all the old, to replace with the new.
+Added backwards avatars to special mentions.
+Added a note on comical avatars to the themed section.
+Clutter section Re-Written by the wonderful Tsivy.

STILL MISSING EXAMPLES FOR SPECIAL SECTIONS IF YOU SEE A BLANK SPACE FEEL FREE TO SUBMIT AN AVATAR FOR THAT SECTION. I AM PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO AVATARS, SO PLEASE DON'T BE OFFENDED IF YOU DON'T ONE OF YOUR AVATARS POSTED. I HAVE TRIED MY BEST TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED SOMETHING IS SHOWCASED SOMEWHERE!

( 12.10.08 )
+Archived all past models.
+Added rating info for sensual avatars.


! 10.23.08 )
+Welcome Post Tweaked
+ General Information Post Tweaked and added some new information about general courtesies of rating.
+ Themed & Simple Sections Slightly Modified.
+Some new notes will be coming up in the future. =)

( 10.22.08 )
+Table of contents updated to include all notes.
+Simple - Rating guidelines have been slightly modified.
+Themed - Description Added, How To Rate That Updated (Still not totaly complete)
+Sensual - Description Added.
+Style - New Section Added. (No Info Yet) COMPLETED! Awaiting Models.
+Realistic - Section deleted, note on realistic avatars now found under the simple section.
+Powerclash, Special Body Types & Steampunk Added to special Mentions.
+Model Thank Yous Added

(04.11.07)
+Abstract Blob Section Now Up, Still Awaiting Completion.

(08.10.07)
+Animal section reduced to special mentions to make way for new abstract blob section.
+Simple section has been tweaked.
+Realistic has been slightly updated.

(08.05.07)
+Two additional sections/notes are in the works one on abstract blobs and one on powerclash.
+Clutter section has been extended.

(07.25.07)
+Simple section now complete.

(12.06.06)
+Thread Created

Non-matching avatars still have yet to catch on with most of the AT as they do not fit typical AT standards. They have no real balance or color coordination which most ATers dislike. However creating a non-matching avatar is an art all of its own. Non-matching avatars have their own ways of matching; they are random, yet they work. These avatars are first and foremost made to please the creator.


HOW TO RATE NON-MATCHING AVATARS
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.

(Ex. Look at the av's above. One common factor you will see in all of these looks is that one color, or multiple shades of one color are distributed evenly through the avatar to bring in balance and flow.)

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, Ect. These shades should all blend together to prevent certain items from standing out too much.

Balance: Balance can be found in three different ways in non-matching avatar (not always all at once). The first type of balance commonly seen is accessory balance, using accessories of all the same color to make the look cohesive. The second is weight distribution. Like for most avatars, if all of the weight is found in one area, the avatar will lose overall appeal. The final type of balance is a type of color balance. This fits into the principles of matching avatars without the need for exact shade matching.

Flow: Look to see that there is some type of overall color palette and a type of balance. These avatars don't flow like most avatars because they do not match, however they will have a flow based on the color palette and their unique balancing techniques.

Overall Appeal: Just like everything else this is part of how you see the avatar upon first glance and how you feel about it. Keep in mind that the point of this type of avatar is not to match, but to have a unified look & feel. Look at the creator's choice of colors & take into account the way that the avatar has been balanced.



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.



FEMALE MODELS: Tastick, candycrack, candycrack, candycrack, windgracie
MALE MODELS: Essoh, TvivT, Forgotten Mysteries 2
RAINBOW MODEL: candycrack

Complex clutter combines both the matching and clutter 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.



HOW TO RATE COMPLEX CLUTTER AVATARS
** 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.

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 inbetween. 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 wholeunity, and when colors are unevenly distributed.

Overall Appeal: 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.

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.

FEMALE MODELS: Tsivy, `J i r a i y a
MALE MODELS:x [~Swift~], Tsivy, The Bagel, King Lunchbox, [Wild]Fang

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.




HOW TO RATE MONOTONE AVATARS

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.

Overall Appeal: As with most other styles, this is the personal conjecture on the execution of the outfit; its over all ability to execute flow and concoct something unique and original.


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.

FEMALE MODELS: a m p l i f y x t a s y, [K!ng], Windgracie, Maeve of Connacht, Queeny-Chan
MALE MODELS: Ryu Ktu, Doxycyprofen, The Bagel, Silver Falco, The Silent Blade

"Style" avatars are the newest style to pop up in the AT. These avatars typically break from the rules of all other styles, but only ever so slightly. Style avatars are typically avatars that are looking to achieve a great overall look without focusing on perfect color and shade balance. Often times Style Avatars are slightly themed, I say slightly because they do not follow the use of proper items like normal themed avatars do.



HOW TO RATE STYLE AVATARS


COLORS: The overall choice of colors can make or break an avatar, even though a "style" avatar breaks from the exact matching & balance rule colors should still remain cohesive. The color pallets and opportunities are endless with exact matching not needed, it's up to you to determine if a good selection of colors were chosen.

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 color to some extent to keep the look "styled" and not break in to the "Non Matching" territory.

ITEMS: When it comes to items and style avatars many people get distracted with only using items they like. While this isn't always an issue sometimes it can become one. Make sure the items flow together nicely, and are cohesive. Each item should compliment one another to make for a pleasing overall look.

WEIGHT/ITEM BALANCE: Weight & Item balance is pleasing to any look, and style is no acceptation. The avatar should remain from being top or bottom heavy in both weight and item choices.

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 to style avatars flow ends up being a big factor in these types of looks.

OVERALL APPEAL: Is everything working together to make a stunning, cohesive and unique avatar? This is the most important question to ask yourself when rating a style avatar. Since style avatars do break away from the norm and often reflect a persons own sense of style, overall appeal becomes the biggest determination factor in what is and what isn't a good style avatar.



FEMALE MODELS: Aiko Afriel, Iokia, Tsivy, candycrack, TicTacsAreGoodForYou
MALE MODELS: slutfayse, [ Vomit King ], Tsivy, Captain Enthusiasm, [ Vomit King ]

Simple avatars are just as the title says: simple. Normally when creating a simple look, the creator will use a minimum amount of items. However, this is not always the case as a good amount of items can sometimes be used to still achieve an overall simplistic look.

The most important part of rating a simple look, is knowing that it is a simple look. It’s hard to rate an avatar if you lack the knowledge of what you’re looking at. The theme is almost standard for simple avatars, however, a simple avatar DOES NOT require a theme. Themes are usually stated by the rates, or are in their signature, however, the theme should be apparent if executed correctly. If you cannot recognize a theme it is safe to say there is not one, and should rate it on the overall appearance.



HOW TO RATE SIMPLE AVATARS

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 have happen to have a theme keep not only this section but the section on themed avatars in mind as well.

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.

Overall look: From a first glance, is the avatar pleasing to look at? Does everything flow together cohesively? Are the elements of the avatar used and executed effectively? These are important things to take into consideration when rating a simple look. Please 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.





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.





FEMALE MODELS: candycrack, t o x i c ` , Iokia, [K!ng], sleevenose
MALE: [ Vomit King ], King Lunchbox, lHibou, Suitori, Forgotten Mysteries 2
REALISTIC MODEL: .Some.Other.Mercy.

The information in this section is dedicated to various things that effect various avatar styles. This section is here to help you understand some underlying factors of avatar creation. Please keep in mind these mentions are here because they are not associated with one specific style, but numerous styles mentioned above.




While some may believe animals should have their own category the in fact 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.



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



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 av tends to help leave a lasting impression of the creator upon others. Normally glitches are taken very lightly and rated on their amusement and creative use of the glitch.



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 overall. These types of avatars typically use 3 or more bright colors to create a bright and fun overall look.




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. When you recognize someone wearing numerous items of a set you should not automatically give them a low rating. Before deciding to deduct points take a good look at the avatar and ask yourself does it look like a set? More often then not the answer will be no. Wearing two or more pieces from a set too complete a look in a creative way is definitely acceptable. I bet you didn't even realize that outfit three contains pants and a shirt from the same set.





Long gone are the days where only humans roam gaia, we have now added Imps and Centaurs to the mix. Which many people are unaware of how to rate, when really it's not that hard. They shouldn't really be rated any differently then any other avatar, their only exception is obviously the new body. While you can't tell a centaur they are unbalanced for not being able to decorate there body you can still rate there areas where they are allowed to equip items. Rating based on the chosen color pallet, item selection, flow and overall appeal are still standards for these type's of creatures.




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.


ANIMAL MODELS: Sher!ock, Underworld Torrent, Iokia, [K!ng]
GLITCH MODELS: [K!ng], lHibou, ookami ashi, Ryu Ktu
POWERCLASH MODELS: Vlinder, Imperial Shockies, candycrack, Forgotten Mysteries 2
SET MODELS: candycrack, Phoenix Goliathane, candycrack, King Lunchbox
SPECIAL BODY TYPES: Harley Queen, Iokia, Miss Oddly Charming Rhea
STEAMPUNK MODELS: Jibo Phoenix, [ Vomit King ], Aiko Afriel, Phoenix Goliathane



MODEL THANK YOUS
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.

AD900, Aerodynamic Apple , Agent Provocateur, Aiko Afriel, [All Spice], a m p l i f y x t a s y, aquaticstone, Arriana, Audhumla, Autio Ainoa, Balo, Barbie Slave, candycrack, [Cardamom], Captain Enthusiasm, crappybunny, Da Grunt, DarkCloudsBurning, Dieidiotscum, Doxycyprofen, Dr. Zeo`, Essoh, Fatal!ty, ][ F!sh.gif ][, Fluff Monster, Goldman, Harley Queen, lHibou, Imperial Shockies, Iokia, Jadelle, Jelloish, Jibo Phoenix, `J i r a i y a, [K!ng], Korynnn, KPOP, Kuyusi, lady_threnody, .[.Le-Ronnie.]., lil timmy, LittleRaverJoey, [love.bites], luthienne, mandarijn, Mehla, Merridew, midnight kiss, Miss Oddly Charming Rhea, Neeharu Darkcast, ookami ashi, (Omnimoderate), Oni J. , Page Boy, Pants King, Patrician, Phoenix Goliathane, Popple, Ryu Ktu, Sayanee, Sher!ock, Silver Falco, Sir Lunchbox , sMiRnOfF_kId, sock god, .Some.Other.Mercy., spasticgreenman, Suitori, Sunday Funnies, [~Swift~], SykoSilver, Tastick, Tekar, The Bage, The Silent Blade, [TicTacsAreGoodForYou], Tsivy, TvivT, UnderworldTorrent, Valgav, Vlinder, Violaceous Vertigo, [ Vomit King ], Whisperingsorrow, Wiener Schnitzel, [Wild]Fang, Windgracie, WinRAR, xMiLknCoOkIeSx, _xSSs iiN-, x THOR x

VIEW PAST MODELS: A Thread has been set up in the official Avatar Guild to showcase all our past models, you can view it here.