What is image styling and how to use it?

Stylization technique

Let's start with a definition. Stylization is a compositional technique that consists in simplifying and reworking the external form of the prototype in order to highlight and enhance expressive qualities. The simplest example: the complex three-dimensional shape of a flower is transformed into a flat, symmetrical image of a rosette, which is clearly legible.

It is important to note that stylization is not related, but the opposite of imitation (creating an illusory copy). Imitation copies, and stylization resembles form.

The concept of stylization, in addition to borrowing and simplifying a natural form, has another meaning. It is associated with historically established styles in art and architecture (antique, Gothic, Renaissance, classicism, modern, etc.). In this case, when they say, for example, “stylized,” they mean the stylistic features of a certain era that they bring to the image.

Modern design widely uses the so-called eclecticism to create a complex artistic image. The term “eclecticism” refers to a free mixture of styles. But in this case, it is important to take into account the task and not overdo it with forms of expression, so that eclecticism does not develop into kitsch (when outright bad taste becomes the principle of choice). The desire to collect “all the best at once” in one image is a sure sign that the end result will be a kitsch style image. The main thing is that the game of “anti-design” does not turn into ordinary bad taste, since current kitsch is a constant provocation, balancing “on the brink.”

Stylization methods and techniques

Methods and techniques used in stylization: brevity, exaggeration (exaggeration), symbolism. All types and methods of stylization are based on a single principle - transformation. And finally, the purpose of stylization is expression (increasing expressiveness).

What is a mood board?

In continuation of our topic, I would like to start a conversation about the design discovery of the mood board (from the English “mood board”). In other words, it is a collage, a collection of pictures selected for a specific concept. It is used in various fields - from industrial design to the fashion industry.

It is based on the principle of gestalt perception (from German gestalt - “form”, “image”, “structure”). Our brain is designed in such a way that first we perceive the image as a whole, and then we highlight individual details. As a result, a mood board helps to assemble a holistic image through associative details. This is a great way to express the idea you want to bring to life through visual solutions.

Why do masters need a mood board?

When you need to describe your idea, things like mood, feelings and other abstract concepts are quite difficult to convey in words, so professional designers use a mood board - a collection of pictures related to the same theme and together making up one reference point. This approach helps you see the direction and creates a common language in which you can convey your idea to the team and the customer.

In this case, if a makeup artist, hairdresser, stylist, designer, etc. is working on the image, using a mood board will make it easier to effectively create a holistic image. At the same time, it is very important to preserve the style and key points! Moreover, when selecting a mood board, sometimes a phenomenon called insight occurs; the concept expands its quality.

Creativity is an incredibly exciting, absorbing process, because creating means thinking! Today, new features are appearing to help craftsmen that can somewhat simplify the task and encourage them to implement the most complex and unimaginable tasks. Therefore, develop yourself, be interested, and implement your ideas! Let creativity in its best understanding become a style of your life!

The article was first published in MAKEUP&YOU Professional magazine