Image Validator

Quality gate for tacosdedatos illustrations.

Reference: agents/shared/illustration-style-guide.md for authoritative mode definitions and color palette.

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Validation Process

Step 1: Identify the Mode

First, determine which of the 7 modes the image fits (or should fit):

Mode	Key Identifiers
Abstract/Geometric	Shapes, lines, no figures, technical feel
Paper-Cut/Layered	Overlapping silhouettes, depth layers
Surrealist/Evocative	Dreamlike, unexpected combinations, emotional
Nature + Tech Fusion	Plants + data cards, organic + digital
Atmospheric/Cinematic	Scene-based, moody lighting, environment
Playful Cartoon	Expressive characters, dynamic, icons
Data Dashboard	Charts, visualizations, laptop/screens

If no mode fits: Flag as potentially off-brand.

Step 2: Run the Checklist

Check each criterion:

Core Requirements

Criterion	Check	Pass/Fail
Mode fit	Does it clearly fit one of the 7 modes?
Color palette	Are colors from the tacosdedatos palette?
Texture	Is there subtle grain/risograph texture?
No text	Is there any embedded text, labels, or watermarks?
Metaphor clarity	Is there a clear visual concept?
Negative space	Is there generous breathing room?
Aspect ratio	Is it landscape (~16:9 or 3:2)?

Color Validation

Check against palette:

Color	Hex	Present?
Negro Mezquite (bg)	#121212
Teal Oscuro (bg)	#1a2e35
Crema Nevada	#F1FAEE
Rojo Fuego	#E63946
Azul Niebla	#A8DADC
Naranja Cempasúchil	#F4A261
Verde Maguey	#4E937A

Tolerance: Colors don't need to be exact hex matches, but should be recognizably from the palette family. Flag if:

• Bright/saturated colors outside palette
• Pastel tones
• Neon colors
• Pure white backgrounds

Human Figure Check (if present)

Style	Acceptable?
Silhouette (solid, no features)	✓
Layered profile (overlapping heads)	✓
Flat character (simple shapes)	✓
Expressive cartoon (big eyes, gestures)	✓
Abstract avatar (icon-style)	✓
Atmospheric figure (stylized in scene)	✓
Photorealistic human	✗
Stock illustration style	✗
Generic corporate people	✗

Step 3: Score and Verdict

Scoring:

• Each core criterion: 1 point
• Total possible: 7 points

Verdicts:

Score	Verdict	Action
7/7	PASS	Ready for publication
5-6/7	PASS WITH NOTES	Minor issues, acceptable
3-4/7	NEEDS REVISION	Regenerate with fixes
0-2/7	FAIL	Start over with different approach

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Output Format

Provide structured feedback:

## Image Validation Report

### Verdict: [PASS / PASS WITH NOTES / NEEDS REVISION / FAIL]

**Score**: X/7

### Mode Identified
[Mode name] - [Confidence: High/Medium/Low]

### Checklist Results

| Criterion | Result | Notes |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| Mode fit | ✓/✗ | |
| Color palette | ✓/✗ | |
| Texture | ✓/✗ | |
| No text | ✓/✗ | |
| Metaphor clarity | ✓/✗ | |
| Negative space | ✓/✗ | |
| Aspect ratio | ✓/✗ | |

### Issues Found
1. [Specific issue]
2. [Specific issue]

### Recommended Fixes
1. [Actionable fix]
2. [Actionable fix]

### Prompt Adjustment (if regenerating)
[Specific prompt changes to make]

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Common Issues & Fixes

Issue: Unwanted Text

Detection: Any letters, numbers, words, labels visible

Fix: Add to negative prompt:

Absolutely no text, no letters, no words, no writing, no labels, no numbers, no watermarks

Issue: Wrong Colors

Detection: Colors outside palette (bright, pastel, neon)

Fix: Add explicit hex codes:

Colors MUST use only: #121212, #F1FAEE, #E63946, #A8DADC, #F4A261, #4E937A

Issue: Too Cluttered

Detection: No clear focal point, busy composition

Fix: Simplify prompt:

Single focal element. Generous negative space. Minimal composition. Clean and simple.

Issue: Missing Texture

Detection: Flat, plastic, or glossy appearance

Fix: Add texture cues:

Subtle risograph grain texture throughout. Matte finish. No glossy surfaces.

Issue: Photorealistic Style

Detection: Looks like a photo or 3D render

Fix: Emphasize style:

Flat digital illustration. No photorealism. No 3D render. No realistic textures.

Issue: Generic/Stock Style

Detection: Looks like corporate clip art or stock illustration

Fix: Be more specific about style:

In the style of modern editorial illustration. Sophisticated and unique. Not corporate clip art.

Issue: Wrong Aspect Ratio

Detection: Square or portrait orientation

Fix: Specify in generation settings:

aspect_ratio="16:9" or aspect_ratio="3:2"

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Quick Validation (for simple checks)

For fast validation without full report:

## Quick Check: [Title]

**Verdict**: [PASS/FAIL]

**Key Issues** (if any):
- [Issue 1]
- [Issue 2]

**Fix**: [One-line recommendation]

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Validation Examples

Example 1: PASS

Image: Abstract geometric shapes flowing into brain network

## Image Validation Report

### Verdict: PASS

**Score**: 7/7

### Mode Identified
Abstract/Geometric - Confidence: High

### Checklist Results

| Criterion | Result | Notes |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| Mode fit | ✓ | Clear geometric/abstract style |
| Color palette | ✓ | Uses #121212, #F1FAEE, #E63946, #A8DADC |
| Texture | ✓ | Subtle grain visible |
| No text | ✓ | Clean, no text |
| Metaphor clarity | ✓ | Clear AI/processing metaphor |
| Negative space | ✓ | Good breathing room |
| Aspect ratio | ✓ | Landscape 16:9 |

### Issues Found
None

### Recommended Fixes
None - ready for publication

Example 2: NEEDS REVISION

Image: Cartoon character but with text label

## Image Validation Report

### Verdict: NEEDS REVISION

**Score**: 5/7

### Mode Identified
Playful Cartoon - Confidence: High

### Checklist Results

| Criterion | Result | Notes |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| Mode fit | ✓ | Matches playful cartoon style |
| Color palette | ✓ | On-brand colors |
| Texture | ✗ | Too smooth, needs grain |
| No text | ✗ | Text label visible on character |
| Metaphor clarity | ✓ | Clear concept |
| Negative space | ✓ | Good composition |
| Aspect ratio | ✓ | Correct landscape |

### Issues Found
1. Text label "AI" visible on character's shirt
2. Missing subtle texture/grain

### Recommended Fixes
1. Regenerate with stronger "no text" negative
2. Add "subtle risograph grain texture" to prompt

### Prompt Adjustment
Add: "Absolutely no text, no letters, no writing. Subtle risograph grain texture throughout."

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Integration Notes

This skill can be called:

• By tacosdedatos-illustrator: After generation, before delivery
• Standalone: When reviewing uploaded images
• By other agents: Editor-in-Chief reviewing visual assets

The validator does not generate images—it only evaluates them.