Baoyu Article Illustrator

Article Illustrator

Analyze articles, identify illustration positions, generate images with Type × Style × Palette consistency.

User Input Tools

When this skill prompts the user, follow this tool-selection rule (priority order):

1. Prefer built-in user-input tools exposed by the current agent runtime — e.g., AskUserQuestion, request_user_input, clarify, ask_user, or any equivalent. 2. Fallback: if no such tool exists, emit a numbered plain-text message and ask the user to reply with the chosen number/answer for each question. 3. Batching: if the tool supports multiple questions per call, combine all applicable questions into a single call; if only single-question, ask them one at a time in priority order.

Concrete AskUserQuestion references below are examples — substitute the local equivalent in other runtimes.

Image Generation Tools

When this skill needs to render an image, resolve the backend in this order:

1. Current-request override — if the user names a specific backend in the current message, use it. 2. Saved preference — if EXTEND.md sets preferred_image_backend to a backend available right now, use it. 3. Auto-select (when the preference is auto, unset, or the pinned backend isn't available):

• Codex (`imagegen`) — first, inspect your available-skills / tool inventory. If a skill named imagegen is listed, you are running inside Codex and MUST use it: invoke via the Skill tool with skill: "imagegen", passing the saved prompt file's content (plus output path and aspect ratio per Codex imagegen's own args). Codex imagegen is the official raster backend in that runtime and outranks any non-native skill (e.g., baoyu-image-gen) unless the user has explicitly pinned a different preferred_image_backend.
• Codex via `codex exec` (`codex-imagegen`) — if the current runtime exposes no native imagegen skill but the codex CLI is on PATH with an active codex login, route through baoyu-image-gen --provider codex-cli (preferred), or — if baoyu-image-gen is unavailable — invoke the bundled wrapper directly. Details, parameters, and the runtime-discovery procedure live in references/codex-imagegen.md — load that file only when this branch is selected.
• Other runtime-native tools — if the runtime exposes a different native image tool (e.g., Hermes image_generate), use it the same way.
• Otherwise, if exactly one non-native backend is installed (e.g., baoyu-image-gen), use it.
• Otherwise (multiple non-native backends with no runtime-native tool), ask the user once — batch with any other initial questions.

4. If none are available, tell the user and ask how to proceed.

⛔ Never substitute SVG, HTML, canvas, or other code-based rendering for raster image generation. Codex imagegen's own description says it should be used "when the output should be a bitmap asset rather than repo-native code or vector." If you cannot resolve a raster backend via step 3, fall through to step 4 and ask the user — do not silently emit SVG, write inline <svg> markup, or produce HTML/CSS art as a substitute. This applies even if the article/section seems "diagram-like": the consumer skill calling this rule has already decided that a raster image is what it needs.

⛔ Never repair rendered text by painting over a generated bitmap. Do not use ImageMagick, Pillow, Canvas, SVG, HTML/CSS, OCR scripts, or any other programmatic overlay to cover, rewrite, erase, stroke, or replace labels, captions, or any other text inside an already generated illustration. If text is wrong or unclear, regenerate from a corrected prompt, redraw with less or no on-image text, or ask the user which imperfect candidate to keep.

Setting preferred_image_backend: ask forces the step-3 prompt every run regardless of available backends. Users change the pinned backend via the ## Changing Preferences section below.

Prompt file requirement (hard): write each image's full, final prompt to a standalone file under prompts/ (naming: NN-{type}-[slug].md) BEFORE invoking any backend. The backend receives the prompt file (or its content); the file is the reproducibility record and lets you switch backends without regenerating prompts.

Concrete tool names (imagegen, image_generate, baoyu-image-gen) above are examples — substitute the local equivalents under the same rule.

Batch Generation Policy

After every prompt file for the run has been saved and verified, generate images in batches by default.

Priority order:

1. Use the chosen backend's native batch / multi-task interface if it exists. Each task must keep its own prompt file, output path, aspect ratio, and direct reference images. 2. If no native batch interface exists but the runtime can issue parallel tool calls, dispatch up to generation_batch_size images at a time. Default: 4. An explicit user request in the current message, such as --batch-size 4 or "并行4张一起生成", overrides EXTEND.md. 3. If neither native batch nor parallel tool calls are available, generate sequentially.

Rules:

• Never start the first batch until all prompt files for that batch exist on disk.
• Retry failed items once without regenerating successful items.
• Do not use subagents merely to parallelize image rendering. Use subagents only for separate prompt iteration or creative exploration.

Confirmation Policy

Default behavior: confirm before generation.

• Treat explicit skill invocation, a file path, matched signals/presets, and EXTEND.md defaults as recommendation inputs only. None of them authorizes skipping confirmation.
• Do not start Step 4 or later until the user completes Step 3.
• Skip confirmation only when the current request explicitly says to do so, for example: "直接生成", "不用确认", "跳过确认", "按默认出图", or equivalent wording.
• If confirmation is skipped explicitly, state the assumed type / density / style / palette / language / backend in the next user-facing update before generating.

Reference Images

Users may supply reference images via --ref <files...> or by providing file paths / pasting images in conversation. Refs guide style, palette, composition, or subject for specific illustrations.

Full detection, storage, and processing rules are in references/workflow.md (Step 1.0 saves to references/NN-ref-{slug}.{ext}; Step 5.3 processes per-illustration usage direct | style | palette). When the chosen backend supports batch input, direct-usage entries in each prompt file's references: frontmatter should be propagated into its batch payload so backends can pass them through (e.g. baoyu-image-gen accepts ref per task).

Three Dimensions

Combine freely: --type infographic --style vector-illustration --palette macaron

Or use presets: --preset edu-visual → type + style + palette in one flag. See Style Presets.

Types

Styles

See references/styles.md for Core Styles, full gallery, and Type × Style compatibility.

Workflow

- [ ] Step 1: Pre-check (EXTEND.md, references, config)
- [ ] Step 2: Analyze content
- [ ] Step 3: Confirm settings (AskUserQuestion)
- [ ] Step 4: Generate outline
- [ ] Step 5: Generate images
- [ ] Step 6: Finalize

Step 1: Pre-check

1.5 Load Preferences (EXTEND.md) ⛔ BLOCKING

Check EXTEND.md in priority order — the first one found wins:

Full procedures: references/workflow.md

Step 2: Analyze

CRITICAL: Metaphors → visualize underlying concept, NOT literal image.

Full procedures: references/workflow.md

Step 3: Confirm Settings ⚠️

Hard gate: this step is mandatory per the Confirmation Policy — Steps 4+ cannot start until the user confirms here (or explicitly opts out with "直接生成" / equivalent wording in the current request).

ONE AskUserQuestion, max 4 Qs. Q1-Q2 REQUIRED. Q3 required unless preset chosen.

Full procedures: references/workflow.md

Step 4: Generate Outline

Save outline.md with frontmatter (type, density, style, palette, image_count) and entries:

## Illustration 1
**Position**: [section/paragraph]
**Purpose**: [why]
**Visual Content**: [what]
**Filename**: 01-infographic-concept-name.png

Full template: references/workflow.md

Step 5: Generate Images

⛔ BLOCKING: Prompt files MUST be saved before ANY image generation. This is a hard requirement regardless of which backend is chosen — the prompt file is the reproducibility record.

1. For each illustration, create a prompt file per references/prompt-construction.md 2. Save to prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md with YAML frontmatter 3. Prompts MUST use type-specific templates with structured sections (ZONES / LABELS / COLORS / STYLE / ASPECT) 4. LABELS MUST include article-specific data: actual numbers, terms, metrics, quotes 5. DO NOT pass ad-hoc inline prompts to --prompt without saving prompt files first 6. Select the backend via the ## Image Generation Tools rule at the top: use whatever is available; if multiple, ask the user once. Do this once per session before any generation.

• `codex-imagegen` invocation: when the rule resolves to codex-imagegen, see references/codex-imagegen.md for the invocation contract (preferred baoyu-image-gen --provider codex-cli path, runtime wrapper discovery, parameter notes, stdout schema, batch semantics).

7. Execution strategy: Generate in batches per the ## Batch Generation Policy: backend native batch first, runtime parallel tool calls second, sequential only as fallback. Default batch size is 4 unless EXTEND.md or the current request overrides it. 8. Process references (direct/style/palette) per prompt frontmatter 9. Apply watermark if EXTEND.md enabled 10. Generate from saved prompt files; retry once on failure

Full procedures: references/workflow.md

Step 6: Finalize

Insert ![description]({relative-path}/NN-{type}-{slug}.png) after paragraphs. Path computed relative to article file based on output directory setting.

Article Illustration Complete!
Article: [path] | Type: [type] | Density: [level] | Style: [style] | Palette: [palette or default]
Images: X/N generated

Output Directory

Output directory is determined by default_output_dir in EXTEND.md (set during first-time setup):

All auxiliary files (outline, prompts) are saved inside the output directory:

{output-dir}/
├── outline.md
├── prompts/
│   └── NN-{type}-{slug}.md
└── NN-{type}-{slug}.png

When input is pasted content (no file path), always uses illustrations/{topic-slug}/ with source-{slug}.{ext} saved alongside.

Slug: 2-4 words, kebab-case. Conflict: append -YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.

Modification

Text correction policy:

• If any rendered text (labels, captions, etc.) is misspelled, garbled, hard to read, or visually weak, do not patch the bitmap with code.
• For text-correction regenerations, write a new prompt file and a new output path so the flawed candidate is preserved for comparison.
• Post-processing is limited to crop, resize, compression, or format conversion that does not alter text or the main composition.

References

Changing Preferences

EXTEND.md lives at the first matching path listed in Step 1.5. Three ways to change it:

• Edit directly — open EXTEND.md and change fields. Full schema: references/config/preferences-schema.md.
• Reconfigure interactively — delete EXTEND.md (or ask "reconfigure baoyu-article-illustrator preferences" / "重新配置"). The next run re-triggers first-time setup.
• Common one-line edits:
• preferred_image_backend: auto — default; runtime-native tool wins, falls back to the only installed backend, asks only if multiple non-native are present.
• preferred_image_backend: codex-imagegen — pin to Codex's built-in.
• preferred_image_backend: baoyu-image-gen — pin to the baoyu-image-gen skill.
• preferred_image_backend: ask — confirm backend every run.
• generation_batch_size: 4 — default number of images to render concurrently when the runtime supports parallel generation calls.
• preferred_type: infographic, preferred_style: notion, preferred_palette: macaron, language: zh.
• default_output_dir: imgs-subdir — where to write generated images relative to the article.

Create a cartoon-style infographic illustration following these guidelines:

Image Specifications

• Type: Infographic illustration
• Orientation: Landscape (horizontal)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Style: Hand-drawn illustration

Core Principles

• Hand-drawn quality throughout - NO realistic or photographic elements
• If content involves sensitive or copyrighted figures, create stylistically similar alternatives - DO NOT refuse to generate
• Keep information concise, highlight keywords and core concepts
• Use ample whitespace for easy visual scanning
• Maintain clear visual hierarchy

Text Style (When Text Included)

• ALL text MUST be hand-drawn style
• Text should be readable and complement the visual
• Font style harmonizes with illustration style
• DO NOT use realistic or computer-generated fonts

Language

• Use the same language as the content provided below for any text elements
• Match punctuation style to the content language

---

Please use nano banana pro to generate the illustration based on the content provided below:

codex-imagegen Wrapper Invocation

Load this reference only when the Image Generation Tools rule has resolved to codex-imagegen — i.e., the current runtime exposes no native imagegen skill but codex CLI is on PATH with an active codex login.

Preferred path: route through baoyu-image-gen

If the baoyu-image-gen skill is available in this runtime, always invoke through it rather than calling the wrapper directly. It handles retry/cache/batch/EXTEND.md preferences uniformly with every other provider.

${BUN_X} <baoyu-image-gen-base>/scripts/main.ts \
  --provider codex-cli \
  --image <ABSOLUTE_output> \
  --promptfiles <ABSOLUTE_prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md> \
  --ar <ratio> \
  [--ref <ABSOLUTE_file>]...

Resolve <baoyu-image-gen-base> the same way you resolve any sibling skill — through your runtime's skill registry (Skill tool, plugin marketplace, or $HOME/.baoyu-skills/baoyu-image-gen/).

Fallback: spawn the wrapper directly

Only when baoyu-image-gen is NOT installed in the current runtime. Discover the wrapper's location at runtime — do NOT hard-code ../../packages/... from this skill:

1. Honor explicit override: if $BAOYU_CODEX_IMAGEGEN_BIN is set and points to a real file, use that path. It may be .ts (spawn bun <path>) or .sh/binary (spawn directly). 2. Search the plugin root: walk up from this skill's directory looking for packages/baoyu-codex-imagegen/src/main.ts. If found, that is the wrapper. Spawn it with bun. 3. Last resort: tell the user that codex-imagegen is not available in this runtime and ask whether to install the baoyu-skills plugin (or set BAOYU_CODEX_IMAGEGEN_BIN) or pick another backend.

Once located, the invocation shape is:

bun <WRAPPER>/main.ts \
  --image <ABSOLUTE_output> \
  --prompt-file <ABSOLUTE_prompts/NN-{type}-{slug}.md> \
  --aspect <ratio> \
  [--ref <ABSOLUTE_file>]... \
  [--timeout <ms>] \
  [--cache-dir ~/.cache/baoyu-codex-imagegen] \
  [--log-file <ABSOLUTE_jsonl_log_path>]

If bun is missing, npx -y bun <WRAPPER>/main.ts ... works as a fallback.

Parameter notes

• All filesystem inputs are auto-resolved against process.cwd() when relative, but agents should pass absolute paths to be robust against cwd drift.
• `--timeout` defaults to 300000 (5 min) per codex exec attempt. Raise (e.g. --timeout 600000 for 10 min) on slow networks or large prompts.
• `--cache-dir` is off by default. Enable for repeatable runs to skip redundant generations of the same prompt+aspect+refs.
• Authentication: the wrapper uses the user's Codex subscription — no OPENAI_API_KEY is read or sent.

Stdout contract

Single JSON line:

• Success: {"status":"ok","path":"...","bytes":N,"elapsed_seconds":N,"thread_id":"...","attempts":N,"cached":bool,...}
• Failure: {"status":"error","path":"...","bytes":0,"error":"...","error_kind":"..."}

error_kind values: codex_not_installed, invalid_args, prompt_file_missing, spawn_failed, timeout, no_image_gen_tool_use, output_missing, invalid_png, agent_refused, lock_busy.

On retryable errors (timeout, spawn_failed, no_image_gen_tool_use, output_missing, invalid_png, agent_refused), ask the user whether to retry or fall back to another backend.

Batch semantics

• Codex image_gen returns one image per call (n=1 only). Multi-image jobs must dispatch one wrapper call per image.
• The wrapper does NOT accept a --sessionId flag. Chain/scene consistency must come from --ref reference images.
• --size and --quality are silently ignored — Codex picks pixel dimensions from --aspect.

First-Time Setup

Overview

When no EXTEND.md is found, guide user through preference setup.

⛔ BLOCKING OPERATION: This setup MUST complete before ANY other workflow steps. Do NOT:

• Ask about reference images
• Ask about content/article
• Ask about type or style preferences
• Proceed to content analysis

ONLY ask the questions in this setup flow, save EXTEND.md, then continue.

Setup Flow

No EXTEND.md found
        │
        ▼
┌─────────────────────┐
│ AskUserQuestion     │
│ (all questions)     │
└─────────────────────┘
        │
        ▼
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Create EXTEND.md    │
└─────────────────────┘
        │
        ▼
    Continue to Step 1

Questions

Language: Use user's input language or preferred language for all questions. Do not always use English.

Use single AskUserQuestion with multiple questions (AskUserQuestion auto-adds "Other" option):

Question 1: Watermark

header: "Watermark"
question: "Watermark text for generated illustrations? Type your watermark content (e.g., name, @handle)"
options:
  - label: "No watermark (Recommended)"
    description: "No watermark, can enable later in EXTEND.md"

Position defaults to bottom-right.

Question 2: Preferred Style

header: "Style"
question: "Default illustration style preference? Or type another style name or your custom style"
options:
  - label: "sketch-notes (Recommended)"
    description: "Warm cream paper, black hand-drawn lines, soft pastel blocks — educational infographic feel. Great default for most articles."
  - label: "None"
    description: "Auto-select based on content analysis (falls back to sketch-notes when no strong signal)"
  - label: "notion"
    description: "Minimalist hand-drawn line art"
  - label: "warm"
    description: "Friendly, approachable, personal"

Question 3: Output Directory

header: "Output Directory"
question: "Where to save generated illustrations when illustrating a file?"
options:
  - label: "imgs-subdir (Recommended)"
    description: "{article-dir}/imgs/ — images in a subdirectory next to the article"
  - label: "same-dir"
    description: "{article-dir}/ — images alongside the article file"
  - label: "illustrations-subdir"
    description: "{article-dir}/illustrations/ — separate illustrations subdirectory"
  - label: "independent"
    description: "illustrations/{topic-slug}/ — standalone directory in cwd"

Question 4: Save Location

header: "Save"
question: "Where to save preferences?"
options:
  - label: "Project"
    description: ".baoyu-skills/ (this project only)"
  - label: "User"
    description: "~/.baoyu-skills/ (all projects)"

Save Locations

After Setup

1. Create directory if needed 2. Write EXTEND.md with frontmatter 3. Confirm: "Preferences saved to [path]" 4. Continue to Step 1

EXTEND.md Template

---
version: 1
watermark:
  enabled: [true/false]
  content: "[user input or empty]"
  position: bottom-right
  opacity: 0.7
preferred_style:
  name: [selected style or null]
  description: ""
default_output_dir: imgs-subdir  # same-dir | imgs-subdir | illustrations-subdir | independent
language: null
preferred_image_backend: auto
generation_batch_size: 4
custom_styles: []
---

preferred_image_backend: auto is the baked-in default — first-time setup does not ask about it. The ## Image Generation Tools rule in SKILL.md then picks the runtime-native tool (Codex imagegen, Hermes image_generate, etc.) when available, and falls back to installed backends.

generation_batch_size: 4 is the baked-in default for batch rendering. The current user request may override it for one run.

Modifying Preferences Later

See the ## Changing Preferences section in SKILL.md for the canonical list of common edits (pin backend, change defaults, retrigger setup). Full schema: preferences-schema.md.

Preferences Schema

Full Schema

---
version: 1

watermark:
  enabled: false
  content: ""
  position: bottom-right  # bottom-right|bottom-left|bottom-center|top-right

preferred_style:
  name: null              # Built-in or custom style name
  description: ""         # Override/notes

preferred_palette: null   # Built-in palette name (macaron|warm|neon) or null

language: null            # zh|en|ja|ko|auto

default_output_dir: null  # same-dir|illustrations-subdir|independent

preferred_image_backend: auto  # auto|ask|<backend-id>

generation_batch_size: 4       # 1-8, used when backend/runtime supports batch or parallel generation

custom_styles:
  - name: my-style
    description: "Style description"
    color_palette:
      primary: ["#1E3A5F", "#4A90D9"]
      background: "#F5F7FA"
      accents: ["#00B4D8", "#48CAE4"]
    visual_elements: "Clean lines, geometric shapes"
    typography: "Modern sans-serif"
    best_for: "Business, education"
---

Field Reference

Position Options

Output Directory Options

Custom Style Fields

Example: Minimal Preferences

---
version: 1
watermark:
  enabled: true
  content: "@myusername"
preferred_style:
  name: notion
---

Example: Full Preferences

---
version: 1
watermark:
  enabled: true
  content: "@myaccount"
  position: bottom-right

preferred_style:
  name: notion
  description: "Clean illustrations for tech articles"

language: zh

preferred_image_backend: codex-imagegen

generation_batch_size: 4

custom_styles:
  - name: corporate
    description: "Professional B2B style"
    color_palette:
      primary: ["#1E3A5F", "#4A90D9"]
      background: "#F5F7FA"
      accents: ["#00B4D8", "#48CAE4"]
    visual_elements: "Clean lines, subtle gradients, geometric shapes"
    typography: "Modern sans-serif, professional"
    best_for: "Business, SaaS, enterprise"
---

macaron

Soft macaron pastel color blocks on warm cream

Background

• Color: Warm Cream (#F5F0E8)
• Texture: Subtle warm paper grain

Colors

Accent

Coral Red (#E8655A) for key data, warnings, and emphasis highlights. Use sparingly — one or two elements per illustration.

Semantic Constraint

Soft pastel macaron color palette. Use block colors as rounded card backgrounds for distinct information sections. Accent coral red sparingly for emphasis on key terms only. Do NOT render color names, hex codes, or role labels as visible text in the image.

Best For

Educational content, knowledge sharing, concept explainers, tutorials, tech summaries, onboarding materials

mono-ink

Black ink on pure white with sparse semantic accent colors

Background

• Color: Pure White (#FFFFFF)
• Texture: Clean, no grain, no tint

Colors

Accent

Use black ink for all structural elements — lines, text, figures. Accent colors appear only for semantic highlighting: coral red for risks/gaps/problems, muted teal for positive/solution/after-states, dusty lavender for neutral category tags. Total colored pixels must remain under 10% of canvas. Pale gray may back a subtle zone but must never dominate.

Semantic Constraint

Black ink on white canvas. Accent colors for semantic highlighting only — total colored pixels under 10% of canvas. Do NOT render color names, hex codes, or role labels as visible text in the image.

Compatible With

• ink-notes (primary, default pairing)
• minimal (strict monochrome variation, drops the style's built-in accent)
• sketch (pencil + ink hybrid look)

Not Recommended With

• sketch-notes — its "no pure white backgrounds" rule conflicts
• warm, elegant, watercolor, fantasy-animation — color-heavy by design, mono-ink strips their identity

Best For

Professional visual notes, Before/After essays, tech manifestos, framework analogies, whiteboard-presentation explainers

neon

Vibrant neon colors on dark backgrounds

Background

• Color: Deep Purple (#2D1B4E)
• Texture: Subtle grid pattern or solid dark

Colors

Accent

Hot Pink (#FF1493) for primary emphasis. High contrast neon-on-dark creates immediate visual impact.

Semantic Constraint

Vibrant neon-on-dark palette. High contrast, immediate visual impact. Do NOT render color names, hex codes, or role labels as visible text in the image.

Best For

Gaming, retro tech, 80s/90s nostalgic content, bold editorial, trend and pop culture

warm

Warm earth tones on soft peach, no cool colors

Background

• Color: Soft Peach (#FFECD2)
• Texture: Warm paper texture

Colors

Accent

Warm Orange (#ED8936) for primary emphasis. Warm-only palette — no cool colors (no green, blue, purple). Modern-retro feel.

Semantic Constraint

Warm earth tone palette. Warm-only — no cool colors (no green, blue, purple). Do NOT render color names, hex codes, or role labels as visible text in the image.

Best For

Product showcases, team introductions, feature grids, brand content, personal growth, lifestyle

Prompt Construction

Prompt File Format

Each prompt file uses YAML frontmatter + content:

---
illustration_id: 01
type: infographic
style: blueprint
references:                    # ⚠️ ONLY if files EXIST in references/ directory
  - ref_id: 01
    filename: 01-ref-diagram.png
    usage: direct              # direct | style | palette
---

[Type-specific template content below...]

⚠️ CRITICAL - When to include `references` field:

Reference Usage Types (only when file exists):

If no reference file but style/palette extracted verbally, append directly to prompt body:

COLORS (from reference):
- Primary: #E8756D coral
- Secondary: #7ECFC0 mint
...

STYLE (from reference):
- Clean lines, minimal shadows
- Gradient backgrounds
...

---

Default Composition Requirements

Apply to ALL prompts by default:

Add to ALL prompts:

Clean composition with generous white space. Simple or no background. Main elements centered or positioned by content needs.

---

Color Specification Rules

Colors in prompts use hex codes for rendering guidance only — they tell the model which colors to use, NOT what text to display.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Image generation models sometimes render color names and hex values as visible text labels in the image (e.g., painting "Macaron Blue #A8D8EA" as a label). This must be prevented.

Add to ALL prompts that contain a COLORS section:

Color values (#hex) and color names are rendering guidance only — do NOT display color names, hex codes, or palette labels as visible text in the image.

---

Character Rendering

When depicting people:

Add to ALL prompts with human figures:

Human figures: simplified stylized silhouettes or symbolic representations, not photorealistic.

---

Text in Illustrations

Add to prompts with text:

Text should be large and prominent with handwritten-style fonts. Keep minimal, focus on keywords.

---

Principles

Good prompts must include:

1. Layout Structure First: Describe composition, zones, flow direction 2. Specific Data/Labels: Use actual numbers, terms from article 3. Visual Relationships: How elements connect 4. Semantic Colors: Meaning-based color choices (red=warning, green=efficient) 5. Style Characteristics: Line treatment, texture, mood 6. Aspect Ratio: End with ratio and complexity level

Type-Specific Templates

Infographic

[Title] - Data Visualization

Layout: [grid/radial/hierarchical]

ZONES:
- Zone 1: [data point with specific values]
- Zone 2: [comparison with metrics]
- Zone 3: [summary/conclusion]

LABELS: [specific numbers, percentages, terms from article]
COLORS: [semantic color mapping]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Infographic + sketch-notes + macaron palette (default / hand-drawn-edu preset):

Single-page hand-drawn educational infographic in a clean presentation style.
Warm cream paper background, black hand-drawn lines with slight wobble, soft
pastel color blocks. Feels simple, friendly, and easy to understand at a glance.
Diagram-style visuals ONLY — no realistic or photographic images.

PALETTE: macaron — soft pastel blocks on warm cream
COLORS: Warm Cream background (#F5F0E8); Black (#1A1A1A) for ALL lines, text,
        arrows, and doodles; section fills in Light Blue (#A8D8EA), Mint Green
        (#B5E5CF), Lavender (#D5C6E0), Peach (#FFD5C2); Coral Red (#E8655A)
        sparingly for one or two emphasis points only.

LAYOUT (top → bottom):
- TOP: Bold hand-lettered title, oversized, slightly wobbly, with an optional
       decorative underline or small doodle.
- MIDDLE: 2–6 rounded-rectangle info boxes arranged in a clean grid, row, or
          radial pattern. Each box = one section, one pastel fill color, one
          simple icon or sketchy cartoon element, one short keyword/phrase.
          Hand-drawn arrows connect related zones.
- BOTTOM: One short hand-lettered takeaway sentence summarizing the main idea.

ELEMENTS: Rounded info boxes with clear sectioning, wavy/straight hand-drawn
          arrows with small inline labels, simple icons and sketchy cartoon
          elements (stick figures, tools, objects), small doodle decorations
          (stars, sparkles, underlines, dots, asterisks) used sparingly.

STYLE: Minimal, well-organized, airy. Color fills don't completely fill
       outlines (slight "hand-painted" overshoot). ALL text hand-lettered —
       no computer fonts. Short labels and keywords only, never long
       paragraphs. Generous white space between sections.

Infographic + vector-illustration:

Flat vector illustration infographic. Clean black outlines on all elements.
COLORS: Cream background (#F5F0E6), Coral Red (#E07A5F), Mint Green (#81B29A), Mustard Yellow (#F2CC8F)
ELEMENTS: Geometric simplified icons, no gradients, playful decorative elements (dots, stars)

Infographic + vector-illustration + warm palette:

Flat vector illustration infographic. Clean black outlines on all elements.
PALETTE OVERRIDE (warm): Warm-only color palette, no cool colors.
COLORS: Soft Peach background (#FFECD2), Warm Orange (#ED8936),
        Terracotta (#C05621), Golden Yellow (#F6AD55), Deep Brown (#744210)
ELEMENTS: Geometric simplified icons, no gradients, rounded corners,
          modular card layout, consistent icon style

Scene

[Title] - Atmospheric Scene

FOCAL POINT: [main subject]
ATMOSPHERE: [lighting, mood, environment]
MOOD: [emotion to convey]
COLOR TEMPERATURE: [warm/cool/neutral]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Flowchart

[Title] - Process Flow

Layout: [left-right/top-down/circular]

STEPS:
1. [Step name] - [brief description]
2. [Step name] - [brief description]
...

CONNECTIONS: [arrow types, decision points]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Flowchart + vector-illustration:

Flat vector flowchart with bold arrows and geometric step containers.
COLORS: Cream background (#F5F0E6), steps in Coral/Mint/Mustard, black outlines
ELEMENTS: Rounded rectangles, thick arrows, simple icons per step

Flowchart + sketch-notes + macaron palette:

Hand-drawn educational flowchart on warm cream paper. Slight wobble on all lines.
PALETTE: macaron — soft pastel color blocks
COLORS: Warm Cream background (#F5F0E8), zone fills in Macaron Blue (#A8D8EA),
        Lavender (#D5C6E0), Mint (#B5E5CF), Coral Red (#E8655A) for emphasis
ELEMENTS: Rounded cards with dashed/solid borders, wavy hand-drawn arrows with labels,
          simple stick-figure characters, doodle decorations (stars, underlines)
STYLE: Color fills don't completely fill outlines, hand-drawn lettering, generous white space

Flowchart + ink-notes + mono-ink palette:

Professional hand-drawn visual-note flowchart on pure white. Black ink line work
with slight wobble, à la Mike Rohde sketchnoting.
PALETTE: mono-ink — black ink dominant, sparse semantic accents
COLORS: Pure White background (#FFFFFF), Near Black (#1A1A1A) for all lines,
        text, and figures; Coral Red (#E8655A) only for risk/emphasis,
        Muted Teal (#5FA8A8) only for positive/solution states
ELEMENTS: Left-to-right stage boxes with rounded-rect frames, wavy hand-drawn
          arrows between stages, simple stick-figure characters with role
          labels above (e.g., "ML Engineer", "Team Lead"), dashed-border box
          for future/empty stage, small doodle icons per stage
STYLE: Hand-lettered titles (bold, oversized), handwritten stage labels and
        annotations, generous white space, bottom tagline summarizing takeaway

Comparison

[Title] - Comparison View

LEFT SIDE - [Option A]:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]

RIGHT SIDE - [Option B]:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]

DIVIDER: [visual separator]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Comparison + vector-illustration:

Flat vector comparison with split layout. Clear visual separation.
COLORS: Left side Coral (#E07A5F), Right side Mint (#81B29A), cream background
ELEMENTS: Bold icons, black outlines, centered divider line

Comparison + vector-illustration + warm palette:

Flat vector comparison with split layout. Clear visual separation.
PALETTE OVERRIDE (warm): Warm-only color palette, no cool colors.
COLORS: Left side Warm Orange (#ED8936), Right side Terracotta (#C05621),
        Soft Peach background (#FFECD2), Deep Brown (#744210) accents
ELEMENTS: Bold icons, black outlines, centered divider line

Comparison + ink-notes + mono-ink palette (Before/After, Traditional vs New):

Professional hand-drawn sketchnote comparison on pure white. Black ink line work
with slight wobble, à la Mike Rohde sketchnoting.
PALETTE: mono-ink — black ink dominant, sparse semantic accents
COLORS: Pure White background (#FFFFFF), Near Black (#1A1A1A) for all outlines,
        text, figures, arrows; Coral Red (#E8655A) reserved for risks/gaps
        (left/Before side); Muted Teal (#5FA8A8) reserved for positives
        (right/After side). Color accents under 10% of canvas.
LAYOUT: Left | Right split with vertical hand-drawn divider. Hand-lettered
        "Before" label (top-left) and "After" label (top-right).
LEFT SIDE: Stick figure(s) with role label above, speech bubble showing the
           pain point, bulleted pain-point list in handwritten text.
RIGHT SIDE: Stick figure(s) showing the new state, bulleted improvement list,
            small positive-action icons.
BRIDGE: Curved hand-drawn "mindset shift" arrow bridging left → right with
        small inline label describing the shift.
BOTTOM: Single-line hand-lettered tagline summarizing the takeaway.
STYLE: Hand-lettered headings (bold, oversized), handwritten body annotations,
        generous white space, no computer fonts, no gradients, no shadows.

Framework

[Title] - Conceptual Framework

STRUCTURE: [hierarchical/network/matrix]

NODES:
- [Concept 1] - [role]
- [Concept 2] - [role]

RELATIONSHIPS: [how nodes connect]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Framework + vector-illustration:

Flat vector framework diagram with geometric nodes and bold connectors.
COLORS: Cream background (#F5F0E6), nodes in Coral/Mint/Mustard/Blue, black outlines
ELEMENTS: Rounded rectangles or circles for nodes, thick connecting lines

Framework + vector-illustration + warm palette:

Flat vector framework diagram with geometric nodes and bold connectors.
PALETTE OVERRIDE (warm): Warm-only color palette, no cool colors.
COLORS: Soft Peach background (#FFECD2), nodes in Warm Orange (#ED8936),
        Terracotta (#C05621), Golden Yellow (#F6AD55), black outlines
ELEMENTS: Rounded rectangles or circles for nodes, thick connecting lines

Framework + ink-notes + mono-ink palette (command center, OS analogy):

Professional hand-drawn sketchnote framework on pure white. Black ink line work
with slight wobble, à la Mike Rohde sketchnoting.
PALETTE: mono-ink — black ink dominant, sparse semantic accents
COLORS: Pure White background (#FFFFFF), Near Black (#1A1A1A) for all lines,
        text, figures; Dusty Lavender (#9B8AB5) for neutral category tags only;
        Coral Red (#E8655A) for emphasis sparingly. Color accents under 10%.
STRUCTURE: Central rounded-rectangle frame as "the system" with hand-lettered
           title inside. Inner layer of labeled sub-components (node labels
           above each). Outer layer of feeder arrows from stick-figure
           operators/users with role labels.
ELEMENTS: Stick figures at the edges with role tags ("Team Lead", "Operator"),
          wavy hand-drawn connector arrows with small inline labels, small
          doodle icons per component, dashed-border placeholder(s) for
          future/empty capabilities.
BOTTOM: Single-line hand-lettered tagline.
STYLE: Hand-lettered headings, handwritten annotations, generous white space,
        no computer fonts, no gradients.

Timeline

[Title] - Chronological View

DIRECTION: [horizontal/vertical]

EVENTS:
- [Date/Period 1]: [milestone]
- [Date/Period 2]: [milestone]

MARKERS: [visual indicators]
STYLE: [style characteristics]
ASPECT: 16:9

Screen-Print Style Override

When style: screen-print, replace standard style instructions with:

Screen print / silkscreen poster art. Flat color blocks, NO gradients.
COLORS: 2-5 colors maximum. [Choose from style palette or duotone pair]
TEXTURE: Halftone dot patterns, slight color layer misregistration, paper grain
COMPOSITION: Bold silhouettes, geometric framing, negative space as storytelling element
FIGURES: Silhouettes only, no detailed faces, stencil-cut edges
TYPOGRAPHY: Bold condensed sans-serif integrated into composition (not overlaid)

Scene + screen-print:

Conceptual poster scene. Single symbolic focal point, NOT literal illustration.
COLORS: Duotone pair (e.g., Burnt Orange #E8751A + Deep Teal #0A6E6E) on Off-Black #121212
COMPOSITION: Centered silhouette or geometric frame, 60%+ negative space
TEXTURE: Halftone dots, paper grain, slight print misregistration

Comparison + screen-print:

Split poster composition. Each side dominated by one color from duotone pair.
LEFT: [Color A] side with silhouette/icon for [Option A]
RIGHT: [Color B] side with silhouette/icon for [Option B]
DIVIDER: Geometric shape or negative space boundary
TEXTURE: Halftone transitions between sides

---

Palette Override

When a palette is specified (via --palette or preset), it overrides the style's default colors:

1. Read style file → get rendering rules (Visual Elements, Style Rules, line treatment) 2. Read palette file (palettes/<palette>.md) → get Colors + Background 3. Palette Colors replace style's default Color Palette in prompt 4. Palette Background replaces style's Background color (keep style's texture description) 5. Build prompt: style rendering instructions + palette colors

Prompt frontmatter includes palette when specified:

---
illustration_id: 01
type: infographic
style: vector-illustration
palette: macaron
---

Example: vector-illustration + macaron palette:

Flat vector illustration infographic. Clean black outlines on all elements.
PALETTE: macaron — soft pastel color blocks
COLORS: Warm Cream background (#F5F0E8), Macaron Blue (#A8D8EA), Mint (#B5E5CF),
        Lavender (#D5C6E0), Peach (#FFD5C2), Coral Red (#E8655A) for emphasis
ELEMENTS: Geometric simplified icons, no gradients, playful decorative elements

When no palette is specified, use the style's built-in Color Palette as before.

---

What to Avoid

• Vague descriptions ("a nice image")
• Literal metaphor illustrations
• Missing concrete labels/annotations
• Generic decorative elements

Watermark Integration

If watermark enabled in preferences, append:

Include a subtle watermark "[content]" positioned at [position].

Style Presets

--preset X expands to a type + style + optional palette combination. Users can override any dimension.

Default Preset

When content analysis surfaces no strong signal (generic knowledge article, mixed-topic post, no clear data/comparison/narrative cue), recommend `hand-drawn-edu` as the primary option in Step 3 Q1. It is the warm, friendly educational-infographic default — safe for most articles and universally readable.

By Category

Technical & Engineering

Knowledge & Education

Data & Analysis

Narrative & Creative

Editorial & Opinion

Content Type → Preset Recommendations

Use this table during Step 3 to recommend presets based on Step 2 content analysis:

Override Examples

• --preset tech-explainer --style notion = infographic type with notion style
• --preset storytelling --type timeline = timeline type with warm style

Explicit --type/--style flags always override preset values.

Style Reference

Core Styles

Simplified style tier for quick selection:

Use Core Styles for most cases. When no strong content signal is detected, default to `hand-drawn` (→ sketch-notes). See full Style Gallery below for granular control.

---

Style Gallery

Full specifications: references/styles/<style>.md

Type × Style Compatibility Matrix

✓✓ = highly recommended | ✓ = compatible | ✗ = not recommended

Auto Selection by Type

When no content signal matches strongly, sketch-notes is the default primary for every diagrammatic type. Only override with another primary when the content analysis in Step 2 surfaces a clear signal (technical/data/narrative/opinion).

Auto Selection by Content Signals

Style Characteristics by Type

infographic + sketch-notes (default)

• Warm cream paper background, black hand-drawn lines with slight wobble
• 2–6 rounded pastel info boxes (light blue / mint / lavender / peach)
• Bold hand-lettered title at the top
• Short keyword labels, simple icons, small doodles (stars, underlines, sparkles)
• One-line hand-lettered takeaway sentence at the bottom
• Airy, minimal, diagram-style — never realistic
• Perfect for single-page educational explainers and concept summaries

infographic + vector-illustration

• Clean flat vector shapes, bold geometric forms
• Vibrant but harmonious color palette
• Clear visual hierarchy with icons and labels
• Modern, professional, highly readable
• Perfect for knowledge articles and tutorials

flowchart + vector-illustration

• Bold arrows and connectors
• Distinct step containers with icons
• Clean progression flow
• High contrast for readability

comparison + vector-illustration

• Split layout with clear visual separation
• Bold iconography for each side
• Color-coded distinctions
• Easy at-a-glance comparison

framework + vector-illustration

• Geometric node representations
• Clear hierarchical structure
• Bold connecting lines
• Modern system diagram aesthetic

infographic + blueprint

• Technical precision, schematic lines
• Grid-based layout, clear zones
• Monospace labels, data-focused
• Blue/white color scheme

infographic + notion

• Hand-drawn feel, approachable
• Soft icons, rounded elements
• Neutral palette, clean backgrounds
• Perfect for SaaS/productivity

scene + warm

• Golden hour lighting, cozy atmosphere
• Soft gradients, natural textures
• Inviting, personal feeling
• Great for storytelling

scene + watercolor

• Artistic, painterly effect
• Soft edges, color bleeding
• Dreamy, creative mood
• Best for lifestyle/travel

flowchart + notion

• Clear step indicators
• Simple arrow connections
• Minimal decoration
• Focus on process clarity

flowchart + blueprint

• Technical precision
• Detailed connection points
• Engineering aesthetic
• For complex systems

comparison + elegant

• Refined dividers
• Balanced typography
• Professional appearance
• Business comparisons

framework + blueprint

• Precise node connections
• Hierarchical clarity
• System architecture feel
• Technical frameworks

timeline + elegant

• Sophisticated markers
• Refined typography
• Historical gravitas
• Professional presentations

timeline + warm

• Friendly progression
• Organic flow
• Personal journey feel
• Growth narratives

scene + screen-print

• Bold silhouettes, symbolic compositions
• 2-5 flat colors with halftone textures
• Figure-ground inversion (negative space tells secondary story)
• Vintage poster aesthetic, conceptual not literal
• Great for opinion pieces and cultural commentary

comparison + screen-print

• Split duotone composition (one color per side)
• Bold geometric dividers
• Symbolic icons over detailed rendering
• High contrast, immediate visual impact

framework + screen-print

• Geometric node representations with stencil-cut edges
• Limited color coding (one color per concept level)
• Clean silhouette-based iconography
• Poster-style hierarchy with bold typography

---

Palette Gallery

Palettes override a style's default colors. Combine any style with any palette: --style vector-illustration --palette macaron.

Full specifications: references/palettes/<palette>.md

When no palette is specified, the style's built-in Color Palette is used.

Palette Override Rules

1. Read style file → rendering rules (Visual Elements, Style Rules) 2. Read palette file → Colors + Background 3. Palette colors replace style's default Color Palette 4. Palette Background replaces style's default Background color 5. Style's texture description is preserved

blueprint

Precise technical blueprint style with engineering precision

Design Aesthetic

Clean, structured visual metaphors using blueprints, diagrams, and schematics. Precise, analytical and aesthetically refined. Information presented in grid-based layouts with engineering precision. Technical drawing quality with professional polish.

Background

• Color: Blueprint Off-White (#FAF8F5)
• Texture: Subtle grid overlay, engineering paper feel

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Precise lines with consistent stroke weights
• Technical schematics and clean vector graphics
• Thin line work in technical drawing style
• Connection lines: straight or 90-degree angles only
• Data visualization with minimal charts
• Dimension lines and measurement indicators
• Cross-section style diagrams
• Isometric or orthographic projections

Style Rules

Do

• Maintain consistent line weights
• Use grid alignment for all elements
• Keep color palette restrained
• Create clear visual hierarchy through scale
• Use geometric precision for all shapes

Don't

• Use hand-drawn or organic shapes
• Add decorative flourishes
• Use curved connection lines
• Include photographic elements
• Add unnecessary embellishments

Best For

Technical architecture, system design, data analysis, engineering documentation, process flows, infrastructure articles

chalkboard

Black chalkboard background with colorful chalk drawing style

Design Aesthetic

Classic classroom chalkboard aesthetic with hand-drawn chalk illustrations. Nostalgic educational feel with imperfect, sketchy lines that capture the warmth of traditional teaching. Colorful chalk creates visual hierarchy while maintaining the authentic chalkboard experience.

Background

• Color: Chalkboard Black (#1A1A1A) or Dark Green-Black (#1C2B1C)
• Texture: Realistic chalkboard texture with subtle scratches, dust particles, and faint eraser marks

Typography

Hand-drawn chalk lettering style with visible chalk texture. Imperfect baseline adds authenticity. White or bright colored chalk for emphasis.

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Hand-drawn chalk illustrations with sketchy, imperfect lines
• Chalk dust effects around text and key elements
• Doodles: stars, arrows, underlines, circles, checkmarks
• Mathematical formulas and simple diagrams
• Eraser smudges and chalk residue textures
• Wooden frame border optional
• Stick figures and simple icons
• Connection lines with hand-drawn feel

Style Rules

Do

• Maintain authentic chalk texture on all elements
• Use imperfect, hand-drawn quality throughout
• Add subtle chalk dust and smudge effects
• Create visual hierarchy with color variety
• Include playful doodles and annotations

Don't

• Use perfect geometric shapes
• Create clean digital-looking lines
• Add photorealistic elements
• Use gradients or glossy effects
• Make it look computerized

Best For

Educational articles, tutorials, teaching content, workshops, informal learning, knowledge sharing, how-to guides, classroom-style explanations

editorial

Magazine-style editorial infographic for professional content

Design Aesthetic

High-quality magazine explainer aesthetic. Clear visual storytelling with structured layouts and professional typography. Think Wired, The Verge, or quality science publications. Complex information made digestible.

Background

• Color: Pure White (#FFFFFF) or Light Gray (#F8F9FA)
• Texture: None or subtle paper grain

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Clean flat illustrations
• Structured multi-section layouts
• Callout boxes for insights
• Icon-based visualizations
• Visual metaphors for concepts
• Flow diagrams with hierarchy
• Pull quotes and highlights
• Clear section dividers

Style Rules

Do

• Create clear narrative flow
• Use structured layouts
• Include callout boxes
• Design visual metaphors
• Maintain magazine polish

Don't

• Use photographic imagery
• Create cluttered layouts
• Mix too many styles
• Add purposeless decoration
• Compromise clarity for style

Best For

Technology explainers, science communication, research articles, policy analysis, investigative pieces, thought leadership, long-form journalism

elegant

Refined, sophisticated illustration style for professional content

Design Aesthetic

Elegant and refined visual approach with sophisticated color palette. Professional polish with subtle artistic touches. Emphasizes clarity and thoughtful composition. Conveys authority and trustworthiness without being cold or clinical.

Background

• Color: Warm Cream (#F5F0E6) or Soft Beige (#FAF6F0)
• Texture: Subtle paper texture, very light grain

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Delicate line work with refined strokes
• Subtle icons with balanced weight
• Graceful curves and flowing compositions
• Soft gradients with smooth transitions
• Balanced whitespace and breathing room
• Thin borders and elegant dividers
• Subtle drop shadows for depth

Style Rules

Do

• Use refined color combinations
• Create balanced, harmonious compositions
• Keep elements light and airy
• Use subtle gradients sparingly
• Maintain generous margins

Don't

• Use harsh contrasts
• Overcrowd the composition
• Add playful or casual elements
• Use neon or overly bright colors
• Create busy or cluttered layouts

Best For

Professional articles, thought leadership pieces, business topics, executive communications, corporate blogs, strategy discussions, industry analysis

fantasy-animation

Whimsical hand-drawn animation style inspired by Ghibli/Disney

Design Aesthetic

Charming hand-drawn animation aesthetic reminiscent of classic Disney, Studio Ghibli, or European storybook illustration. Soft, painterly textures with warm, inviting colors. Friendly characters, magical elements, and storybook feel. Enchanting, nostalgic, and emotionally engaging.

Background

• Color: Soft Sky Blue (#E8F4FC) or Warm Cream (#FFF8E7)
• Texture: Subtle watercolor wash, soft brush strokes

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Central illustrated character (friendly, expressive)
• Small companion creatures (animals, magical beings)
• Storybook-style environment backgrounds
• Magical floating objects (books, orbs, sparkles)
• Decorative elements: stars, flowers, leaves
• Soft shadows and gentle highlights
• Layered depth with foreground/background

Style Rules

Do

• Create warm, inviting compositions
• Use soft edges and painterly textures
• Include charming character illustrations
• Add magical decorative touches
• Maintain storybook narrative feel

Don't

• Use harsh geometric shapes
• Create dark or intimidating imagery
• Add photorealistic elements
• Use cold color palettes
• Make it look digital/computerized

Best For

Educational content, children's articles, storytelling, creative topics, fantasy/gaming, inspirational pieces, family-friendly content

flat-doodle

Cute flat doodle illustration style with bold outlines

Design Aesthetic

Cheerful and approachable visual style combining flat design with doodle charm. Features bold black outlines around simple shapes. Bright pastel colors with no gradients or shading. Cute rounded proportions that feel friendly. Clean white backgrounds create focus and clarity.

Background

• Color: Clean White (#FFFFFF)
• Texture: None - pure white isolated background

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Bold black outlines around all shapes
• Simple flat color fills
• Cute rounded proportions
• Minimal geometric shapes
• Productivity icons (laptops, calendars, checkmarks)
• Isolated elements on white
• No shading or gradients
• Hand-drawn quality with clean edges

Style Rules

Do

• Use bold black outlines consistently
• Keep shapes simple and rounded
• Use bright pastel palette
• Isolate elements on white background
• Maintain cute proportions
• Keep minimal shading

Don't

• Add shadows or depth effects
• Use gradients or textures
• Create complex detailed illustrations
• Overlap too many elements
• Use dark or moody backgrounds
• Add realistic proportions

Best For

Productivity articles, SaaS and app content, workflow tutorials, beginner guides, casual business content, tool introductions, lifestyle productivity

flat

Modern flat vector illustration style for contemporary content

Design Aesthetic

Contemporary flat design aesthetic with bold shapes and limited depth. Clean geometric forms with no gradients or shadows. Modern, accessible, and highly readable. Optimized for digital consumption with scalable vector quality.

Background

• Color: White (#FFFFFF) or Soft Gray (#F5F5F5)
• Texture: None - clean solid backgrounds

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Bold geometric shapes
• Flat color fills with no gradients
• Simple character illustrations
• Clean icon designs
• Minimal line work
• Overlapping shape compositions
• Abstract concept visualizations
• Consistent stroke weights

Style Rules

Do

• Use flat solid colors
• Create clean geometric shapes
• Keep elements simple
• Maintain consistent styling
• Use bold color combinations

Don't

• Add shadows or depth
• Use gradients or textures
• Create realistic illustrations
• Add unnecessary details
• Use photographic elements

Best For

Modern articles, app and product content, startup stories, digital topics, contemporary business, tech company blogs, social media content

ink-notes

Professional black-ink visual notes on pure white, in the tradition of Mike Rohde's sketchnoting

Compared to sketch-notes

ink-notes and sketch-notes are distinct styles. Pick the right one:

When in doubt: warm & friendly → sketch-notes. Disciplined & professional → ink-notes.

Design Aesthetic

Disciplined hand-drawn visual note. Confident black ink line work with slight wobble, hand-lettered typography, and sparse color accents used only for semantic emphasis. Feels like a skilled visual notetaker's whiteboard presentation — clean, structured, intentionally hand-drawn rather than decorative.

Background

• Color: Pure White (#FFFFFF)
• Texture: Clean, no grain, no tint

Color Palette

Color accents must remain under 10% of canvas area and only carry semantic meaning. Black ink does the structural work.

Visual Elements

• Black ink line work with intentional slight wobble on all strokes
• Hand-lettered titles (bold, oversized) and handwritten body annotations
• Simple stick-figure characters with expressive poses (pointing, thinking, walking)
• Role labels above characters (e.g., "Tech Lead", "Compliance Officer")
• Thought bubbles and speech bubbles with hand-drawn outlines
• Rounded-rectangle frames for content groupings
• Dashed-border rectangles for placeholder, "coming next", or empty states
• Curvy hand-drawn arrows with small inline labels
• Vertical or horizontal dividers between comparison zones ("Before" | "After")
• "Mindset shift" curved arrow bridging two zones
• Bottom tagline: single-line hand-lettered conclusion that points the takeaway
• Stars, asterisks, underlines for emphasis — used sparingly

Style Rules

Do

• Keep background pure white with no texture or tint
• Let black ink dominate outlines, text, and figures
• Use accent colors only for semantic highlighting
• Keep all type hand-lettered — no computer-generated fonts
• Maintain confident line quality (wobble, not mess)
• Include a bottom tagline summarizing the main takeaway
• Structure content into clear zones with visible dividers
• Use dashed boxes for future, empty, or placeholder states

Don't

• Use warm off-white or paper-textured backgrounds (that is sketch-notes' territory)
• Fill large zones with color blocks
• Use more than 3 accent colors per image
• Use perfect geometric shapes — preserve hand-drawn wobble
• Clutter with decorative doodles; every element must carry meaning
• Use gradients, shadows, or computer-generated fonts

Type Compatibility

Best For

Product and engineering essays, tech manifestos, framework introductions, Before/After narratives, OS-level comparisons, workforce and organizational analogies, visual summaries of talks, thought-leadership articles

intuition-machine

Technical briefing infographic style with aged paper and bilingual labels

Design Aesthetic

Academic/technical briefing style with clean 2D or isometric technical illustrations. Information-dense but organized with clear visual hierarchy. Vintage blueprint aesthetic with modern clarity. Multiple explanatory elements with bilingual callouts.

Background

• Color: Aged Cream (#F5F0E6)
• Texture: Subtle paper texture with light creases, vintage technical print feel

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Isometric 3D or flat 2D technical diagrams
• Explanatory text boxes with labeled content
• Bilingual callout labels (English + Chinese)
• Faded thematic background patterns
• Clean black outlines on elements
• Split or triptych layouts
• Key insight boxes

Style Rules

Do

• Include multiple text boxes with content
• Use bilingual labels for key elements
• Add faded thematic background patterns
• Maintain aged paper texture
• Create clear visual hierarchy

Don't

• Create photorealistic 3D renders
• Leave illustrations without explanatory text
• Add stamps or watermarks in corners
• Use gradients or glossy effects
• Make it look too modern/digital

Best For

Technical explanations, concept breakdowns, academic content, research summaries, bilingual audiences, knowledge documentation

minimal

Ultra-clean, zen-like illustration style for focused content

Design Aesthetic

Maximum simplicity with purposeful restraint. Every element serves a function. Zen-like calm and focus through extensive negative space. Single focal point approach that guides attention naturally. Quiet elegance through reduction.

Background

• Color: Pure White (#FFFFFF) or Off-White (#FAFAFA)
• Texture: None - clean solid backgrounds

Color Palette

Note: Accent color is derived from content context. Use sparingly.

Visual Elements

• Single focal element per illustration
• Maximum negative space
• Thin, precise lines
• Simple geometric forms
• Subtle shadows if any
• Typography as primary element
• Strategic use of single accent
• Clean, uncluttered compositions

Style Rules

Do

• Embrace empty space
• Use single focal points
• Keep lines thin and precise
• Let content breathe
• Question every element

Don't

• Add decorative elements
• Use multiple accent colors
• Fill available space
• Add textures or patterns
• Create visual complexity

Best For

Philosophy articles, minimalism content, focused explanations, meditation and mindfulness, essential concepts, clarity-focused writing

nature

Organic, earthy illustration style for environmental and wellness content

Design Aesthetic

Natural and organic visual approach inspired by the outdoors. Earth tones and natural textures that evoke calm and connection to nature. Flowing lines and organic shapes. Creates a sense of tranquility and environmental awareness.

Background

• Color: Sand Beige (#F5E6D3) or Sky Blue wash (#E0F2FE)
• Texture: Natural paper texture with organic feel

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Leaf and plant motifs
• Tree and branch silhouettes
• Mountain and landscape shapes
• Organic flowing lines
• Natural textures (wood grain, stone)
• Water and wave patterns
• Animal silhouettes
• Sun and moon symbols

Style Rules

Do

• Use earth-inspired colors
• Create organic, flowing shapes
• Include nature elements
• Evoke outdoor atmosphere
• Maintain calm and balance

Don't

• Use synthetic or neon colors
• Create rigid geometric shapes
• Add tech or digital elements
• Use stark contrasts
• Overcomplicate compositions

Best For

Sustainability articles, wellness content, outdoor topics, slow living, environmental issues, health and fitness, gardening, travel nature pieces

notion

Minimalist hand-drawn line art style for knowledge content (Default)

Design Aesthetic

Clean, minimalist hand-drawn line art with intellectual feel. Simple doodle-style illustrations with intentional wobble. Maximum whitespace with single concept focus. Notion-like aesthetic that feels thoughtful and organized.

Background

• Color: Pure White (#FFFFFF) or Off-White (#FAFAFA)
• Texture: None - clean solid backgrounds

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Simple line doodles
• Hand-drawn wobble effect
• Basic geometric shapes
• Stick figures for people
• Conceptual icons
• Clean hand-drawn lettering
• Minimal decorative elements
• Single-weight line work

Style Rules

Do

• Use maximum whitespace
• Keep illustrations simple
• Add slight hand-drawn wobble
• Focus on single concepts
• Use pastel accents sparingly

Don't

• Create complex illustrations
• Use many colors at once
• Add detailed textures
• Make precise geometric shapes
• Overcrowd the composition

Best For

Knowledge sharing, concept explanations, SaaS content, productivity articles, educational posts, how-to guides, professional blogs

pixel-art

Retro 8-bit pixel art aesthetic with nostalgic gaming style

Design Aesthetic

Pixelated retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic 8-bit and 16-bit era games. Chunky pixels, limited color palettes, and nostalgic gaming references. Simple geometric shapes rendered in blocky pixel form. Fun, playful, and immediately recognizable retro tech aesthetic.

Background

• Color: Light Blue (#87CEEB) or Soft Lavender (#E6E6FA)
• Texture: Subtle pixel grid pattern, optional CRT scanline effect

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• All elements rendered with visible pixel structure
• Simple iconography: notepad, checkboxes, gears, rockets
• Text bubbles with pixel borders
• 8-bit decorations: stars, hearts, arrows
• Progress bars with chunky pixel segments
• Dithering patterns for color transitions
• Limited 16-32 color palette

Style Rules

Do

• Maintain consistent pixel grid throughout
• Use limited color palette (16-32 colors max)
• Create blocky, geometric shapes
• Add nostalgic gaming references
• Use dithering for color transitions

Don't

• Use smooth gradients or anti-aliasing
• Create photorealistic elements
• Use thin lines or fine details
• Add modern glossy effects
• Break the pixel grid alignment

Best For

Gaming articles, tech tutorials, nostalgic content, developer topics, retro-themed pieces, creative tech content

playful

Fun, creative illustration style for casual and educational content

Design Aesthetic

Whimsical and entertaining visual approach that sparks joy. Pastel colors with bright pops of energy. Doodle-like quality that feels approachable and fun. Creates a sense of play and discovery. Encourages engagement through visual delight.

Background

• Color: Light Cream (#FFFBEB) or Soft White (#FFF)
• Texture: Subtle, playful pattern or clean

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Doodles and sketchy lines
• Star and sparkle decorations
• Swirls and curvy elements
• Cute character illustrations
• Speech bubbles and callouts
• Emoji-style icons
• Confetti and celebration marks
• Playful hand-lettering

Style Rules

Do

• Use varied pastel palette
• Add whimsical decorations
• Create friendly characters
• Include playful details
• Keep energy high and positive

Don't

• Use dark or moody colors
• Create serious compositions
• Add corporate elements
• Use rigid geometric shapes
• Make it feel professional

Best For

Tutorials and guides, beginner-friendly content, casual articles, fun topics, children's content, hobby-related posts, entertaining explanations

retro

80s/90s nostalgic aesthetic with vibrant colors and geometric patterns

Design Aesthetic

Nostalgic retro aesthetic inspired by 80s and 90s design trends. Vibrant neon colors, geometric patterns, and Memphis design influence. Energetic, fun, and unapologetically bold. Perfect for content that embraces nostalgia or playful energy.

Background

• Color: Deep Purple (#2D1B4E) or Dark Teal (#0F4C5C)
• Texture: Subtle grid patterns or geometric shapes

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Geometric patterns (triangles, circles)
• Grid backgrounds and lines
• Neon glow effects
• Memphis design shapes
• Zigzag and wavy patterns
• Retro computer graphics
• Bold outline strokes
• Gradient sunsets

Style Rules

Do

• Use bold neon colors
• Create geometric patterns
• Add retro typography
• Include Memphis-style shapes
• Embrace maximalism

Don't

• Use muted or subtle colors
• Create minimal compositions
• Add modern flat design
• Make it look contemporary
• Use understated elements

Best For

Pop culture articles, gaming content, music and entertainment, nostalgia pieces, youth-focused content, creative industry, party and event content

scientific

Academic scientific illustration style for technical diagrams and processes

Design Aesthetic

Academic scientific illustration aesthetic for biological, chemical, and technical diagrams. Clean, precise diagrams with proper labeling and clear visual flow. Educational clarity with professional polish. Textbook quality illustrations.

Background

• Color: Off-White (#FAFAFA) or Light Blue-Gray (#F0F4F8)
• Texture: None or subtle paper grain

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Precise labeled diagrams
• Flow arrows showing direction
• Modular components with colors
• Chemical formulas and notation
• Cross-section views
• Numbered step sequences
• Molecule and cell representations
• Process summary boxes

Style Rules

Do

• Use precise consistent lines
• Label all components clearly
• Show directional flow
• Include technical notation
• Create clear numbered sequences

Don't

• Use decorative elements
• Create imprecise diagrams
• Omit important labels
• Use inconsistent styling
• Add artistic flourishes

Best For

Biology articles, chemistry explanations, medical content, research summaries, academic writing, technical documentation, process explanations

screen-print

Bold poster art with limited colors, halftone textures, and symbolic storytelling

Design Aesthetic

Screen print / silkscreen aesthetic inspired by Mondo limited-edition posters and vintage concert prints. Flat color blocks, halftone dot patterns, bold silhouettes, and deliberate print imperfections. Conceptual and symbolic rather than literal — one iconic image tells the whole story. Perfect for opinion pieces, cultural commentary, and editorial content.

Background

• Color: Off-Black (#121212) or Warm Cream (#F5E6D0)
• Texture: Paper grain with subtle halftone dot overlay

Color Palette

Duotone Pairs (choose ONE pair for high-impact compositions):

Rule: Use 2-5 colors maximum. Fewer colors = stronger impact.

Visual Elements

• Bold silhouettes and symbolic shapes
• Halftone dot patterns within color fills
• Slight color layer misregistration (print offset effect)
• Geometric framing (circles, arches, triangles)
• Figure-ground inversion (negative space forms secondary image)
• Stencil-cut edges, no outlines — shapes defined by color boundaries
• Typography integrated as design element, not overlay
• Vintage poster border treatments

Style Rules

Do

• Limit to 2-5 flat colors
• Use bold silhouettes over detailed rendering
• Let negative space tell part of the story
• Add halftone texture for authenticity
• Use geometric composition (centered, symmetrical)
• Reference vintage decades (60s/70s/80s) for era feel

Don't

• Use photorealistic rendering or gradients
• Add complex facial details (silhouettes preferred)
• Mix too many visual elements (one focal point)
• Use modern digital aesthetic
• Create busy or cluttered compositions
• Use more than 5 colors

Best For

Opinion/editorial articles, cultural commentary, philosophy and strategy, dramatic narratives, cinematic storytelling, music and entertainment, event announcements, bold branding content

sketch-notes

Hand-drawn educational infographic style with warm cream paper, black hand-drawn lines, and soft pastel section blocks. Optimized for single-page visual explainers.

Design Aesthetic

Hand-drawn educational infographic in a clean presentation style. Feels like a visual explainer slide: simple, friendly, and easy to understand at a glance. Bold handwritten-style title at the top, clearly sectioned content in the middle with rounded boxes and small doodles, and one short takeaway sentence at the bottom. Neat, airy, and visually similar to a hand-drawn concept diagram — never realistic or photographic.

Background

• Color: Warm Cream Paper (#F5F0E8) — preferred; fallback Warm Off-White (#FAF8F0)
• Texture: Subtle warm paper grain, matte finish, no gloss

Color Palette

Default sketch-notes palette is the macaron pastel set. Lines are always black; pastel blocks are used only as rounded card fills for information sections.

Use 4 pastel block colors max per image, one color per section. Black ink does all the structural line work.

Visual Elements

• Bold hand-lettered title at the top (oversized, slightly wobbly)
• Rounded-rectangle info boxes with clear sectioning (2–6 zones)
• Short keyword labels inside boxes — never long paragraphs
• Simple icons and sketchy cartoon elements (stick figures, tools, objects) to explain each idea
• Hand-drawn arrows (straight, curved, or wavy) connecting related zones
• Small doodle decorations: stars, sparkles, underlines, dots, asterisks — used sparingly for emphasis
• Single-line hand-lettered takeaway sentence at the bottom
• Color fills do not completely fill outlines (slight "hand-painted" overshoot/undershoot)
• Generous white space between sections — airy, never crowded

Layout Guidelines

Canonical single-page layout (16:9 or 4:3):

1. Top (10–15%) — Bold hand-lettered title, optionally with a small decorative underline or doodle. 2. Middle (70–80%) — 2–6 rounded pastel info boxes arranged in a clear grid, row, or radial pattern. Each box = one section, one color, one icon, one keyword/phrase. 3. Bottom (10–15%) — One short hand-lettered takeaway sentence summarizing the core insight.

Keep margins generous. Aim for breathing room around every element.

Style Rules

Do

• Use warm cream paper background (no pure white)
• Use black hand-drawn lines for ALL structural elements
• Use soft pastel blocks (blue / mint / lavender / peach) for section fills
• Keep text to short keywords and phrases only
• Include a bold handwritten title at the top
• Include a short takeaway sentence at the bottom
• Use diagram-style visuals (icons, doodles, simple shapes)
• Allow slight wobble — hand-drawn imperfection is the point
• Maintain clear sectioning with rounded boxes

Don't

• Use pure white backgrounds (that's ink-notes' territory)
• Render realistic or photographic images — this style is diagram-only
• Fill zones with gradients, shadows, or digital effects
• Use long paragraphs of text — keywords only
• Use computer-generated / sans-serif body fonts — ALL text must be hand-lettered
• Use more than 4 pastel block colors per image
• Overcrowd the canvas — keep it airy and minimal
• Use perfect geometric shapes — preserve the hand-drawn wobble

Type Compatibility

Best For

Educational content, knowledge sharing, concept explainers, tutorials, onboarding materials, product walkthroughs, single-page visual summaries, "how things work" posts, friendly technical articles

sketch

Raw, authentic notebook-style illustration for ideas and processes

Design Aesthetic

Hand-drawn sketch aesthetic that feels authentic and in-progress. Pencil-on-paper quality with intentional imperfection. Suggests thinking, brainstorming, and creative exploration. Raw and honest visual approach that invites collaboration.

Background

• Color: Off-White Paper (#F7FAFC) or Cream (#FAFAFA)
• Texture: Paper texture with visible grain

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Rough sketch lines with natural variation
• Arrows and directional pointers
• Handwritten labels and notes
• Crossed-out marks and corrections
• Underlines and emphasis marks
• Simple diagram shapes
• Margin notes style
• Quick icon sketches

Style Rules

Do

• Use pencil-like line quality
• Include natural imperfections
• Add handwritten annotations
• Create diagram-style layouts
• Show thinking process

Don't

• Use perfect geometric shapes
• Add polished or refined elements
• Create colorful compositions
• Use digital effects
• Make it look finished

Best For

Ideas in progress, brainstorming articles, thought processes, concept exploration, draft-stage thinking, planning content, problem-solving pieces

vector-illustration

Flat vector illustration style with clear black outlines and retro soft colors

Design Aesthetic

Flat vector illustration with no gradients or 3D effects. Clear, uniform-thickness black outlines on all elements. Geometric simplification reducing complex objects to basic shapes. Toy model aesthetic that's cute, playful, and approachable. Coloring book style with closed outlines.

Background

• Color: Cream Off-White (#F5F0E6)
• Texture: Subtle paper texture, warm nostalgic feel

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• All objects have closed black outlines (coloring book style)
• Rounded line endings, avoid sharp corners
• Trees simplified to lollipop or triangle shapes
• Buildings as rectangular blocks with grid windows
• Depth through layering and overlap
• Decorative elements: sunbursts, pill-shaped clouds, dots, stars
• People as simple geometric figures

Style Rules

Do

• Maintain consistent outline thickness
• Use soft, vintage color palette
• Simplify objects to basic geometric shapes
• Create depth through layering
• Add playful decorative elements

Don't

• Use gradients or realistic shading
• Create photorealistic elements
• Use thin or varying line weights
• Include complex detailed illustrations
• Add textures inside shapes

Best For

Educational content, creative articles, children's content, brand showcases, explainer pieces, warm approachable topics

vintage

Nostalgic aged-paper aesthetic for historical and heritage content

Design Aesthetic

Nostalgic vintage aesthetic with aged paper textures and historical document styling. Explorer's journal and antique map quality. Rich warm tones with weathered textures. Evokes discovery, heritage, and timeless knowledge.

Background

• Color: Aged Parchment (#F5E6D3) or Sepia Cream (#FFF8DC)
• Texture: Heavy aged paper texture with subtle stains and worn edges

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Antique map styling with route lines
• Compass roses and navigation elements
• Specimen-style drawings
• Handwritten annotations
• Rope, leather, brass decorative motifs
• Vintage photograph frames
• Aged paper edge effects
• Historical document styling

Style Rules

Do

• Apply consistent aged texture
• Use period-appropriate styling
• Include map and journey elements
• Create layered compositions
• Maintain warm sepia tones

Don't

• Use modern digital styling
• Create crisp clean edges
• Use cold or bright colors
• Add contemporary elements
• Make it look new or fresh

Best For

Historical articles, travel and exploration, biography pieces, heritage stories, scientific discovery narratives, museum-style content, classic literature references

warm

Friendly, approachable illustration style for human-centered content

Design Aesthetic

Warm and inviting visual approach that feels personal and approachable. Soft, friendly colors that evoke comfort and connection. Emphasizes human elements and emotional resonance. Creates an atmosphere of trust and openness.

Background

• Color: Cream (#FFFAF0) or Soft Peach (#FED7AA)
• Texture: Soft paper texture with warm undertones

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Rounded shapes and soft corners
• Friendly character illustrations
• Sun rays and warm light motifs
• Heart symbols and care icons
• Cozy lighting effects
• Gentle gradients with warmth
• Soft shadows without harsh edges
• Hand-drawn quality touches

Style Rules

Do

• Use warm, inviting colors
• Create rounded, friendly shapes
• Include human-centered elements
• Evoke feelings of comfort
• Maintain soft, gentle contrasts

Don't

• Use cold or stark colors
• Create sharp, aggressive shapes
• Add technical or clinical elements
• Use dark, moody backgrounds
• Create sterile compositions

Best For

Personal growth articles, lifestyle content, education, human interest stories, wellness topics, relationship advice, self-help content, community building

watercolor

Soft, artistic watercolor illustration style with natural warmth

Design Aesthetic

Gentle watercolor aesthetic with visible brush strokes and natural color bleeding. Hand-painted feel with soft edges and organic shapes. Warm, approachable, and artistically refined. Combines artistic expression with clear visual communication.

Background

• Color: Warm Off-White (#FAF8F0) or Soft Cream (#FFF9E6)
• Texture: Subtle watercolor paper texture with visible grain

Color Palette

Visual Elements

• Watercolor washes as backgrounds
• Illustrated elements with visible brush strokes
• Natural elements: leaves, flowers, bubbles
• Color bleeds and soft edges
• Hand-drawn arrows and lines
• Layered wash effects
• Soft gradients through water
• Expressive character illustrations

Style Rules

Do

• Allow color to bleed beyond edges
• Use visible brush stroke textures
• Create soft, organic shapes
• Include hand-drawn quality
• Maintain warm color palette

Don't

• Use sharp geometric shapes
• Create hard digital edges
• Use cold or stark colors
• Add photographic elements
• Create overly precise illustrations

Best For

Lifestyle articles, wellness content, travel pieces, food and cooking, personal stories, creative topics, artistic portfolios, warm educational content

Usage

Command Syntax

# Auto-select type and style based on content
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md

# Specify type
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md --type infographic

# Specify style
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md --style blueprint

# Combine type and style
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md --type flowchart --style notion

# Specify density
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md --density rich

# Generate up to 4 images in parallel after prompts are saved
/baoyu-article-illustrator path/to/article.md --batch-size 4

# Direct content input (paste mode)
/baoyu-article-illustrator
[paste content]

Options

Input Modes

Output Directory Options

Configure in EXTEND.md: default_output_dir: illustrations-subdir

Examples

Technical article with data:

/baoyu-article-illustrator api-design.md --type infographic --style blueprint

Same thing with preset:

/baoyu-article-illustrator api-design.md --preset tech-explainer

Personal story:

/baoyu-article-illustrator journey.md --preset storytelling

Tutorial with steps:

/baoyu-article-illustrator how-to-deploy.md --preset tutorial --density rich

Opinion article with poster style:

/baoyu-article-illustrator opinion.md --preset opinion-piece

Preset with override:

/baoyu-article-illustrator article.md --preset tech-explainer --style notion