Image Validator

Quality gate for tacosdedatos illustrations.

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

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 |

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]

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"

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]

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."

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.