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:
markdown
## 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:
code
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:
code
Colors MUST use only: #121212, #F1FAEE, #E63946, #A8DADC, #F4A261, #4E937A
Issue: Too Cluttered
Detection: No clear focal point, busy composition
Fix: Simplify prompt:
code
Single focal element. Generous negative space. Minimal composition. Clean and simple.
Issue: Missing Texture
Detection: Flat, plastic, or glossy appearance
Fix: Add texture cues:
code
Subtle risograph grain texture throughout. Matte finish. No glossy surfaces.
Issue: Photorealistic Style
Detection: Looks like a photo or 3D render
Fix: Emphasize style:
code
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:
code
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:
code
aspect_ratio="16:9" or aspect_ratio="3:2"
Quick Validation (for simple checks)
For fast validation without full report:
markdown
## 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
markdown
## 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
markdown
## 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.