THE AT STYLE DATABASE ver.2 ~ MODELS YO I NEED THEM

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THE STYLE DATABASE
[ KEEPING AT STYLISH SINCE DECEMBER 2006 ]

ver.2

Welcome to the new AT Style Database! The original one, unfortunately, hasn't been updated recently and a few ATers and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to revamp the old one! All credit goes to candycrack and all the others who helped create the older one.

Anyway, this guide is a list of all (well, most) styles seen around the AT. It's purpose is the showcase the different avatars (ex: matching // clutter // theme // etc) and help everyone understand these styles. With an addition to broadening your knowledge about these styles, this thread also hopes to make rating a lot easier for those who struggle on rating certain styles.

With an addition to this thread, you can also try AT rating sticky for more general information.


THIS IS NOT A RATE THREAD, THIS IS A LIST OF STYLES.

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Helping out // Helpful Links

How can I help out?

Models

Since this thread is in it's baby stage, I'm going to need some models for each style.
Simply send me a PM or quote me in this thread and tell me which category you would like to be a model for.
Edit:
On the topic of models, it would be a hella easier if you sent me your best avatars by PM and explain which category it fits in. Or pick of some of your favorites and I'll pick from there.
When you send me the avatars, they must be 120x150. I won't accept them if they're any bigger.
You can submit more than one avatar in different categories, and you can have a male and female avatar in the same category.

I apologize in advance if you submit an avatar and I do not add it up or removed it. Sometimes the slots are full or I find better examples that show the the theme much better. It's rater cruel, but this is to be informative, not a place to show off your talent.

Models needed for:
- 2 male models for Matching
- 4 male models for Non-matching
- 1 female models (preferably not black/white monochrome) and 3 male models for Monochrome
- 1 male models for Realistic
- 4 male models for Clutter
- 2 male models for Complex Clutter
- 1 female model for simple and 3 male models for Simple
- 1 male models for Special bases
- 1 female models and 2 male models for Cosplay
- 1 model for Scenic
- 1 model for Backtar
- 1 female model and 1 male for Halftar
- 3 models for Sensual
- 2 models for Paws
- 3 models for Sci-fi
- 2 female models and 2 male models for Cross dressing


Tips

As this thread grows, more ideas are going to be needed. Whether you disagree with something said or have additional information you would like to share, just post it! Any type of feedback/suggestion will be extremely helpful!

Links
The Original Database
How Do I Rate That?

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MATCHING

The most common and popular style found here in the AT. It's considered the easiest style considering the surplus of items/recolors we get everyday! Matching has changed over the years, although it still keeps the basic concepts from the beginning.





The key to a good matching avatar includes color balance, shades, flow and types of items used.

Color Balance: A must have in a matching avatar. All colors should be distributed evenly around the whole avatar (ex: torso // head // arms // legs). Since Gaia has plenty of items in many different colors, balance shouldn't be too difficult.

Shades: Getting the exact shade is also vital, hence why it's called matching. The shades should be identical, if not very similar. Gaia has a large selection of colors in many different shades so be careful when picking items. Just because it's blue, doesn't mean a baby blue item will look just as good as a navy item.

Items: This includes texture and weight. Items should compliment each other (I don't mean use a set!). For example, lacy items should be used with items that have smilar texture to them, bulky/heavy items should be paired with other items of similar size. Having too many of different textures and pattern could mess with the flow of the avatar.

Flow: This pretty much ties all the previous categories into one. Everything should be in harmony and belend together. Nothing should stand out.

Tips for the raters:
Balance is the huge factor you should take into consideration. If anything stands out, then it is not considered "complete".
Originality (color and item choice) also plays a big role in.
Although, you should also take in to account the pricing over certain items when suggesting. Inflation is at it's peak today, so certain items in certain colors may be considered unobtainable.

Female Models: Lapsis Stella // Aqua Fortise // pearlmethyst // honey` mustard // Dailanie
Male Models: iymcool // yaki_terri

NON-MATCHING

Not nearly as common as matching, but still one of the more popular styles. Not many people do non-matching since there a huge amont of items in each shade making matching a lot more easier, although there are still many people who enjoy non-matching.






The key components of a non-matching avatar is flow, balance and shades.

Flow: The kind of flow seen in non-matching avatars is quite different to matching. There's a sense of consistency in the color palate and shape chosen.

Balance: When adding color, the shade of it should be spread around evenly, just like in matching avatars. Although don't go too crazy with different shades.

Shades: Colors should blend together and be consistant. If you're using warm colors (same thing applies with neutral or cool) colors like yellow, orange, red should be used. Even when using numerous colors, there should be som sort of common ground.

Female Model: Organic Jello // Budsey-chan // Eloquentress // sdrawkcab // pearlmethyst
Male Model: yaki_terri //


Sub-categories:

Monochrome

These avatars focus on one specific color throughout the whole avatar. Like matching, the colors must stay consistent, although rather than matching the exact color with every item, monochrome focuses on a specific spectra of color.

Female Models: sdrawkcab // AmplifyXtasy // Braev Dullahan // Eloquentress
Male Models: Tuesday Mournings

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THEMED

Themed avatars are exactly what the name implies; avatars that tell a story! Themes can range from alien to farmer, even to princess. Pretty much anything can be considered "themed".



Items selection and color are the key factor to making a successful themed avatar.

Items: The items should fit with what the theme is. The style of the item and the time period the theme is in should match up. You wouldn't see a laser gun with a pirate, no? Items that are not made for the specific theme can be used, but keep in mind if it makes sense with the theme.

Color: Similar to items, the color should reflet the theme. Bright neon colors would not suit a Victorian noble.

Female Models: Lapsis Stella (Fortune Teller) // AmplifyXtasy(Hunter) // teh marth (desert explorer) // susue (gynoid) // Budsey-chan (forest witch)
Male Models: Cinderfae (Sea Captain) // yaki_terri (ghost) // Calelith (djinn) // iymcool (strongman) // Macabeak

Sub Categories:

REALISM





Basically what the name implies. Realism is everything like themes, but without the fantasy aspect of it. The avatar is shown in realistic fashion, something that you would (or someone would) wear in real life. Matching means nothing in this style, nobody wears the exact same shade of clothing. The colors should complement one another, which most real life fashion is about. Items are also very important. All the accessories and clothing should be realistic, meaning no robot boots or witches hat. Remember, realism is a theme of what a person would wear in real life.

Female Models: ugly un fat // wtvrs // susue // pearlmethyst
Male Models: lovest harding // Feral Rogue // sdrawkcab

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CLUTTER

One of the most difficult but also one of the most respected styles seen around the AT. Clutter-tars aim to put as many possible items on an avatar.





The key components to a good clutter-tar is the shape, color, and item choice.

Shape: Maintaing a balanced and interesting shape is crucial. There shouldn't be any awkward shapes sticking out if the avatar is compacted to the shape of the avatar. Large shapes should be paired with large shapes, same goes for small shapes. The shape must be uniform.

Items: The actual item shape doesn't matter, but how they layer and overall shape is what's important. The items should balance each other out color, texture and size. No item should stick out, everything should blend together as a whole.

Color: Even though there isn't a huge matching value in a clutter-tar, color choice should still be take into consideration. The colors should remain consistant throughout the whole avatar.

Female Model : ugly un fat // l rose l // Nineteen Eighty-Four / teh marth // sdrawkcab
Male Models: teh marth

COMPLEX CLUTTER

Quite similar to clutter, but with matching twist added to it. With the massive amounts of items being released, clutter and matching become a lot easier, but why not combine the two to create and even bigger impact? These avatars combine complex layering with precise matching to create an aesthetically-pleasing, jaw-dropping, amazing masterpiece. It's no wonder most ATers love this style!

Like both matching and clutter, these avatars require good balance, flow and similar shades.

Balance: This applies for both items and color balance. No item/colors should not stick out, they should complement each other and be in unison. The common weight amongst the items and the colors should be spread around the whole avatar (torse // head // legs // etc)

Flow: Quite similar to balance. Although this is overall look of the avatar. Does anything stick out; a color/item/ a certain spot of the area? If the answer is yes, then the flow of the avatar can be completely off. This could mean that the items look a little messy in one area (or not enough items) or that the colors might be off in that particular area.

Shades: Like matching avatars, the shades have to match up with each other. Although since there are huge amounts of items being added on to the avatar, there can be some leniency in the completely matching the shades.

Female Models: Aqua Fortise // Dailanie // susue // Budsey-chan
Male Models: HatsuHikari // iymcool // yaki-terri //

SIMPLE

Not many people have as much respect for simple avatars like clutter-tars. Most people believe that they are "easy" and "boring". Although, a successful simple avatar creates a lasting impression, but using minimal amounts of items.




Item choice, color and flow are key parts in order to make a successful simple avatar.

Items: Simple avatars stray away from large amounts of accessories, although the accessories that are used should fit well together. Nothing should appear out of place or flashy. Although, it's not necessary to keep accessories to a minimum, just as long no item(s) ruin the overall flow of each item.

Color: Matching isn't all that important, but a consistency in palette is. The colors should blend together and not over power one another.

Flow: The transition from each section should be smooth, from one part to the next. If a single part stands out too much, it may ruin the overall effect.

Female Model: wtvrs // honey` mustard / susue // pearlmethyst
Male Models: Feral Rogue

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SPECIAL BASES/SKINS/PARTS

With each new RIG/update Gaia provides for us, we receive new skins for even more possibilities! We even have new animal bases, tripling the creativity. Some skins do maintain the human figure, but some (such as the centaurs, deers, fish and imps) do have a challenge added to them. Like mods, they remove some parts of the body for customizations, although they also build huge amounts of character.




Flow, color and balance are all vital for a special base.

Flow: Quite similar to other styles, colors and items should blend together. Everything should be in perfect harmony, nothing should stand out.

Color: The colors should complement each other and not overpower the skin/base. The shades don't necessarily have to match perfectly, but they should be in the same palette. Tones paired with tones, and vivid colors should be paired with vivid. (You can combine tones and vivid colors together, but keep in mind to distribute each of them evenly)

Balance: Balance is crucial. Too much items/colors could throw off the avatar and overpower the base/skin.

Female Models: Aqua Fortise // Cinderfae // AmplifyXtasy // Braev Dullahan // Torse
Male Models: iymcool // yaki_terri // teh marth // 0-DCB

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COSPLAY

Cosplay is similar to making a themed avatar. Although rather than using a general topic, a specific character or person is used. Even though it's fairly easy to create an avatar based on a character, it cam prove quite the challenge.






Female Models: pearlmethyst (Pearl) // Lapsis Stella (Daenerys) // Vigors (Tharja) // Eloquentress (Kyoshi Warrior) // deepstaria (Rose Quartz)
Male Models: Hi-Potion (Professor Sycamore) // Calelith (Deathstroke) // 0-DCB (Quill)

Accuracy and originality are key points for a good cosplay

Accuracy: This is simple enough, but also the most important aspect of cosplaying. The avatar should look like the intended character/reference. Although it doesn't have to be 100 % perfect, just as long as it resembles the character extremely well. Gaia lacks certain items for certain item, but that should not stop you from cosplaying. Using items that are similar to the "missing" items work as well.

Originality: There's bound to be more than one person cosplaying a particular character. Although, to create a successful cosplay, it should stand out from the rest. Some characters have certain items that are used over and over again for that particular cosplay, thus making the cosplay "unimpressive" or "boring".

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SCENIC AVATARS

Scenic avatars are slightly rare, although still frequently seen around the AT. These avatars do not use the humanoid figure to express feeling/mood, but instead use an abstract or beautiful landscape. The whole base is covered up and replaced with accessories or background items.



Like theme, the item choice and color choice is crucial.

Color: The colors should fit the scene you are trying to accomplish. You wouldn't have random bits of neon colors if you were trying to make a serene forest. The palate should remain consistent and be complimentary to one another.

Items: Items for the most part should be covered up and not resemble clothing at all.
Models: ugIy en fat // scarlet_maven // Sineaed



ABSTRACT BLOBS

A little similar to a scenic avatar where the human base is completely covered and does rely on the human shape. Although, the end results is not a to create a scene, it's to create some sort of shape, lack of better terms, basically a "blob".



Matching/balance: There is a component of matching here, although not to a degree as a plain old matching avatar. Blobs focus more on the flow of each color and how they mix together. Although the colors should still remain complimentary to each other and one color shouldn't stand out.

Interpretation: Blobs are like abstract art, where the interpretation is up to the user/person. The blob has to have some sort of impact or ideas attached on. Unlike theme where there's one specific focus, blobs should have various view points and should not be as clear-cut.

Useful tips:
- Accessories are your best friend
- items that cut off body parts are extremely useful to these (Ex: Nightmare, Legless/Armless Method)

Models: Tuesday Mournings // ugly un fat // Torse // Ophelia Laments
Sub Categories -


Backtars



Like Abstract blobs, the avatar is facing away from the user. Although the ideas of creating one are completely different. While blobs focus on a unique shape, backtars uses the human base provided. They're normally paired up with other styles such as theme, matching, etc, so each backtar typically follows the rules of it's intended style.

Models: Torse // teh marth // lovest harding

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HALFTAR

Probably one of the rarest and hardest style here in the AT. Halftars are basically what they imply, an avatar that is spilt in half with two different themes or colors. These avatars so sometimes fall in other categories such as matching, complex clutter, although it is its own category since it does not fall exactly with either matching/clutter/theme.






A successful halftar has good matching/color coordination, flow and consistency.

Matching/Coordination: Pretty much like a matching avatar, but you're limited to a certain area of the avatar. Consistence of the colors is still important as well, as they should compliment each other and blend together.

Flow: The avatar should have a clear division line of color/theme. Although, they must work in unison and create an overall appealing look. Even the slightest hint of random color or bizarre texture could throw off the whole design.

Consistency: Some halftars don't necessarily need to match, however, the desired themes and/or color must remain in its respective half. If red is on top , then red must and only be on the top

Female Models: - B I a c k N e o n - // sdrawkcab
Male Models: yaki_terri // iymcool

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

Monsters



Monsters are exactly what the title states, monsters. Monsters can range from bug scaly critters to ghastly figures. These are very similar to special bases, but they do not require a special base to called monsters. Items that do change the bases' figure can be helpful, but they aren't necessary.

Models: teh marth // Torse // l rose l // Feral Rogue

Sensual

N/A

Sensual avatars aren't really all about sex appeal, it's more about the skin. The skin is the most important part of the avatar. The avatar uses the least amounts of clothing, but accessorizes with lots of jewelry and tattoos.

Models: // //

Paws




These new bases were recently added to possible avatar bases, even though they're relatively new, Paws are recently becoming popular. They can pretty much apply to the same rules of human bases.
Models: amarzyciel // Feral Rogue // Ophelia Laments // Braev Dullahan


Horror




Quite similar to monster, Horror avatars give off a creepy and grotesque vibe. Although you don't necessarily have to be a monster to fall under horror. It could be a bloody mess, a creepy little girl or a murder scene.

Models: Braev Dullahan // susue // Words of Disease // Feral Rogue


Sci-fi



Sci-fi (or Science Fiction) can range from pretty much anything like monsters or busty babes. Although, these average themes have a unique twist to them. They connect regular themes to anything "science-ey". Robots, cyborgs, mecha suits, space ships, pretty much anything that appeared in Star Wars fits in this small category.

Models: Susue // Ophelia Laments // Pennyroyal T // deepstaria

Cross dressing / Ambiguous




Cross dressing and Ambiguous avatars hide the bases standard features in attempt to either appear as the opposite sex or no sex at all. While mods aren't necessary, they're very helpful in disguising the bases' features

Female Models: deepstaria // DefectiveCircuitry
Male Models:

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