stylized

Stylized refers to forms that are represented according to a particular style rather than in faithful, naturalistic detail. In art and design, stylization emphasizes distinctive shapes, lines, colors, and textures associated with a chosen aesthetic, often prioritizing mood, symbolism, or recognizability over strict realism. A stylized work may still depict recognizable subjects, but their proportions and details are altered to fit the style's rules.

In visual arts and illustration, stylized approaches range from geometric abstraction to decorative ornament. In graphic design and typography, stylization produces distinctive letterforms, icons, or branding elements that retain subject identity while adopting a cohesive visual language. In animation and film, stylization is used to create a specific tone or readability across media—through line work, color palettes, lighting, and texture choices, such as cel shading or high-contrast schemes. In architecture and fashion, stylized motifs repeat or simplify forms to convey a period, movement, or cultural identity.

The term also highlights a deliberate divergence from realism, with stylization standing between realism and abstraction. It can reflect cultural tradition, artistic movement, or functional goals like legibility or branding. While stylization can enhance expression and cohesion, it may reduce likeness to the real world and affect viewer interpretation depending on context.