Statue Transformation Style Guide

Materials & Their Aesthetics

White Marble (Classical)

The Greco-Roman ideal. Cool white stone with subtle grey veining, smooth polished surfaces contrasting with rough-hewn details. Soft diffused lighting from above creates gentle shadows in the folds and features.

Key elements: Fine chisel marks on unpolished areas, slight translucency at thin edges (ears, fingers), natural stone veining, pristine white with grey undertones.

Prompt approach: "Transform into a classical white marble statue, museum lighting, subtle grey veining in the stone, smooth polished skin surfaces, visible chisel texture on hair and fabric, Greco-Roman sculptural style"

Bronze with Patina

Heroic monument style. Rich brown-gold metal with characteristic green verdigris in recesses and weathered areas. Strong directional lighting emphasizes the metallic surface.

Key elements: Green patina concentrated in deep areas, warm golden highlights on raised surfaces, cast metal texture, oxidation patterns suggesting age.

Prompt approach: "Transform into an aged bronze statue, green verdigris patina in crevices, warm metallic highlights, heroic monument style, outdoor museum lighting, detailed cast metal texture"

Jade (East Asian)

Serene and precious. Translucent green stone with internal luminosity. Smooth, highly polished surfaces throughout. Often features more stylized, elegant proportions.

Key elements: Deep green with lighter internal glow, mirror-smooth surfaces, no tool marks visible, subtle internal veining, precious gem quality.

Prompt approach: "Transform into a polished jade statue, translucent deep green stone with internal luminosity, highly polished smooth surfaces, East Asian sculptural elegance, soft museum lighting"

Obsidian (Volcanic Glass)

Sleek and modern. Jet black with razor-sharp edges and mirror-like surfaces. Reflects environment dramatically. Often suits contemporary or abstract styling.

Key elements: Perfect black surfaces, mirror reflections, sharp geometric edges, smooth glassy texture, dramatic contrast with environment.

Prompt approach: "Transform into an obsidian statue, jet black volcanic glass, mirror-smooth reflective surfaces, sharp sculptural edges, modern gallery setting with dramatic lighting"

Gold (Deity Style)

Luxurious and divine. Warm rich yellow gold with brilliant highlights. Can range from ancient hammered gold to modern polished perfection.

Key elements: Warm yellow-gold tone, bright specular highlights, either smooth polished or hammered texture, regal presence.

Prompt approach: "Transform into a golden statue, rich warm gold metal, brilliant highlights, luxurious deity styling, temple or palace lighting, [hammered/polished] gold surface"

Museum Staging Options

Gallery pedestal: Clean white or black rectangular base, neutral backdrop, focused spot lighting from above.

Classical museum: Ornate marble pedestal, burgundy or forest green backdrop, warm ambient lighting with directional accents.

Outdoor monument: Stone plinth, sky backdrop, natural daylight with shadows.

No base: Floating against gradient background, pure focus on sculpture.

Anatomical Considerations

Sculptures often idealize proportions. The transformation should:

• Smooth skin texture into stone/metal while preserving facial features
• Convert hair into carved material texture (marble: individual carved strands, bronze: cast waves)
• Transform clothing into draped sculptural fabric
• Eyes may be blank (classical), detailed (realistic), or inset (bronze)

Example Prompts

Portrait to marble bust: "Transform this portrait into a classical white marble bust sculpture, smooth polished skin surfaces, intricate carved hair strands, subtle grey veining, mounted on a simple grey marble pedestal, museum spotlight lighting from upper left"

Full figure to bronze: "Transform into a life-size bronze monument statue, aged patina with green verdigris in deep areas, warm golden highlights on raised surfaces, heroic stance, granite pedestal base, outdoor daylight"

Pet to jade: "Transform this pet photo into a carved jade sculpture, translucent deep green stone, smooth highly polished surfaces, soft internal glow, display pedestal, gallery lighting"

User Customization Options

Ask users about:

• Material preference (default to marble if unsure)
• Pedestal style or no pedestal
• Blank eyes (classical) vs detailed eyes
• Specific museum/gallery setting
• Degree of idealization vs likeness preservation