An image generation brief should specify the purpose and visual treatment rather than rely on a default style. A polished image can still be wrong for the brand or misleading in its context. Start with what the image needs to explain, the audience and the approved brand assets. Then decide whether generation is appropriate at all.
Photorealistic, illustrative and editorial treatments offer different ways to present an idea. A realistic generated image must not be passed off as a real customer, testimonial or event. Illustration can help explain a concept without suggesting a documentary record. An editorial layout may organize a visual argument, but any chart or numerical element still needs accurate source data and review.
Choose the treatment for the message and brand rather than assigning a universal winning style to each platform. Review the image in its actual placement, including cropping, legibility and surrounding text. A useful evaluation asks whether the audience can understand it and whether it creates an inaccurate impression, not whether a style is presumed to increase engagement.
Keep art direction specific to the client. A reusable style guide can record composition, color preferences and prohibited depictions, while allowing deliberate variation. The same principle applies to brand voice adaptation: shared tooling does not remove the need for a separate brief and review. Check for unintended similarities and details that do not fit the brand.
Make image style and review requirements explicit in the production brief. If using a production feature, verify its current image capabilities, access for your client accounts and configuration. Review generated text, product details, likenesses and disclosure needs before approving the asset. A useful visual is an editorial decision, not evidence that a particular model or style will perform better.
Max Socials Team
Insights from the Max Socials product, engineering, and strategy teams.