Image Policy

This page covers Project: Daybreak's guidelines for images and visual canon. For our policy on canon overall, see here; for a general introduction to Daybreak's spin on the Halo universe, see here.

It should be noted that all visual canon is granted some degree of fluidity for the sake of creative freedom. One might say that all visual media is a representation of an elusive fictional "reality", but not an objective expression of that reality itself. That said, just like the goal of its writing is to depict an universe that is as creatively independent as possible, Project: Daybreak aims to set itself apart by presenting a largely self-consistent aesthetic style based on Bungie's Halo games. This means visuals are curated to an extent to maintain that consistency.

Self-created images are encouraged, but not mandated. Images created with generation tools like ArtBreeder are also preferable to direct asset reuse. Ideally, all art used in Daybreak would be either original or from the sources listed on the Canon Policy page. In practice, however, this may be difficult in many cases and using externally sourced images may be deemed necessary. As a general guideline, images from other franchises should be avoided, at least if those images are easily recognizable. Asset reuse is a tricky area; most of what can be said is apply it at your discretion. Maybe it isn't a good idea to use very recognizable designs like Imperial Star Destroyers or Doomguy, but, say, obscure concept art for a game or movie whose visual style can pass as Halo may be acceptable.

If you're planning to use fan art and screenshots, concepts or models from other fan projects (e.g. games/mods like Sins of the Prophets), always ask the original creator's and/or owner's permission first and make sure they're okay with their work being used outside its original context. Otherwise, Daybreak risks becoming known as an art-stealing project above all else.

Primary
Pictures from Daybreak-canon Halo media (e.g. screenshots, concept art, illustrations), or original artwork unique to Daybreak. Visual depictions from Halo media deemed "apocryphal" in Daybreak, as outlined in the Canon Policy, should be judged on a case-by-case basis, though they are not "canon" by default. Illustrations from outside the project may be promoted to this tier as long as they are deemed to match the project's visual style and design guidelines; one notable example is the fan mod Sins of the Prophets and its starship designs.

Concept art
A tier between Primary and Provisional artwork, concept art is original artwork developed for the Daybreak project that depicts a non-final iteration of the subject. Concept art can be used in articles to convey a rough idea of what the subject might look like, but in practice it's subject to change, and occupies a place similar to provisional illustrations.

Provisional
Illustrative art that is not regarded as canon, but an approximation used to tentatively represent a given subject. Assets reused from other franchises or projects are placed in this category by default, and can only graduate to Primary canon under special circumstances. In principle, the goal would be to eventually replace these with primary-tier artwork.