: What is the graphic design term for "cartoony?" I need to relate some information to some graphic designers and I want to tell them that I don't want imagery that is "cartoony," or "cartoonish."

@Jessie844

I thought it was easy to answer but it is not. It is an interesting question but it lacks of context. This could be a comment but it is too long for one.

"imagery" What kind of images? Do you want a vector portrait? www.google.com.mx/search?q=vector+portrait It is almost impossible to have a vector portrait without a level of "cartoony"... that is why is an ilustration and not a photo.

Do you need some kind of infographic person? www.google.com.mx/search?q=infographic+person the same. The trend is to have very childish look.

Talking of childish... the 9th simphony of Beethoven and the cubist Picassos were considered childish.

The deformation of the faces, caricature, www.google.com.mx/search?q=caricature could be asociated. And this can be vector based or just deformed photos.

Cosplay have an element of cartoonish too: www.google.com.mx/search?q=cosplay
Probably you need to post an example of what you mean.

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@Turnbaugh909

I don't see anything wrong with using "cartoony". It's clear, effective, and to the point. If someone approached me for an image and said "I don't want anything too 'cartoony'." I'd have no problem with that and would immediately know what they meant.

It may also be a good idea to provide examples of styles, such as -- "I'd like something along the style of Archer rather than South Park or The Simpsons. Or something closer in style to Black Dynamite as opposed to Rick and Morty or Bob's Burgers."

Now, if you are trying to convey to someone that what they've already created falls into a too "cartoony" category, and you are trying to not be offensive, you might use different phrasing, such as.... "This is a bit too playful." Or "I'd prefer something more realistic without feeling like an animated character." Or "I'd like to go in a more life drawing direction rather than comic or animation."

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@Megan533

If you can pin-point what exactly it is about "cartoony" that you are trying to avoid, then you might be able to come up with a more clear goal for your designer (though, I think most designers would know what you mean by "cartoony" and wouldn't find it an offensive term).

Some examples (but this will be up to you to ultimately determine) could be that you are trying to avoid things looking:


Too childish
Casual
Funny


Or, maybe you are looking for illustrations that are:


Sophisticated
Refined
Professional

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