ligne-claire

清线画风 - Uniform lines, flat colors, European comic tradition

Overview

Classic European comic style originating from Hergé's Tintin. Characterized by clean, uniform outlines and flat color fills without gradients. Creates a timeless, accessible aesthetic suitable for educational and narrative content.

Line Work

Uniform, clean outlines with consistent weight (2px)
No hatching or cross-hatching for shading
Sharp, precise edges on all elements
Black ink outlines on all figures and objects
Shadows indicated through flat color areas, not line techniques

Character Design

Slightly stylized/cartoonish characters with realistic proportions
Distinctive, recognizable facial features
Expressive faces with clear emotions
Period-appropriate clothing with attention to detail
Consistent character appearance across panels
6-7 head height proportions

Background Treatment

Detailed, realistic backgrounds with architectural accuracy
Period-specific props and technology
Clear spatial depth and perspective
Environmental storytelling through details
Contrast between simplified characters and detailed backgrounds

Color Approach

Flat colors without gradients (true to Ligne Claire tradition)
Limited palette per page for cohesion
Colors support narrative mood
Consistent lighting logic within scenes

Default Color Palette

Role	Color	Hex
Primary Blue	Clean blue	#3182CE
Primary Red	Classic red	#E53E3E
Primary Yellow	Warm yellow	#ECC94B
Skin	Warm tan	#F7CFAE
Background Light	Light cream	#FFFAF0
Background Sky	Sky blue	#BEE3F8

Quality Markers

✓ Clean, uniform line weight throughout
✓ Flat colors without gradients
✓ Detailed backgrounds, stylized characters
✓ Clear panel borders and reading flow
✓ Hand-drawn text style
✓ Proper perspective in environments

Compatibility

Tone	Fit	Notes
neutral	✓✓	Classic combination
warm	✓✓	Nostalgic stories
dramatic	✓	Works with high contrast
vintage	✓	Period pieces
romantic	✗	Style mismatch
energetic	✓	Lighter stories
action	✗	Lacks dynamic lines

Best For

Educational content, balanced narratives, biography comics, historical stories