A way out of the loop

Article idea: Why AI agents repeat themselves, and how to give them a useful exit.

Cover concept: A red paper train circles an oval track while an unused switch leads toward open space.

Visual metaphor: Repeated motion feels like progress until the system can choose another route.

Suggested style: Paper Cut Editorial (draft v0.1)
The complete style guide is attached below

Adapt this concept to the article. Apply the style guide's visual rules and review the generated result.

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# Paper Cut Editorial

- ID: paper-cut-editorial
- Version: 0.1
- Status: draft — no generation validation yet
- Provenance: original proposed art direction, not an extracted brand guide
- Evidence: [test plan](EXAMPLES.md)

## Visual character

Tactile editorial collage made from simple matte paper shapes. Slightly irregular cut edges and subtle grain soften clear silhouettes. The tone is thoughtful and lightly playful.

## Invariants

- One dominant metaphor, at most two supporting objects.
- Flat paper planes with restrained overlap; shallow contact shadows only.
- Clear silhouettes and sparse detail readable at thumbnail size.
- Visible but quiet paper texture; no glossy or photorealistic objects.

## Palette

Default: warm ivory #F4EBDD background, charcoal #292724 main forms, vermilion #DB4935 focal accent. A muted supporting paper color is optional.

A supplied brand palette can replace these colors while preserving a light ground, dark structural forms, and a single stronger accent. Hex values express intended colors, not a promise of exact generated pixels.

## Composition and format

Place the principal object off-center with generous empty space. Use scale contrast when it supports the concept. Default to wide 16:9. Recompose for square format rather than relying on a crop that cuts the metaphor apart.

If headline space is requested, keep the selected side mostly empty and put the focal object on the opposite side.

## Text

No lettering or logos by default. Reserve space for subsequent typesetting when requested; include exact headline copy separately in the brief.

## Subject adaptation

Replace objects and metaphor to suit the article. Preserve paper material, edge language, limited palette, and sparse composition. Do not reuse a train or boat merely because an example contains one.

## Avoid

Deep 3D perspective, glossy materials, realistic faces, dense scenery, tiny labels, decorative symbols unrelated to the thesis, and multiple competing focal objects.

## Agent procedure

Confirm the concept; select one silhouette-based scene; apply any brand override; specify focal accent and headline space; provide the brief with the draft status. Use actual example assets only when available.

## Prompt skeleton

Create an editorial paper collage illustrating [concept]. Depict [main subject] with [supporting element]. Use matte cut-paper shapes, slightly irregular edges, subtle grain, and restrained overlaps. Apply [palette roles], placing the focal accent on [meaningful detail]. Compose for [format] with [empty-space requirement]. No lettering. Avoid glossy surfaces, deep 3D, and detailed scenery.

## Review

The concept is recognizable; paper texture stays matte; the accent directs attention; the silhouette reads small; requested headline space is clear.