Blending: Comparable & Contrasting Aesthetics

Blending aesthetics is the process of taking aspects from two or more aesthetics in order to create a unique and personal aesthetic that aligns with one's own taste. There is a wide, unspecified number of aesthetics and ways that one can do this, as there are millions of elements that one can choose from. No right or wrong ways exist, so this entry only serves as a way to describe multiple examples of how one can do this. Whether or not an aesthetic blend looks good is to the creator's interpretation. However, basic rules such as Colour Theory, a well-defined Philosophy, and consistent Visuals still apply.
The process of blending aesthetics can include combining aesthetics that are very similar in their descriptions, or very different, sometimes opposite philosophies and imagery. Blending aesthetics does not apply to aesthetics that are variations of each other (i.e. dark academia with light academia), as they already share the majority of its visuals and would not need to be blended. 
Please do not create entries of your own aesthetic blend without mod permission. This is because different interpretations can create millions of "unique" aesthetics that actually have little variation from pre-established aesthetics. Quality is also smaller compared to aesthetics that came from a tight-knit community, rather than a single person.
== Fulfilling missing categories in aesthetics ==
In multiple aesthetics, there are categories that are unfulfilled, such as fashion and music. Some aesthetics pertain to only one aspect of life, which necessitates finding another aesthetic to fill in the gaps. For example, Lolita only relates to fashion, with no non-fashion imagery that is inherently Lolita. So, a Lolita would need to find another aesthetic for things such as home decor and playlists. Fortunately, this wiki categorizes aesthetics based on what components they fulfill, so it would be easy to see which aesthetics fulfill which category. 
== Combining Comparable Aesthetics ==
=== Color Palette ===
In order to blend the two aesthetics into one harmonious moodboard, there must be a basic understanding of Colour Theory. The two aesthetics should not clash, and should be complimentary to each other or have the same color palette. 
=== Finding Consistent Motifs and Visuals ===
If you wish to blend aesthetics, it's generally easier when they are similar in visuals or motifs. For example, blending the aesthetics Kawaii and Punk will be much more difficult than blending Dark Academia with Goth. In the first example, Kawaii's sweet and soft visuals are extremely different from Punk's dark and monochrome visuals. In the second case, both Dark Academia and Goth share a dark theme and palette, thus making it easier to blend. However, this isn't to say it's impossible to mix contrasting aesthetics, its just more difficult. A good way to find these similar visuals is by making a list, listing traits, motifs and visuals of Aesthetic A and doing the same with Aesthetic B. Once you make the list, all you need to do is see find similarities and work from there. 
== Combining Contrasting Aesthetics ==
=== Color Palette ===
See Colour Theory for a more thorough explanation. To make an aesthetic more harmonious, the two different aesthetics should either share a color palette or contain colors that contrast each other pleasantly. Monochrome aesthetics make this especially easy, with the two being able to form a pleasing duality (see Dual Kawaii as an example). Design elements and color palettes and colors tend to be independent of each other, which allows you to mix and match which elements go together. 
=== Choosing Visuals ===
Using colors and materials associated with one aesthetic in a contrasting design will express two elements simultaneously. As an example, someone can have a Pastel aesthetic while also admiring the Minimal style of furniture design. As Minimal tends to use black and white, using pastels will be unique and does not interfere with the qualities that attract a person to the simplistic designs. Knowing what attracts you to both of the aesthetics is essential in knowing what elements to sacrifice and which to incorporate.
Using equal amounts of two different design elements in one aesthetic is a good way to achieve cohesion even without 
Taking elements of one aesthetic and applying it to the location of another is one of the easiest ways to combine two incongruous aesthetics. In this method, the visuals tend to center around home decor, landscape, and fashion. This is especially common for people who live somewhere that has location-based aesthetic while also longing for another way of life or even another type of living space. Here are the ways to incorporate with this method:
# Appreciating elements of Aesthetic B in the location of aesthetic A. This may not apply to all aesthetics, and will do better in areas with lots of varied activities or things to do. For example, going to a boba shop despite living in a Texan suburb. This is especially true if you dress in a particular way while visiting that different location. Being able to see the elements of Aesthetic A from outside the area is also a bonus and shows how the two can coexist within the same space. 
# Decorating your living space to both serve the function of Aesthetic A while having the visual qualities of Aesthetic B. As different locations have different functions, using different products that both serve your function and fit Aesthetic B are the best way to incorporate it into your everyday life. One example is using neon plastic colanders for picking your homegrown vegetables.
Deciding your own philosophy and desired emotional state will create a complete narrative that leads to more focus in the purpose of combining aesthetics. These aesthetics can have totally opposite connotations, which can reveal the differences between the outer and inner self, motivations and actions, and two extremes of moods. The aesthetic is then a representation of this "character" that has conflicting yet harmonious parts of themselves, with imagery being an expression of their actions and moods. One example is a punk who spray-paints love letters. Despite the imagery being complete opposites, the emotions and philosophy makes sense.
Category:Principle of Aesthetics