Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Visual research & references · Core

Reference image

Also called: visual reference, reference still, ref image

ELI5

An image used to show one intended quality, such as framing, light, casting, texture or colour.

Used in conversation

“The next layout pass needs to make the reference image clearer.”

Definition

An image shown to communicate one aspect of a proposed visual approach, such as framing, light, casting, texture or colour.

Here “Reference image” means: An image shown to communicate one aspect of a proposed visual approach, such as framing, light, casting, texture or colour.

Pitch context

Used in decks, lookbooks and director treatments to make a specific visual intention legible.

Why it matters: It lets a beginner understand what a visual reference is doing instead of treating all imagery as decoration.

Caution

Third-party imagery may be useful for private reference but is not automatically cleared for publication, production or final use.

Connected terms

  • Key artA reference image demonstrates intention using existing material; key art is authored promotional art for the project.
Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.