Abstract: Disclosed is a graphical representation (602) formed of at least one template having a plurality of graphical objects arranged in a predetermined number of rendering layers (702, 703, 706, 707) spanning a geometric space. At least one of the layers (702, 703) has user-alterable parameters and incorporates at least one multiply instantiated user-definable graphical object (204) distributed upon the at least one layer according to application of the parameters to a plurality of presentation rules. A method for forming such a graphical representation from a template is also disclosed. The method includes accessing at least one user-manipulable effect definition (129) associated with one of the rendering layers (109). The effect definition has parameter information defining characteristics of the one layer.