diff --git a/src/pytti/Perceptor/Embedder.py b/src/pytti/Perceptor/Embedder.py
index 3af72cf..b44b91a 100644
--- a/src/pytti/Perceptor/Embedder.py
+++ b/src/pytti/Perceptor/Embedder.py
@@ -10,7 +10,13 @@
 from torch import nn
 from torch.nn import functional as F
 
-import kornia.augmentation as K
+
+# import .cutouts
+# import .cutouts as cutouts
+# import cutouts
+
+from .cutouts import augs as cutouts_augs
+from .cutouts import samplers as cutouts_samplers
 
 PADDING_MODES = {
     "mirror": "reflect",
@@ -43,19 +49,7 @@ def __init__(
         self.cut_sizes = [p.visual.input_resolution for p in perceptors]
         self.cutn = cutn
         self.noise_fac = noise_fac
-        self.augs = nn.Sequential(
-            K.RandomHorizontalFlip(p=0.3),
-            K.RandomAffine(degrees=30, translate=0.1, p=0.8, padding_mode="border"),
-            K.RandomPerspective(
-                0.2,
-                p=0.4,
-            ),
-            K.ColorJitter(hue=0.01, saturation=0.01, p=0.7),
-            K.RandomErasing(
-                scale=(0.1, 0.4), ratio=(0.3, 1 / 0.3), same_on_batch=False, p=0.7
-            ),
-            nn.Identity(),
-        )
+        self.augs = cutouts_augs.pytti_classic()
         self.input_axes = ("n", "s", "y", "x")
         self.output_axes = ("c", "n", "i")
         self.perceptors = perceptors
@@ -64,69 +58,34 @@ def __init__(
         self.border_mode = border_mode
 
     def make_cutouts(
-        self, input: torch.Tensor, side_x, side_y, cut_size, device=DEVICE
+        self,
+        input: torch.Tensor,
+        side_x,
+        side_y,
+        cut_size,
+        ####
+        # padding,
+        # cutn,
+        # cut_pow,
+        # border_mode,
+        # augs,
+        # noise_fac,
+        ####
+        device=DEVICE,
     ) -> Tuple[list, list, list]:
-        min_size = min(side_x, side_y, cut_size)
-        max_size = min(side_x, side_y)
-        paddingx = min(round(side_x * self.padding), side_x)
-        paddingy = min(round(side_y * self.padding), side_y)
-        cutouts = []
-        offsets = []
-        sizes = []
-        for _ in range(self.cutn):
-            # mean is 0.8
-            # varience is 0.3
-            size = int(
-                max_size
-                * (
-                    torch.zeros(
-                        1,
-                    )
-                    .normal_(mean=0.8, std=0.3)
-                    .clip(cut_size / max_size, 1.0)
-                    ** self.cut_pow
-                )
-            )
-            offsetx_max = side_x - size + 1
-            offsety_max = side_y - size + 1
-            if self.border_mode == "clamp":
-                offsetx = torch.clamp(
-                    (torch.rand([]) * (offsetx_max + 2 * paddingx) - paddingx)
-                    .floor()
-                    .int(),
-                    0,
-                    offsetx_max,
-                )
-                offsety = torch.clamp(
-                    (torch.rand([]) * (offsety_max + 2 * paddingy) - paddingy)
-                    .floor()
-                    .int(),
-                    0,
-                    offsety_max,
-                )
-                cutout = input[:, :, offsety : offsety + size, offsetx : offsetx + size]
-            else:
-                px = min(size, paddingx)
-                py = min(size, paddingy)
-                offsetx = (torch.rand([]) * (offsetx_max + 2 * px) - px).floor().int()
-                offsety = (torch.rand([]) * (offsety_max + 2 * py) - py).floor().int()
-                cutout = input[
-                    :,
-                    :,
-                    paddingy + offsety : paddingy + offsety + size,
-                    paddingx + offsetx : paddingx + offsetx + size,
-                ]
-            cutouts.append(F.adaptive_avg_pool2d(cutout, cut_size))
-            offsets.append(
-                torch.as_tensor([[offsetx / side_x, offsety / side_y]]).to(device)
-            )
-            sizes.append(torch.as_tensor([[size / side_x, size / side_y]]).to(device))
-        cutouts = self.augs(torch.cat(cutouts))
-        offsets = torch.cat(offsets)
-        sizes = torch.cat(sizes)
-        if self.noise_fac:
-            facs = cutouts.new_empty([self.cutn, 1, 1, 1]).uniform_(0, self.noise_fac)
-            cutouts.add_(facs * torch.randn_like(cutouts))
+        cutouts, offsets, sizes = cutouts_samplers.pytti_classic(
+            input=input,
+            side_x=side_x,
+            side_y=side_y,
+            cut_size=cut_size,
+            padding=self.padding,
+            cutn=self.cutn,
+            cut_pow=self.cut_pow,
+            border_mode=self.border_mode,
+            augs=self.augs,
+            noise_fac=self.noise_fac,
+            device=DEVICE,
+        )
         return cutouts, offsets, sizes
 
     def forward(
diff --git a/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/__init__.py b/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/augs.py b/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/augs.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32873dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/augs.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+import kornia.augmentation as K
+from torch import nn
+
+
+def pytti_classic():
+    return nn.Sequential(
+        K.RandomHorizontalFlip(p=0.3),
+        K.RandomAffine(degrees=30, translate=0.1, p=0.8, padding_mode="border"),
+        K.RandomPerspective(
+            0.2,
+            p=0.4,
+        ),
+        K.ColorJitter(hue=0.01, saturation=0.01, p=0.7),
+        K.RandomErasing(
+            scale=(0.1, 0.4), ratio=(0.3, 1 / 0.3), same_on_batch=False, p=0.7
+        ),
+        nn.Identity(),
+    )
diff --git a/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/samplers.py b/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/samplers.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..086680d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pytti/Perceptor/cutouts/samplers.py
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+"""
+Methods for obtaining cutouts, agnostic to augmentations.
+
+Cutout choices have a significant impact on the performance of the perceptors and the
+overall look of the image.
+
+The objects defined here probably are only being used in pytti.Perceptor.cutouts.Embedder.HDMultiClipEmbedder, but they
+should be sufficiently general for use in notebooks without pyttitools otherwise in use.
+"""
+
+import torch
+from typing import Tuple
+from torch.nn import functional as F
+
+PADDING_MODES = {
+    "mirror": "reflect",
+    "smear": "replicate",
+    "wrap": "circular",
+    "black": "constant",
+}
+
+# (
+# cut_size = 64
+# cut_pow = 0.5
+# noise_fac = 0.0
+# cutn = 8
+# border_mode = "clamp"
+# augs = None
+# return Cutout(
+#     cut_size=cut_size,
+#     cut_pow=cut_pow,
+#     noise_fac=noise_fac,
+#     cutn=cutn,
+#     border_mode=border_mode,
+#     augs=augs,
+# )
+
+
+def pytti_classic(
+    # self,
+    input: torch.Tensor,
+    side_x,
+    side_y,
+    cut_size,
+    padding,
+    cutn,
+    cut_pow,
+    border_mode,
+    augs,
+    noise_fac,
+    device,
+) -> Tuple[list, list, list]:
+    """
+    This is the cutout method that was already in use in the original pytti.
+    """
+    min_size = min(side_x, side_y, cut_size)
+    max_size = min(side_x, side_y)
+    paddingx = min(round(side_x * padding), side_x)
+    paddingy = min(round(side_y * padding), side_y)
+    cutouts = []
+    offsets = []
+    sizes = []
+    for _ in range(cutn):
+        # mean is 0.8
+        # varience is 0.3
+        size = int(
+            max_size
+            * (
+                torch.zeros(
+                    1,
+                )
+                .normal_(mean=0.8, std=0.3)
+                .clip(cut_size / max_size, 1.0)
+                ** cut_pow
+            )
+        )
+        offsetx_max = side_x - size + 1
+        offsety_max = side_y - size + 1
+        if border_mode == "clamp":
+            offsetx = torch.clamp(
+                (torch.rand([]) * (offsetx_max + 2 * paddingx) - paddingx)
+                .floor()
+                .int(),
+                0,
+                offsetx_max,
+            )
+            offsety = torch.clamp(
+                (torch.rand([]) * (offsety_max + 2 * paddingy) - paddingy)
+                .floor()
+                .int(),
+                0,
+                offsety_max,
+            )
+            cutout = input[:, :, offsety : offsety + size, offsetx : offsetx + size]
+        else:
+            px = min(size, paddingx)
+            py = min(size, paddingy)
+            offsetx = (torch.rand([]) * (offsetx_max + 2 * px) - px).floor().int()
+            offsety = (torch.rand([]) * (offsety_max + 2 * py) - py).floor().int()
+            cutout = input[
+                :,
+                :,
+                paddingy + offsety : paddingy + offsety + size,
+                paddingx + offsetx : paddingx + offsetx + size,
+            ]
+        cutouts.append(F.adaptive_avg_pool2d(cutout, cut_size))
+        offsets.append(
+            torch.as_tensor([[offsetx / side_x, offsety / side_y]]).to(device)
+        )
+        sizes.append(torch.as_tensor([[size / side_x, size / side_y]]).to(device))
+    cutouts = augs(torch.cat(cutouts))
+    offsets = torch.cat(offsets)
+    sizes = torch.cat(sizes)
+    if noise_fac:
+        facs = cutouts.new_empty([cutn, 1, 1, 1]).uniform_(0, noise_fac)
+        cutouts.add_(facs * torch.randn_like(cutouts))
+    return cutouts, offsets, sizes
diff --git a/src/pytti/image_models/differentiable_image.py b/src/pytti/image_models/differentiable_image.py
index 79ea590..c1e35b9 100644
--- a/src/pytti/image_models/differentiable_image.py
+++ b/src/pytti/image_models/differentiable_image.py
@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
 from PIL import Image
 from pytti.tensor_tools import named_rearrange
 
+# for typing
+import torch
+from pytti.LossAug.BaseLossClass import Loss
+
 SUPPORTED_MODES = ["L", "RGB", "I", "F"]
 
 
@@ -25,13 +29,13 @@ def __init__(self, width: int, height: int, pixel_format: str = "RGB"):
         self.lr = 0.02
         self.latent_strength = 0
 
-    def decode_training_tensor(self):
+    def decode_training_tensor(self) -> torch.Tensor:
         """
         returns a decoded tensor of this image for training
         """
         return self.decode_tensor()
 
-    def get_image_tensor(self):
+    def get_image_tensor(self) -> torch.Tensor:
         """
         optional method: returns an [n x w_i x h_i] tensor representing the local image data
         those data will be used for animation if afforded
@@ -41,26 +45,26 @@ def get_image_tensor(self):
     def clone(self):
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def get_latent_tensor(self, detach=False):
+    def get_latent_tensor(self, detach=False) -> torch.Tensor:
         if detach:
             return self.get_image_tensor().detach()
         else:
             return self.get_image_tensor()
 
-    def set_image_tensor(self, tensor):
+    def set_image_tensor(self, tensor: torch.Tensor):
         """
         optional method: accepts an [n x w_i x h_i] tensor representing the local image data
         those data will be by the animation system
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def decode_tensor(self):
+    def decode_tensor(self) -> torch.Tensor:
         """
         returns a decoded tensor of this image
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def encode_image(self, pil_image):
+    def encode_image(self, pil_image: Image):
         """
         overwrites this image with the input image
         pil_image: (Image) input image
@@ -79,7 +83,7 @@ def update(self):
         """
         pass
 
-    def make_latent(self, pil_image):
+    def make_latent(self, pil_image: Image) -> torch.Tensor:
         try:
             dummy = self.clone()
         except NotImplementedError:
@@ -88,7 +92,7 @@ def make_latent(self, pil_image):
         return dummy.get_latent_tensor(detach=True)
 
     @classmethod
-    def get_preferred_loss(cls):
+    def get_preferred_loss(cls) -> Loss:
         from pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass import HSVLoss
 
         return HSVLoss
@@ -96,7 +100,7 @@ def get_preferred_loss(cls):
     def image_loss(self):
         return []
 
-    def decode_image(self):
+    def decode_image(self) -> Image:
         """
         render a PIL Image version of this image
         """
@@ -112,7 +116,7 @@ def decode_image(self):
         )
         return Image.fromarray(array)
 
-    def forward(self):
+    def forward(self) -> torch.Tensor:
         """
         returns a decoded tensor of this image
         """
diff --git a/tests/test_image_models.py b/tests/test_image_models.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4d779ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_image_models.py
@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+import pytest
+from loguru import logger
+import torch
+
+import pytti.image_models
+from pytti.image_models.differentiable_image import DifferentiableImage
+from pytti.image_models.ema import EMAImage
+from pytti.image_models.pixel import PixelImage
+from pytti.image_models.rgb_image import RGBImage
+from pytti.image_models.vqgan import VQGANImage
+
+
+## simple models ##
+
+
+def test_differentiabble_image_model():
+    """
+    Test that the DifferentiableImage can be instantiated
+    """
+    logger.debug(
+        DifferentiableImage.get_preferred_loss()
+    )  # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    image = DifferentiableImage(
+        width=10,
+        height=10,
+    )
+    logger.debug(image.output_axes)  # x y s
+    logger.debug(image.lr)  # 0.02
+    # logger.debug(image.get_preferred_loss()) # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    assert image
+
+
+def test_rgb_image_model():
+    """
+    Test that the RGBImage can be instantiated
+    """
+    logger.debug(RGBImage.get_preferred_loss())  # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    image = RGBImage(
+        width=10,
+        height=10,
+    )
+    logger.debug(image.output_axes)  # n x y s ... when does n != 1?
+    logger.debug(image.lr)  # 0.02
+    # logger.debug(image.get_preferred_loss()) # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    assert image
+
+
+## more complex models ##
+
+
+def test_ema_image():
+    """
+    Test that the EMAImage can be instantiated
+    """
+    logger.debug(EMAImage.get_preferred_loss())  # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    image = EMAImage(
+        width=10,
+        height=10,
+        tensor=torch.zeros(10, 10),
+        decay=0.5,
+    )
+    logger.debug(image.output_axes)  # x y s
+    logger.debug(image.lr)  # 0.02
+    # logger.debug(image.get_preferred_loss()) # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    assert image
+
+
+def test_pixel_image():
+    """
+    Test that the PixelImage can be instantiated
+    """
+    logger.debug(PixelImage.get_preferred_loss())  # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    image = PixelImage(
+        width=10,
+        height=10,
+        scale=1,
+        pallet_size=1,
+        n_pallets=1,
+    )
+    logger.debug(image.output_axes)  # n s y x ... uh ok, sure.
+    logger.debug(image.lr)  # 0.02
+    # logger.debug(image.get_preferred_loss()) # pytti.LossAug.HSVLossClass.HSVLoss
+    assert image
+
+
+# def test_vqgan_image_valid():
+#     """
+#     Test that the VQGANImage can be instantiated
+#     """
+#     image = VQGANImage(
+#         width=10,
+#         height=10,
+#         model=SOME_VQGAN_MODEL,
+#     )
+#     logger.debug(image.output_axes)
+#    logger.debug(image.lr) ### self.lr = 0.15 if VQGAN_IS_GUMBEL else 0.1
+#     assert image
+
+
+def test_vqgan_image_invalid_string():
+    """
+    Test that the VQGANImage can be instantiated
+    """
+    logger.debug(
+        VQGANImage.get_preferred_loss()
+    )  # pytti.LossAug.LatentLossClass.LatentLoss
+    with pytest.raises(AttributeError):
+        image = VQGANImage(
+            width=10,
+            height=10,
+            model="this isn't actually a valid value for this field",
+        )
+        logger.debug(image.output_axes)