Model in two ways constrained by appearances (8)
I believe the answer is:
typecast
'model in two ways constrained by appearances' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with creating things as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'model in two ways constrained by appearances' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'type' (both can mean a variety or kind).
'in two ways constrained by appearances' becomes 'cast' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'type'+'cast'='TYPECAST'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for typecast that I've seen before include "engaged for similar roles" , "make actor repeat himself ..." , "with no variation in roles" , "fitting a standard image" , "Assigned the same kind of role repeatedly" .)