Developing visual for the OLIVEYOUNG Set & VMD with generative AI
생성형 AI를 활용한 올리브영 세트&VMD 비주얼 소스 개발
AMOREPACIFICDec 25, 2023
Background
Due to the fast-paced nature of OLIVE YOUNG set and promotional display design projects, which often need to be completed within 2–3 weeks, there is rarely enough time or budget to develop new image assets.
As a result, key visuals originally created at the time of product launch have been reused and re-edited for years.
To address this creative limitation, we proposed leveraging generative AI to develop exclusive visuals for Hanul and Primera, tailored specifically for OLIVE YOUNG promotions.
Process
For Hanul’s signature OLIVE YOUNG products — the Red Rice Elasticity Essence Skin and Young Mugwort Moisturizing Soothing Cream — we aimed to build visuals around the theme of “visualizing fermentation science.”
When initially entering prompts such as “rice” and “mugwort” into Midjourney, the outputs failed to capture the refined grain textures and subtle, delicate essence that define Hanul’s brand identity.
To overcome this, we blended refined ingredient cuts with styling reference images to further develop the visual direction. Even so, the rice grain details remained insufficiently articulated.
Therefore, we transitioned to Adobe Firefly, where we uploaded curated reference images and crafted more detailed prompts, resulting in visuals that better conveyed Hanul’s clean, calm, and natural aesthetic.
The moment when ingredients meet science and begin to ferment /
Expressing efficacy through the silhouette of natural ingredients /
Light-infused objects inspired by the essence of the ingredients
Process
At the initial stage, we relied solely on Midjourney to generate images. However, we soon discovered that achieving precise control was challenging with this approach.
By first using Midjourney to establish the overall visual framework and then training Adobe Firefly with those images, we were able to achieve greater precision and more sophisticated final results.
The workflow followed this sequence:
1) ChatGPT — to develop and refine the creative prompt,
2) Midjourney — to create the base visual concept and composition,
3) Adobe Firefly — to generate detailed variations and expand backgrounds.
To maintain a consistent tone between visuals for the two products, we incorporated a set of fixed stylistic commands in each prompt — for example: “abstract art, photo-like realism, full screen, extreme close-up.”
For more specific direction, we added descriptive details such as: “the moment oil and powder mix,” “half the screen filled with oil, the other half with powder,” “bubbles floating within flowing oil,” — layering the scene much like painting on canvas to refine the desired atmosphere and complete the final output.
Default Style
“Abstract art, photo-like realism, full screen, extreme close-up”
Description
“The moment when [ingredient A] and [ingredient B] mix — half the screen shows A,
the other half B, with air bubbles floating through flowing oil…”
AS-IS
The current key visual illustrates the concept of the oil cleanser transforming into foam upon contact with water. The composition is vertically divided into two equal halves, resulting in a somewhat simple and explanatory design.
TO-BE (Final Result)
For the Primera Oil-to-Foam Cleanser, we reinterpreted the product’s transformation process with a more artistic and immersive approach.
The first visual captures the moment when oil meets rich white foam, expressed in an abstract art style.
A photo-realistic quality was specified in the prompt, and the image format was set to a tight crop for an intimate, tactile impression.
The second visual reflects the brand slogan, “Skin Barrier by Seed Tech,” portraying scientifically cultivated oil-like liquid as if viewed through a microscope — symbolizing advanced skin science.
Lastly, we created a third visual that beautifully expresses the aesthetic and sensorial properties of oil as a formulation, emphasizing texture and light interaction.
Together, these three visuals convey both the transformation of the formula and Primera’s scientific artistry, elevating the product beyond a functional narrative into an emotionally engaging visual story.
2.VITA TINOL SERUM
AS-IS
The existing key visual, created in September 2022, has been repeatedly reprocessed by simply changing the background color and reused across set designs and VMD applications.
The concept depicts the moment when the first component—vitamin granules—burst out upon pressing the pump and blend with the second component, the serum, visualized through an explosive burst of energy.
However, the representation of the vitamin powder appeared somewhat complex and visually cluttered, making the overall concept feel overly intense.
TO-BE (Final Result)
The moment when the vitamin powder granules dissolve into the serum was reinterpreted with an exaggerated yet abstract artistic approach, resulting in a softer, more feminine aesthetic compared to the original.
Using generative AI, we produced multiple visual interpretations that go beyond what can be captured through real-world photography — such as: Abstract depictions of the formula melting and merging.
Explosive bursts of vitamin energy harmonized with the metallic texture of the container. Dynamic visuals of granules bouncing, accumulating, and bursting with vitality.
These AI-generated visuals deliver a refined yet energetic sensibility, enhancing the product’s scientific and emotional narrative.
Application Example for Olive Young Set
Process
We developed a series of visuals designed to make Primera’s signature product, the Vitattinol Serum, stand out prominently within Olive Young’s offline retail spaces.
Given the complex, high-traffic layout of Olive Young stores, the key objective was to create strong, dynamic visuals featuring bursting and flowing textures that could capture immediate attention.
Since Olive Young often employs bold advertising messages such as “The serum that makes you look 10 months younger in 4 weeks” and “The explosive synergy of Vitamin C and Retinol,” we focused on delivering explosive, energetic imagery that visually matches the tone of the channel.
We used Midjourney to generate the base visuals, continuously blending yellow particles to express the desired fluid motion of the formula.
Then, through Adobe Firefly, we made partial refinements and introduced new variations using prompt adjustments to achieve a more polished, brand-aligned result.
prompt : golden yellow liquid splash on black background and yellow ball in the air, in the style of organic forms blending with geometric shapes, yellow and white,
rendered in unreal engine, vibrant murals, rendered in cinema4d, realistic color palette, photo-realistic techniques —ar 128:73
prompt : golden yellow liquid splash on black background and yellow ball in the air, in the style of organic forms blending with geometric shapes, yellow and white,
rendered in unreal engine, vibrant murals, rendered in cinema4d, realistic color palette, photo-realistic techniques —ar 128:73
Type A
Type A focuses on the organic flow created by the blending of yellow vitamin granules and white retinol serum.
The visual direction emphasizes purity and energy, using a combination of white and the brand’s Seed Yellow as the dominant palette.
While a variety of visuals can be used in set promotions to highlight the product’s appeal, in-store displays require a single, powerful key visual to draw customers’ attention.
Therefore, we selected the most dynamic and fluid visual expression as the final key visual.
Type A
Type A focuses on the organic flow created by the blending of yellow vitamin granules and white retinol serum.
The visual direction emphasizes purity and energy, using a combination of white and the brand’s Seed Yellow as the dominant palette.
While a variety of visuals can be used in set promotions to highlight the product’s appeal, in-store displays require a single, powerful key visual to draw customers’ attention.
Therefore, we selected the most dynamic and fluid visual expression as the final key visual.
Type B
Type B presents a more refined and metallic interpretation by blending Seed Yellow with silver tones.
This design visualizes the moment vitamin granules merge with retinol liquid, expressed through a metallic, silvery texture to reinforce the brand’s sophisticated and scientific tone & manner.
Type B
Type B presents a more refined and metallic interpretation by blending Seed Yellow with silver tones.
This design visualizes the moment vitamin granules merge with retinol liquid, expressed through a metallic, silvery texture to reinforce the brand’s sophisticated and scientific tone & manner.
