# OurDigital Visual Storytelling

Transform philosophical essays into sophisticated visual narratives through minimalist, conceptually rich featured images.

## Core Philosophy

OurDigital images are visual philosophy—not illustrations but parallel texts that invite contemplation. Each image captures the essay's philosophical core through:

- **Abstract metaphors** over literal representations
- **Contemplative minimalism** with 20%+ negative space  
- **Cultural fusion** of Korean-Western aesthetics
- **Emotional resonance** through color psychology

## Workflow

### 1. Extract Essay Essence
```python
# Analyze the blog post for:
core_insight = "What philosophical truth?"
emotional_tone = "What feeling to evoke?"
key_metaphor = "What visual symbol?"
```

### 2. Select Visual Approach

| Essay Type | Visual Strategy | Color Mood |
|-----------|-----------------|------------|
| Technology | Organic-digital hybrids | Cool blues → warm accents |
| Social | Network patterns, human fragments | Desaturated → hope spots |
| Philosophy | Zen space, symbolic objects | Monochrome + single accent |
| Cultural | Layered traditions, fusion forms | Earth tones → modern hues |

### 3. Generate Prompt

Use template in `scripts/generate_prompt.py`:
```bash
python scripts/generate_prompt.py \
  --topic "AI identity crisis" \
  --mood "contemplative anxiety" \
  --metaphor "mirror fragments"
```

### 4. Apply Quality Filters

✅ **Must have:**
- Captures philosophical insight
- Works at 200px thumbnail
- Timeless (2-3 year relevance)
- Cross-cultural readability

❌ **Must avoid:**
- Tech clichés (circuits, binary)
- Stock photo aesthetics
- Literal interpretations
- Trendy effects

## Quick Templates

### AI & Humanity
```
"Translucent human silhouette dissolving into crystalline data structures. 
Monochrome with teal accent. Boundary dissolution between organic/digital. 
1200x630px, minimalist vector style."
```

### Social Commentary
```
"Overlapping circles forming maze pattern, tiny humans in separate chambers.
Blue-gray palette, warm light leaks for hope. Subtle Korean patterns.
High negative space. 1200x630px."
```

### Digital Transformation
```
"Traditional forms metamorphosing into particle streams. Paper texture → digital grain.
Earth tones shifting to cool blues. Sacred geometry underlying.
1200x630px, contemplative mood."
```

## Resources

- `scripts/generate_prompt.py` - Automated prompt builder
- `scripts/mood_calibrator.py` - Adjust emotional parameters
- `references/visual_metaphors.md` - Concept → Visual dictionary
- `references/color_palettes.md` - Emotion → Color mapping
- `assets/style_samples/` - Reference images by category

## Technical Specs

- **Dimensions**: 1200x630px (OG standard)
- **Style**: Vector illustration + subtle textures
- **Colors**: 60-30-10 rule (dominant-secondary-accent)
- **Format**: WebP primary, JPG fallback

## Advanced Techniques

For complex topics, layer metaphors:
```python
primary_metaphor = "roots becoming circuits"
secondary_metaphor = "light through prism"
emotional_journey = "organic → synthetic → harmonized"
```

See `references/advanced_techniques.md` for:
- Metaphor layering strategies
- Cultural symbolism guide
- Composition dynamics
- Texture integration methods

## Style Parameters

Calibrate in `scripts/mood_calibrator.py`:
```python
contemplative_depth = 0.8  # Abstract level
cultural_fusion = 0.6      # East-West balance
technical_precision = 0.7  # Clean vs organic
emotional_weight = 0.5     # Mood intensity
```

## Quick Reference

**Visual Metaphor Shortcuts:**
- Algorithm → Constellation patterns
- Identity → Layered masks, fingerprints
- Network → Root systems, neural paths
- Time → Spirals, sediment layers
- Knowledge → Light sources, growing trees

**Color Psychology:**
- Critical → Deep blue-gray + red accent
- Hopeful → Warm amber + sky blue
- Philosophical → Near black + off white + gold
- Anxious → Charcoal + grey-blue + digital green

Generate sophisticated visual narratives that complement—never compete with—the written word.