our-claude-skills/ourdigital-custom-skills/00-ourdigital-visual-storytelling/SKILL.md

---
name: ourdigital-visual-storytelling
version: 1.0.0
description: Creates sophisticated featured image prompts for OurDigital blogs (blog.ourdigital.org, journal.ourdigital.org, ourstory.day) that capture philosophical depth through minimalist visual metaphors. Specializes in translating complex essays about humanity, technology, and culture into contemplative visual narratives using Korean-Western aesthetic fusion. Use when creating blog featured images that require intellectual sophistication and conceptual abstraction.
license: MIT
---

# 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.