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Visual identity

Premium botanical aesthetics, not cliche cannabis culture. Our imagery communicates scientific precision meets natural beauty. Cannabis is shown as a refined, intelligent product — never as counterculture, never as a vice. Every image should answer the question: “Does this look like it belongs in a premium editorial publication?” If the answer is no, it does not belong on the platform.

AI-generated imagery

Blog thumbnails and inline article images are generated using AI, with category-aware prompts that match each article’s tone and topic.
1

Generation

Blog thumbnails are generated via Google Gemini (Imagen 3). Each image is category-aware with tailored visual elements, color palettes, and photography styles that match the article content. The AI blog writing system handles prompt generation automatically.
2

Specifications

All generated images are 1792 x 1024 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) in PNG format. This size is compatible with OpenGraph meta tags and renders cleanly across social media platforms, search results, and the blog listing pages.
3

Upload and storage

Generated images are automatically uploaded to the blog-article-images Supabase storage bucket with 1-year CDN caching. The article frontmatter is updated with the image URL and descriptive alt text without manual intervention.

Category visual styles

Each blog category has a defined visual language that guides AI image generation and any manual photography or illustration work.
CategoryVisual elementsPhotography style
GuidesClean botanical illustrations, step diagramsEditorial, well-lit, organized
ScienceMolecular structures, lab equipment, data visualizationClinical precision, microscopy, studio lighting
StrainsMacro flower photography, trichome crystalsClose-up, trichome detail, natural light
WellnessCalm settings, natural elements, warmthSoft lighting, earth tones, peaceful
CultureHistorical imagery, portraits, eventsDocumentary, storytelling, candid
NewsModern design, typography-forwardBold, clean, current
RecipesIngredients, preparation, finished productFood photography, appetizing
LifestyleReal settings, activities, pairingsLifestyle editorial, natural

Strain images

Strain profile images follow specific guidelines to maintain consistency across the encyclopedia and app.
  • Macro product photography style with trichome detail and flower structure visible
  • Natural lighting preferred over artificial studio setups
  • Accurate color representation — the image should reflect the actual appearance of the strain
  • Clean, uncluttered backgrounds that do not compete with the subject
  • No smoke, no red eyes, no paraphernalia in frame
  • Images are stored in the Supabase storage bucket and served via CDN
When selecting or generating strain images, prioritize shots that reveal the unique physical characteristics of the cultivar — calyx structure, pistil color, trichome density, and leaf-to-bud ratio. These details help users visually distinguish strains.

Do’s and don’ts

DoDon’t
Clean, uncluttered backgroundsBusy, patterned, or neon backgrounds
Natural, warm lightingHarsh, artificial, or psychedelic lighting
Premium, refined qualityStock photo feel or generic imagery
Show cannabis as an intelligent productPerpetuate stoner stereotypes
Macro botanical photographyWide shots of dispensaries or stores
Scientific, editorial framingSmoke clouds, red eyes, party imagery
Consistent brand color paletteColors that clash with the brand
No text baked into imagesText overlays in image files (text is rendered in code)

Image specifications

ContextDimensionsFormatNotes
Blog OG / thumbnail1792 x 1024PNG16:9 aspect ratio, no text in image
Blog inlineVariablePNG / WebPGenerated by AI or sourced editorially
Strain profileVariablePNGServed from Supabase storage
App screenshotsDevice framePNGiOS device frame preferred
Social mediaPlatform-specificPNGAdapt brand colors to platform requirements
Professor HighSee character guidelinesPNG / SVGSee Professor High

A note on cannabis imagery

Cannabis advertising restrictions vary by jurisdiction. Many states prohibit imagery that could appeal to minors, including cartoon characters and candy-like visuals. When creating marketing materials, consider the regulatory landscape.Professor High’s scientific framing (lab coat, flask, research context) is intentionally designed to position as educational rather than promotional. All platform imagery should reinforce this positioning — authoritative knowledge, not recreational marketing.