End to End AI Lifestyle Workflow. Metrovac

As an Art Director, I’m responsible for creating guidelines and processes that improve how the team works and collaborates. A key part of my role is automating time-consuming tasks and workflows, allowing us to focus more energy on projects that truly demand deeper creative and strategic thinking. 

I’m constantly driven to refine and improve processes, not only to keep learning, but also to share that knowledge with others the methods, insights, and experiences that have helped me consistently deliver optimal results.

That’s why I’m sharing my workflow. I hope you find it useful and inspiring. 

Credits: Brand: Metrovac

Product: IT Vacuums and Blowers

Project: Realistic Lifestyle Product Images 

Media Channel: Amazon Listing 

Art Director: Mark Zuniga 

AI Prompt Designer: Mark Zuniga Generative 

AI Tool: Freepik 

Project Completion Date: 202

END TO END AI LIFESTYLE IMAGE. PRODUCTION WORKFLOW

Documentation of the full process: folder structure, reference selection, prompt building, generation, editing/retouching, and final client delivery.

Standardized Project Folder Structure

Standardized organization for storing briefs, working PSDs, resized/output files, and final deliverables making it easy to access each stage of the process.

Final Deliverables (Exported Files)

Export-ready results for delivery: final JPG/PNG/TIFF as requested, correct resolution, final naming convention, and approved versions only. No working files just finished outputs.

Project Intake & Requirements

Store everything received at the start: client brief, specs, required dimensions (e.g., 4000×2093), style references, deliverables list, naming/SKUs, notes, deadlines, and feedback history.

AI Generation & Retouch (Working PSDs)

Your “work-in-progress” PSDs where you fix what the AI didn’t get right: edge cleanup, shadows, deformations, weird textures, artifact removal, color correction, compositing, and any manual refinements. Fully editable files live here.

Format Adaptation (Resized/Output PSDs)

PSDs that are already cleaned up but adjusted to the requested format: reframing, background extension, layout alignment for 16:9 or custom ratios, safe margins, and consistency across the full set. This is the final PSD stage before export.

Reference Image Selection (Starting Point)

Examples of the images we chose to guide the AI from the start and keep product, background, pose, and style consistent.

Product reference preparation

To give the AI a strong product reference, we removed unnecessary elements from the original image. This helps the model focus on the essential product features and work more intelligently instead of copying the photo exactly. In some cases, a direct copy wouldn’t work because certain angles or elements may not fit the final composition.

Background guidance

To support the AI when generating backgrounds, we sometimes provided empty backgrounds with no people. This allowed the AI to build the environment more creatively, while we controlled the context and level of detail through the prompt.

Pose, models, and animals

For posture, human models, and dogs, we also supplied reference images so the AI had a closer visual target. This included specifying the exact dog breed we wanted to appear in the final result.

Prompt: Reference Mapping (Image → Role)

Each reference has a defined role and is cited in the prompt using @image # to control composition, camera angle, lighting, and realistic integration.

FREEPIK generation (Model + Output Format)

Screenshot of the Freepik Image Generator platform showing generated variations, the prompt, the selected model, and the output format/resolution settings for export.

Available Formats by AI Model

Comparison chart showing the supported formats and resolutions for each model to help identify the closest match to the client’s requirements. The selected format is highlighted in green. When using the Nano Banana or Seedream model, it provides the closest output size to the *client-requested delivery dimensions.

Final Results: Selection, Retouch, and Delivery

Shows the selected image (closest to the expected result), the marked areas requiring retouching in an editing program, and the final approved version delivered to the client.

Additional AI-Generated Variations (Lifestyle + Product in the Foreground)

Samples of additional AI-generated images for this project, keeping a lifestyle look with the product in the foreground, in use, and clearly visible.

AI Workflow for Realistic Lifestyle Product Images

Workflow for Realistic Lifestyle Product Images with a Professional Photoshoot Look. 

Freepik AI Step by Step Workflow

By using Freepik AI Image Generator, we eliminate the need for a traditional photoshoot: studio or location rental, set build-out, camera and lighting equipment, styling and props, product logistics, coordinating talent (model/photographer), multiple rounds of shots to refine angles and lighting, and lengthy post-production. This significantly reduces time and costs while maintaining a consistent, professional-quality visual result.

Credits:

Brand: RAW Rolling Papers

Product: Grinder Buddy Mill

Project: Realistic Lifestyle Product Images

Media Channel: Amazon Listing

Art Director: Mark Zuniga

AI Prompt Designer: Mark Zuniga

Generative AI Tool: Freepik

Project Completion Date: 2025

Do you prefer a more visual approach for this project?

Click here to view the project on Behance

 

STEP BY STEP WORKFLOW

1. PHOTOSHOOT

We start with a photoshoot capturing the product from multiple angles, including shots of a person interacting with it. This strengthens the prompt and helps the AI interpret the product more clearly, improving generation accuracy. These references ensure the output matches the exact product, its proportions, and the intended camera angle.

Next, we select the most suitable images those that provide the clearest references to build a consistent, high-quality composition. Below, we share an example to make it easier to understand.

2. DEFINE THE BACKGROUND

Next, we gather visual references across multiple platforms to precisely define the background and overall look of the final result. This helps us avoid overly long prompts describing lighting, contrast, and environmental elements, and instead use references to guide the AI so it stays consistent and doesn’t generate random interpretations.

3. WRITE A PROMPT + REFERENCES

3. FINAL RESULTS

Do you prefer a more visual approach for this project?

Click here to view the project on Behance

AI Turns a Pet Dryer into a Lifestyle Moment

Have you ever seen an image of a product that instantly transports you to a cozy scene and makes you think, “I need this!”? That’s the magic of a lifestyle image. It’s not just a photo it’s a story that makes the product irresistible. But what if your budget is tight and you don’t have a big production crew? 

Let me show you how I tackle daily challenges like turning a simple product photo of a pet dryer into a stunning lifestyle image that looks straight out of a high-end studio, using nothing but creativity, ingenuity, and the power of AI.

Credits:

Brand: Metrovac

Project: Lifestyle image

Art Director: Mark Zuniga

AI Prompt Designer: Kevin Kaicedo

Retoucher: Mark Zuniga

Project Completion Date: 2025

Step 1: BRIEF: Information & Goals

Our journey began with a clear brief. We gathered all the essential details: product images, specs, and its Amazon listing. The pet dryer’s features were:

• Dual 26,370 RPM motor turbines for powerful airflow.
• Wall-mounted for convenience and space-saving.
• Two-speed settings for versatility.
• Safe, gentle drying without heat.
• Built to last—perfect for professional groomers.

The goal was to visualize this product in a real environment a cozy, inviting grooming space where the pet dryer feels essential.

Step 2: Photo References for AI: Research & Direction

Before jumping into creation, we scoured Google for reference images to shape the artistic direction. We looked for:

• The perfect setting: a grooming station with a warm, friendly vibe.
• The right dog breed: one that matched the product’s target audience.
• Mood and composition: how the pet, product, and environment should align.

These references became the visual compass for our AI work.

Step 3: AI: Generated Image Prompts, Remixes, and Refinement

Armed with references, we dove into AI tools using detailed prompts to generate an image 70% true to our vision. Uploading references in Sora within ChatGPT, we played with prompts, tested countless remixes, and finally selected the image that best captured the feeling we wanted.

The AI-generated image wasn’t perfect, but it was the foundation a springboard that saved us hours of work and expensive photoshoot costs.

PROMPT:

Create a hyperrealistic render of a beige-colored labradoodle being blow-dried by a human hand from a wall-mounted vacuum-powered pet dryer in a professional veterinary or grooming setting. The dog is seated calmly on a metal veterinary exam table, which is mounted to a tiled wall. The dog's coat is short-haired, and the airflow should visibly disturb the fur-showing motion through subtle ripples or individual hairs lifting with the stream.

The vacuum unit is mounted securely on the wall, and must closely follow the design of the reference image provided-particularly the shape, surface detail, and structure. A flexible black hose extends from the unit, ending in a narrow, pointy nozzle that is actively aimed at the dog's side or back. The nozzle should appear to be in use, with fine hairs in the air or gentle fur movement for realism.

The dog's expression is relaxed or mildly curious, facing slightly forward with natural posture, as if used to being groomed. The scene should feel like a still frame from a high-end product demonstration, clean and authentic.

Use natural, diffused lighting-soft shadows and realistic metal reflections. Background is minimal: light-colored tiles, stainless steel surfaces, and functional, professional details expected in a real vet or grooming room.

Emphasize anatomical accuracy of the dog, functionality and believability of the vacuum unit, and realistic fur interaction with air.

Style: Hyperrealistic photography-style render

Camera Angle: Medium eye-level shot

Camera Motion: Still or stabilized as if from a product shoot

Lighting: Natural, soft daylight

Color Palette: Neutral and clinical-gray, white, steel, beige Mood: Clean, calm, practical

Step 4: Photoshop Retouch: Bringing It All Together

Next came the real craftsmanship: retouching in Photoshop. We refined the AI image to seamlessly integrate the product using classic and AI-powered tools:

Pen tool, patch tool, and clone stamp to clean up the scene.

Spot healing and layer masks to make sure the product blended naturally.

Generative Expand in Photoshop Beta to fill in missing elements and expand the scene.

Curves, levels, and selective color for a perfect color match.

Even though we started with only a few images of the product (some front-facing and a few others to guide the details), we managed to recreate the pet dryer’s true look—placed in a cozy grooming space, looking as natural as possible.

Step 5: Final Polish: Matching Realism with AI’s Power

The final image was more than just a picture—it was a lifestyle moment. We transformed a basic product photo into a scene that showed how the Dual Motor Pet Dryer fits perfectly in a pet lover’s world. It made the product feel real and essential.

How AI Helped Us And How It Can Help You Too

At the start, we faced a tight budget and no professional photo studio. But AI turned out to be our secret weapon—reducing production time and costs dramatically. Instead of needing a large crew or endless resources, we relied on:

✅ AI-powered prompts to create a visual direction that matched our references.

✅ AI retouching tools to elevate our images to professional levels.

✅ Fewer resources, faster output—and still an image that wowed our audience.

This project proves (and shows you too!) that AI isn’t just a trendy buzzword it’s a powerful, practical tool. It empowers small teams and even solo creatives to produce stunning, studio-level work—without the studio-level budget.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me someone who loves to create, no matter the budget remember: AI can turn your ideas into beautiful, tangible stories. This lifestyle image wasn’t just about the product; it was about using creativity, research, and the power of AI to tell a story that resonates.

Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into AI workflows or explore similar solutions for your next project!

Previous Design & Redesigned Version

Here are some client websites before and after my redesign. On the left, you’ll see the original version, and on the right, the transformed site I created.

Academy for International Education Charter School 

Previous Design (Left) | Redesigned Version (Right)

Revamped Version

Xochimex Cantina Grill.

Previous Design (Left) | Redesigned Version (Right)

Revamped Version

Credits:

Advertising Agency:  GMG Advertising

Project: Website design

CEO: Mike Beovides

Art Director: Mark Zuniga

Web Designer: Mark Zuniga

Photographer: Erick Coego

 Project Completion Date: 2020

Redfishby Chef Adrianne web design

This project involved designing and developing the website for RedFish Miami, including key sections such as About, Menus, The Chef, and Contact Information. Additionally, we worked on the homepage prior to the official launch to generate brand awareness and attract an audience while creating content for both the website and social media channels.

The main goal was to build a strong digital identity that reflected the essence of the restaurant, its culinary offerings, and the story behind its concept. To achieve this, we implemented an attractive visual design and an intuitive navigation system that enhanced the user experience.

During development, we focused on optimizing the content to improve search engine visibility (SEO), ensuring the website was accessible and engaging across both mobile and desktop devices. At the same time, we crafted social media content strategies to create anticipation and connect with potential customers before the official launch.

This project was not just a digital initiative but also a comprehensive branding and communication strategy that helped RedFish Miami establish a strong online presence and attract new diners. 

Credits:

Advertising Agency:  GMG Advertising

Brand: RedFish Restaurant

Project: Website

CEO: Mike Beovides

Art Director: Mark Zuniga

Web Designer: Mark Zuniga

Photographer: Erick Coego

Project Completion Date: 2020

The Project: